La Vilella Alta: Landscape, Trails and History

Landscape and Nature

La Vilella Alta combines striking rocks, peaks and wide views with a long-established local history. In the village, the rocks of Montalts offer views of the foothills of Montsant and the valley. Nearby is Lo Guixar, a peak with a direct connection to the village. Punta del Llebreta is a peak in the vicinity of La Vilella Alta. Lo Planassot and Sant Pau, which are considered peaks, are also located nearby.

The landscape around La Vilella Alta is not limited to individual viewpoints. The first stage of the Montsant 360º route passes through vineyards and forests, linking these two types of landscape along a 18.7-kilometre route. Viticulture became predominant in La Vilella Alta from the 18th century onwards.

Culture and History

The parish church of Santa Llúcia dates from the second half of the 18th century. La Vilella Alta was founded as early as 1286 by the Escaladei Charterhouse. Both dates are established historical reference points for the village and mark different periods in its development.

A local tradition is associated with Teresa Rocamora. She revived a family tradition of soapmaking. For this soapmaking, Teresa Rocamora uses oil as well as aromatic and medicinal plants that she collects in the area around La Vilella Alta. In this way, craftsmanship, natural raw materials and a locally rooted tradition passed down by name come together directly.

Viticulture and Trails

Olive oil is also part of the region’s character: olive oils from Priorat have the protected designation of origin Siurana. The winegrowing and olive oils point to different agricultural traditions in the area around La Vilella Alta.

Les vinyes de la Mare de Déu is a walking trail between La Vilella Alta and Gratallops that is suitable for children and all visitors. The trail begins at the lower end of Carrer Nou in La Vilella Alta. In addition, the first stage of the Montsant 360º route is an 18.7-kilometre route through vineyards and forests. This means that the area around the village has both a short, named walking trail and a considerably longer route with its own stated distance.

Museums and Summer Festival

Several museums are located in the wider regional area around La Vilella Alta. These include the Museu d'Història de Cambrils- Refugi del carrer Creus, the Associació Cultural Revista de Cambrils and the Museu d'Història de Cambrils- Torre de l'Ermita. The Museu d'Història de Cambrils - Museu Molí de les Tres Eres is also located in this wider regional area.

The Sant Jaume summer festival in La Vilella Alta includes cultural activities. The festival features dancing on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Dancing also takes place on Saturday evening and Sunday evening. The festival therefore spans afternoon and evening events on both of the days mentioned.

Further Destinations

Further destinations: Tortosa, Xerta, Blancafort, Marçà, Valls, Gratallops, Rasquera, Prades

To the overarching travel overview: Tarragona.