La Vilella Baixa – Rivers, History and Hiking Trails

La Vilella Baixa lies at the confluence of the Montsant River and the Escaladei stream. Between its riverside setting, historic townscape and marked trails, it offers a diverse picture: hiking trails from La Vilella Baixa lead into the Serra de Montsant.

History and Townscape

The historic townscape includes Carrer que no passa, an old uphill street with an old entrance gateway. The parish church of Sant Joan Baptista dates from the 18th century. The unusual construction method also follows the steep terrain: houses with seven or eight storeys were designed so that their main entrances are on the fourth or fifth floor.

The first fortified enclosure of La Vilella Baixa was probably built by the Moors and repeatedly remodelled after the Reconquista. The same is considered to apply to the castle of La Vilella Baixa, which was probably built by the Moors and repeatedly remodelled after the Reconquista. Another historical reference is the Aiguat de Sta. Tecla flood on 23 September 1874. At that time, the river waters rose above the bridge.

Rivers and Bridges

The Romanesque bridge of La Vilella Baixa has three arches and spans the rivers. It is therefore an integral part of the riverside landscape that shapes the townscape. A good road connects La Vilella Alta and La Vilella Baixa over a distance of about two kilometres.

From Falset, La Vilella Baixa can be reached via the T-710 road through Gratallops. The connection to La Vilella Alta and the approach from Falset describe two different routes, while the bridge itself stands as a historic structure spanning the rivers.

Hiking and Walks

The route from La Vilella Baixa to La Figuera begins next to the Gran Bridge over the Montsant River. For much of its length, it follows the old royal road that traditionally connected the two villages. Yellow markings indicate the course of this route.

Around five marked tourist footpaths enable walks around the municipality. Several hiking trails from La Vilella Baixa also lead to the Montalts dry-stone path. Thus, a named connection to La Figuera, trails towards the Serra de Montsant and the Montalts dry-stone path stand alongside one another as distinct destinations. When hiking, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Festivals and Wine-Making Tradition

The local festival of Santa Quitèria is celebrated on 22 May. The Festa Major takes place during the second Pentecost celebration. The two dates belong to different celebrations in the local annual calendar; current event dates should be checked when planning a visit.

Celler Sabaté is a small family-run winery that has been producing wine traditionally and artisanally since 1910. Mas d'en Serres can be reached from La Vilella Baixa via the marked Pla del Xorrac trail; it is 1 km away. Wine production and the marked trail to this destination add another specific aspect to the historical and landscape-related themes.

Further destinations: Poblet, La Masó, Marçà, Falset, Creixell, Gandesa, L'aldea and El Lligallo Del Gànguil.

To the main travel overview: Tarragona.