Puigpelat: Waterways, Churches and Trails

Puigpelat is situated on a hill in the middle of the plain of the Alt Camp comarca. From Puigpelat, there are excellent views over Camp de Tarragona.

Landscape

At the foot of the church, beside the former Bassa Vella, stands the Pi de Puigpelat; its original tree was blown down by a powerful storm in 1935, and fifty years later a new tree was planted in its memory.

Water

The Camí de l'Àigua follows the route of the 18th-century Mina de l'Arquebisbe from Puigpelat to Tarragona; the pressure-regulating structures visible in Puigpelat belong to this Mina. In 2004, the route was officially designated as the short-distance hiking trail PRC-159.

The Mina de l'Arquebisbe carried water from the Gaià River near Pont d’Armentera to Tarragona. Some sections of the Mina are Roman in origin and form part of one of the aqueducts that supplied Tarraco with water.

Culture

The Portal is one of the two gates in Puigpelat's town wall. It features an arcade and a Gothic design.

In the 12th century, the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Jerusalem built a religious building on estates that encompassed what is now the municipal area of Puigpelat. It was named Santa Maria de l'Hospitalet.

According to the lintel, the church of Santa Maria dates from 1786. Its design is Neoclassical.

The church of Santa Maria contains the gravestone of Commander Fray Bernat Pavia. It is kept in an urn at the altar of the Virgin Mary.

The Escultura Joan Plana is a life-size bronze figure. It honours the local poet Joan Plana.

The Capelleta de la Mare de Déu de l'Hospitalet o de La Llet is oriented towards Montserrat. Majolica tiles in the chapel feature a depiction of the Virgin Mary.

Traditions

The Festa Major d'Estiu (Assumpció de la Mare de Déu) includes an offering of almonds, hazelnuts, grapes and basil. It is presented by the agricultural cooperative.

Since 2000, the Capelleta de la Mare de Déu de l'Hospitalet o de La Llet has been associated with the annual Romeria held on Whit Sunday.

Trails

The Camí dels Retorts is an old narrow path. From the Portal of Puigpelat, it led to Valls and other places in the comarca.

The path follows the curves of the hill, with its former natural defensive structure.

The Rabassats archaeological site is also known as el Bosc. It is located near Puigpelat, on the left-hand side of the road from Puigpelat, one kilometre northwest of the town centre of Nulles.

Between 2013 and 2017, archaeological work was carried out there by the Institut Català d’Arqueologia Clàssica.

Work on a new area began in November 2019. Once completed, it became an open-air interpretation centre dedicated to dry-stone structures, as well as a large walking area for local residents and visitors.

More destinations

Other places include L'aldea, Falset, Pira, La Fatarella, Capafonts, Duesaigües, Els Pallaresos and Albinyana.

To the higher-level travel overview: Tarragona.