Tarragona

There are a large number of Modernista cellars in the districts of Conca de Barberà and Alt Camp, the work of architects such as Cèsar Martinell and Pere Domènech i Roure. This route will take you to three veritable wine cathedrals, all of which are included in the list of 150 places, drawn up by the Catalan Museum of Science and Technology (mNACTEC) and considered to be of supreme importance as part of Catalonia's industrial heritage.
 
THE ESPLUGA DE FRANCOLÍ WINE CELLAR COOPERATIVE AND THE WINE MUSEUM

You could start this route with a visit to the majestic wine cellar corporative in Espluga de Francolí, one of the first examples of Modernista wine cellars in Catalonia. It was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and carried out by his son Pere Domènech i Roure in 1913. The building consists of three isles and has a beautiful decorated facade which has recently been restored, along with the buttresses and the interior columns and arcades. The building is now home to the Wine Museum.

THE BARBERÀ DE LA CONCA WINE CELLAR COOPERATIVE

A 15-minute drive will take you to the Barberà de la Conca wine cellar cooperative which was built between 1920 and 1921 by the architect Cèsar Martinell. All the structural elements such as the pillars and arches were built from bricks, laid in various ways to produce an extremely beautiful overall effect. The design of the wine presses was also very innovative for the time. The cava produced in the cellars can be purchased in the shop.
 
THE ROCAFORT DE QUERALT WINE CELLAR COOPERATIVE

A car journey of just another 15 minutes will take you to the Rocafort de Queralt wine cellar cooperative, designed by Cèsar Martinell in 1918, just a couple of years before the Barbera de la Conca wine cellar corporative. Inside, Martinell employed a construction technique he had learned from Gaudí that involved the use of parabolic arches and thus was able to achieve the perspectives and diaphanous spaces that are a characteristic of his agricultural buildings.

You could take advantage of your visit to savour some of the delights of the local cuisine, such as the Conca de Barberà's renowned coques de recapte (a pastry-based savory dish with roasted peppers and aubergines that might also include other ingredients such as sardines, herrings or sausage), the cured meats and, of course the D.O. wines and cavas.


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During the 14th and 15th centuries Tortosa was a trading centre of the first order, its splendour reflected by its buildings such as the cathedral, the palaces of the nobles and the episcopal palace. By the 16th century Tortosa was one of the cities in Catalonia with the largest population and the most political and economic weight. The Reials Col·legis, the largest Renaissance ensemble in Catalonia, date from that period. A stroll through the city will reveal the splendours of this, the jewel of the Catalan Renaissance, as well as other sights that exemplify the city's history.
 
REIALS COL·LEGIS
 
There are three buildings in this group. The most important one is the Col·legi de Sant Jaume i de Sant Maties, built in 1564, first used for the education of Muslims who had converted to Christianity. The other two buildings in the group are the Col·legi de Sant Jordi i de Sant Domènech and the church of Sant Domènech, which currently houses the Renaissance Interpretation Centre.
 
CATHEDRAL
 
This imposing building near the river Ebro stands witness to the history of Tortosa since the 14th century. Noteworthy are the nave and cloister, with important examples of engraved stones, and the chapel of the Mare de Déu de la Cinta, in Baroque style.
 
THE CASTLE OF LA SUDA
 
Considered to be one of Tortosa's most important historic buildings, along with the cathedral and the Reials Col·legis, the castle of Sant Joan, also known as the Castle of La Suda, is a prime example of the city's Moorish past. Furthermore, it also contains Catalonia's only open-air Islamic necropolis.
 
MUSEUM OF TORTOSA
 
You can discover more about Tortosa's history in one of the city's most remarkable buildings: the former slaughterhouse, a Modernista work by the architect Pau Monguió. The Museum of Tortosa moved into these premises in 2012 with a collection of over 4,000 items.
 
 
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From his birth to his death, from the lands of La Franja de Ponent to Mallorca. The life of James I takes us through many landscapes. We'll guide you through some of them so you too can feel like a king.

 

Montsó

The castle of Montsó was home to James I for three years: the Knights Templar built it when he was a child.

Sant Llorenç de la Muga i Bassegoda

The forts of Sant Llorenç de la Muga i Bassegoda were owned by the king, who purchased them in 1225. After his death, Sant Llorenç passed into the hands of the Rocabertí family.

Barcelona

In the Saló de Cent in Barcelona City Hall, you can find a sculpture of James I, crafted by Manel Fuxà.

Costa Daurada

The old military ports of Tarragona, Salou and Cambrils saw the Catalan squadron that set sail to conquer Mallorca. This was in 1229.

Monestirs del Cister

At the monastery of Vallbona de les Monges you can visit the tombs of the King's family: his wife, Violant d'Hongria, and his daughter Sança. To find the sepulchre of James I himself, you'll need to go to another monastery: the monastery of Poblet.

 

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