Avinyonet Del Penedès can be explored through a variety of themes: medieval architecture, the history of wine-growing and a landscape shaped by vineyards. When planning your visit, it helps to choose a focus. Les Gunyoles offers a historic village setting, Font de la Canya delves into wine archaeology, and signposted trails offer another way to explore the municipality.

Medieval village setting and Roman heritage

The old town of Les Gunyoles forms a typically medieval urban ensemble. The houses are predominantly two storeys high and built of irregular stone masonry; some are partly plastered. Their layout follows the shape of the terrain. The historic character is therefore evident not only in individual buildings, but also in how the ensemble adapts to the landscape.

The Roman Tower of Les Gunyoles offers a distinct glimpse into the past. It is recognised as a Bien de Interés Nacional of Catalan cultural heritage and is listed in Spain’s register of Bienes de Interés Cultural. It is generally considered to be a Roman tower-shaped funerary monument. Its classification as a funerary monument is therefore a widely held interpretation, not merely a description of its form. Visitors interested in ancient structures will find here a different historical perspective from that of the medieval old town.

The history of wine-growing at Font de la Canya

At the interpretation centre at the Font de la Canya archaeological site, the permanent exhibition DO Vinífera explores the origins of wine-growing in the Penedès. Its presentation includes audiovisual, educational and interactive elements. The subject matter extends further: the exhibition also covers the history of the trading centre of ancient Cesetània and the archaeological study of grapevines and wine. Archaeobotanical research at the Font de la Canya settlement identifies it as the cradle of wine-growing in the Penedès. A visit thus connects the development of wine-growing with the archaeological research carried out at the site.

Combined visits to the Font de la Canya archaeological site and the DO Vinífera interpretation centre are also available. Guided visits to DO Vinífera are led by the archaeological research team responsible for the excavations. If you are planning one of these visits, check dates and booking options in advance.

Monastic history and landscape

At the monastery and church of Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs, visitors can follow a tour. It explains the historical context and the development of the building, as well as the daily life and organisation of the medieval Benedictine monks who lived there. The focus is therefore on both architecture and monastic life. Check the current visiting arrangements for the tour before travelling.

For views of the landscape, Miravinya El Circell offers a 360-degree panorama. The viewpoint is located above Les Gunyoles in Avinyonet Del Penedès; the view takes in a landscape shaped by vineyards, with olive trees and the well-known Ordal peach orchards. The medieval dovecote of l’Arboçar, standing amid vineyards, offers a different view across the Penedès. Both places bring together a historic structure and a landscape whose agricultural character is clearly visible.

The municipality has signposted mountain-biking and hiking trails that can be linked or combined. This gives you flexibility in choosing a route, without prescribing a particular itinerary or duration. If you would like to spend time outdoors as well as visiting the buildings, you can include the trails as a separate part of your plans.

An object with a story of its own

The Museu del Batre houses a wooden threshing machine. It was made in Germany, bought in Barcelona and transported by rail to Vilafranca in 1932. Each stage brings the machine’s story to life: from its manufacture and purchase to its transport. The object thus adds a concrete example of agricultural technology to the history of wine-growing.

For the wider travel overview: Barcelona.