Pacs Del Penedès is in the central part of Alt Penedès, on the right bank of the Foix River, just over three kilometres west of Vilafranca del Penedès. VINSEUM, the routes and the historic cultural sites are in Vilafranca. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth distinguishing between where you stay and visits to the neighbouring town.
Wine culture and routes in Vilafranca
At VINSEUM, you can learn about wine culture and its surroundings. The museum conveys the character of Penedès, whose economic activity has been based on winegrowing for centuries. General admission includes an audio guide and a wine tasting from the winery featured for a fortnight at a time. Check these admission inclusions before your visit.
The two routes can also be easily distinguished by their stated distances. The Petjades del Vi themed urban route runs from the tourist office to Carrer del Comerç. Seven stops make up a circuit of just over one kilometre. The Camí del Vi also starts at the tourist office and runs for 3.5 kilometres to Torre de les Aigües, with eight stops along the way. The number of stops is similar, but the routes differ considerably in length.
Gothic architecture and city history
The Basilica of Santa Maria is the first parish building in Catalonia to have been built in the Gothic style. Its wide central nave has five bays and a ribbed vault. Five side chapels are separated by particularly massive buttresses. These architectural features give the church a distinctive place alongside the routes that reveal Vilafranca from other perspectives.
The Ruta Modernista highlights the influence of Modernisme as a cultural movement of the late 19th century: its symbols of progress and modernity offer a way to learn about the movement. The Ruta Medieval takes a different approach, leading through historic Vilafranca. Those interested in architecture and history will find two distinct ways to explore: interpreting a cultural movement and walking through the historic town centre.
Palau Baltà is a Gothic manor house dating from the 14th century. It is in Vilafranca and is also known as Palau del Fraret and Can Babau. Francesc Babau had it built; it underwent extensive renovations in 1522. Today, the building is designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
Cemetery and festival calendar
The Municipal Cemetery of Vilafranca del Penedès was established in the 19th century on the site of a former Capuchin monastery. Today it is a member of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE). The cemetery features artistic movements from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as works by architects Santiago Güell, August Font and Antoni Pons.
The Festa Major de Vilafranca del Penedès is held in honour of Sant Fèlix and dates back to the 18th century. It takes place every year on 29, 30 and 31 August and 1 and 2 September. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the programme in advance.
Visitor services and finding accommodation
The Vilafranca tourist office provides information about the town and promotes tourism. It assists groups, offers visits to the Santa Maria bell tower and the cemetery, and lists medieval and Modernista routes, weekend programmes, and the municipal wine and cava route. Programme details may change; check in advance which activities are planned for your visit.
If you are looking for a hotel in Pacs Del Penedès, choose your accommodation location with your plans in mind. The wine, route and cultural attractions featured here are in Vilafranca, just over three kilometres to the east.
Discover more destinations: Sant Mateu De Bages, Sant Quirze De Besora, Sant Pere De Vilamajor, Pallejá, Caldes De Montbui, La Torre De Claramunt, Avinyó, Santa Eugènia De Berga.
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