The cliffs of Montalts offer views of the foothills of Montsant and the valley. Together with the trails, the town’s history and a revived soap-making tradition, La Vilella Alta offers several starting points for planning your trip. When considering the routes, it is helpful to distinguish between them: the Les vinyes de la Mare de Déu walking route starts in the town, while the first stage of the Montsant 360º is listed as 18.7 kilometres long.
Trails and Landscape
Les vinyes de la Mare de DĂ©u runs between La Vilella Alta and Gratallops. It starts at the lower end of Carrer Nou in La Vilella Alta; the walking route is suitable for children and all visitors. This gives you both a specific starting point and a route connecting two towns to consider when planning. If you are travelling with children or choosing a route for your whole group, its stated suitability is a helpful guide.
Another route is the first stage of the Montsant 360Âş. It is 18.7 kilometres long and passes through vineyards and forests. When comparing it with the walking route, it is important to note what each one emphasises: Les vinyes de la Mare de DĂ©u starts in La Vilella Alta and runs between two towns, while the stage has a specified length and described landscapes. Before setting out, check the current Montsant 360Âş route description, as stage details may be revised.
History and Townscape
La Vilella Alta was founded in 1286 by the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei. From the 18th century onwards, winegrowing became predominant. These two details show that the town’s history is not limited to a single chapter: its foundation points to the Middle Ages, while the prominence of winegrowing describes a later development.
The parish church of Santa Llúcia dates from the second half of the 18th century. Its construction therefore falls in the same century in which winegrowing became predominant. A clear chronology runs from the town’s foundation in the 13th century to two developments in the 18th century: winegrowing as the predominant crop and the parish church of Santa Llúcia.
Crafts and Regional Products
Teresa Rocamora has revived a family tradition of soap-making. She uses oil and aromatic and medicinal plants that she gathers around La Vilella Alta. This craft practice brings together a family tradition passed down through generations and ingredients from the area around the town; it offers a different way to experience local culture from the historical milestones or route descriptions. If you are interested in buying directly, check current sales options before your trip.
Olive oils from the Priorat are covered by the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin. This designation places the olive oil in a regional context and adds another product connection to the topics of winegrowing and soap-making.
Discover more destinations: Figuerola Del Camp, Móra D'ebre, Siurana, Cornudella De Montsant, La Galera, El Catllar, Vandellòs, Renau.
For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.
