Albarca: Starry Skies, Oak Forest and History
Accommodation in Albarca
Albarca at Montsant
Albarca lies at the foot of Montsant, where the mountain’s sunny and shady sides meet the final foothills of the Serra de Prades. The village offers several points of interest to help you plan your trip: an astronomical trail, a distinctive oak in the shady oak forest, and historic and religious sites. If you’re looking for a hotel in Albarca, you can plan your stay around your particular interest in the night sky, the landscape or local history.
Star Trail and Oak Forest
The Albarca astronomical trail leads from Albarca to an astronomical viewpoint near Els Hostalets. It is part of the Montsant network of astronomical viewpoints. At the viewpoint near Collet Roig and Els Hostalets, there is a North Star indicator to help you find your way at night and an interactive planisphere table. The indicator directs your gaze specifically to the North Star; the planisphere table complements it with an interactive guide to the sky. The “Shady Oakwood – Albarca” flora trail starts at the entrance to the village by the boundary cross and returns there. This makes it possible to choose between a route to an astronomical viewpoint and a circular trail that returns to the boundary cross.
A stately oak stands in Albarca’s shady oak forest, in a stand composed almost entirely of Valencian oaks. For nature enthusiasts, the focus here is on the landscape and its trees, while the astronomical viewpoint turns your gaze to the sky.
Historic Routes and Traces
Albarca originated as a Muslim almĂşnia in the area around Siurana Castle. The CamĂ dels Cartoixans has been recorded under this name since the 16th century. According to oral tradition, it was an old pack trail suitable for livestock herds, linking the charterhouse with the Royal Road from Reus to Lleida at Albarca.
The Prada de la Guineu necropolis lies at the foot of the hill on which Albarca stands, on the mountain’s shady slope. It consists of five graves carved into the rock. From the road into the village of Albarca, take a cart track about 100 metres west, then continue on foot to the southwest. Trail conditions may change, so check the route before your visit.
Festivals and Religious Traditions
The Mare de Déu de Montsant hermitage dates back to hermit settlements of the 12th century and belongs to the parish district of Albarca. Albarca’s Festa Major is celebrated on 15 August; the traditional ascent to the hermitage takes place on the last day. The traditional pilgrimage to the Mare de Déu de Montsant takes place on 17 August, the third day of Albarca’s main festival, and includes a mass, the singing of traditional “Goigs” and a shared meal.
Albarca also has a local Sant Jordi tradition dating from before the 18th century. In a votive celebration, people asked the saint for protection from viper and scorpion bites.
Discover more destinations: L'Argentera, Colldejou, Benissanet, Aiguamúrcia, El Vendrell, Capçanes, Salomó, Paüls.
For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.
