Discover Botarell: History, Festivals and Nature

Botarell offers a variety of reasons to visit: striking buildings and stones, local festival traditions, and a botanical garden. Those who choose the town as a travel destination can discover its distinctive features from different perspectives—from the landscape and architecture to local customs.

Landscape and Route

Several ravines and streams cross the Botarell area. They normally carry water only after very heavy rainfall. The Riera de les Voltes is considered one of the most significant streams in Botarell.

The Vuelta de Riudecols-Botarell is a route connecting Riudecols and Botarell. It runs from Riudecols over the pass near Mas d'en Casas to Botarell. An older, flatter connecting path is planned for the return journey. The route therefore differs between the path over the pass and the flatter return connection.

Buildings and Local History

The parish church of Sant Llorenç was built between 1617 and 1622 and is in the Renaissance style. Its architectural features include gargoyles and a coat of arms associated with the town.

At the entrance to Botarell, at the foot of the road to Montbrió, stands the Pedrafita. The granite stone is about two metres high, around 55 centimetres wide and 30 centimetres thick. It appears to be a boundary stone, mentioned as early as 1571. According to local tradition, however, it could also be a prehistoric menhir.

Mas del Gerro and Mas de Perdiu also represent different building histories. Mas del Gerro was built in 1915 and has a Modernist character. Mas de Perdiu had already been renovated in 1910 by the Modernist architect Joan Rubió Bellver. The dates therefore refer to different events: the construction of one farmhouse and the renovation of the other. In the town centre, the ruins of the former castle and a round watchtower are also notable features.

The Font Vella de Botarell is considered thousands of years old; its exact origin is unknown. According to local tradition, the village was founded in its vicinity because abundant water of excellent quality was said to be available there.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The Festa Major de Sant Llorenç includes a sardine celebration and Rom cremat. The traditional elements of Botarell's Sant Joan festival include lighting a bonfire and setting off fireworks. Both festivals offer a glimpse of local traditions, but focus on different things: sardines and Rom cremat at one, fire and fireworks at the other.

Another tradition is the Three Kings procession, which passes through every street in the town and stops beneath windows and balconies. On Saint Blaise's Day, the traditional “blaiets” and fruit are blessed. According to popular tradition, the fruit is eaten on 25 March and is said to protect against sore throats.

Botanical Garden

You can take a stroll in Botarell's botanical garden. The garden features several native tree species and a children's play area.

Discover more destinations: Nulles, La Selva Del Camp, Pira, Vilaplana, L'espluga De Francolí, Els Pallaresos, Rasquera, La Fatarella.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Tarragona.