L'aleixar: Nature, History and Trails
Accommodation in L'aleixar
When choosing L'aleixar as a destination, different interests may take priority: remarkable trees, religious and literary history, or outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, it helps to compare these interests specifically. Sant Martà and Sant Blai represent different historical connections; the Mir-Manent Route brings together art and literary history with hiking.
Remarkable trees
Two trees stand out in different ways. The Alzina del Mas de Borbó is considered the largest and probably the oldest holm oak in Catalonia. The Pi de les Planes is considered one of the thickest pine trees in Catalonia; its trunk circumference is 4.70 metres. When comparing them, it is important to distinguish the holm oak’s likely great age from the Pi’s specific circumference: the Alzina stands out for its size and age, while the Pi stands out for its thickness and measurable dimensions.
Sant MartĂ Church and Ermita de Sant Blai
Sant MartĂ Church in L'aleixar is documented in a papal bull from 1194. Its Baroque portal bears the date 1725; the church also has a Baroque organ from the 18th century. It is considered one of the few surviving organs in this area. The dates therefore refer to different things: 1194 to the documentation of the church, 1725 to the portal, and the organ to the 18th century.
Polychrome wooden plaques indicate that the Ermita de Sant Blai has medieval origins. It is about a ten-minute walk from L'aleixar and is a destination for day-trippers. The church in the village and the Ermita thus offer two different ways to explore local history.
Mascabrers and local traditions
Mascabrers is a now-abandoned, derelict settlement belonging to L'aleixar. It consists of a single street, a small square and a legendary well. Its literary connection is the poet Ventura Gassol: Mascabrers inspired him to write the play “La cançó del Vell Cabrés” (Barcelona, 1924).
The local festival traditions also have their own distinctive features. The Festa Major de Sant Blai includes the blessing of the fruit. The Festa Major de la SantĂssima Trinitat and Santa FĂmbria includes the blessing of the water. Each blessing is therefore associated with a different named celebration.
The Mir-Manent Route
The Mir-Manent Route leads to 20 places that inspired 32 paintings by Mir, and passes through landscapes described by MariĂ Manent in his diaries. Its section in L'aleixar includes the village and the Ermita de Sant Blai. For travellers interested in both art and literature, the route brings together two different cultural connections with the experience of walking through the landscape.
The route can be reached via the T-11 Reus bypass towards Falset, taking exit 1 and then the T-704 to L'aleixar. Check current signs and road conditions before setting out, as both may change.
Horse riding with La Mussara
The “La Mussara” riding centre offers riding lessons to adults and children aged three and over. It also offers mountain trail rides lasting at least one hour. The centre has direct access to trails, so you don’t need to use a road first. Lessons and trail rides are two different options; the minimum duration of one hour applies to the trail ride. As availability and booking and operating conditions may change, check the latest information in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ulldecona, Belltall, Salou, Montferri, Alcover, El Montmell, Montblanc, Masboquera
For the main travel overview: Tarragona.
