Mont-ral: Rock Formations, Caves and History
Accommodation in Mont-ral
Mont-ral is defined by a wooded, rugged landscape of gorges, sheer rock faces and caves. The natural plateau of Les Motllats covers five square kilometres and lies at an altitude of 1,023 metres. Forests, gorges, rock faces and caves give the landscape its varied forms. For travellers choosing a destination for its natural scenery, this combination is a clear draw.
Caves and climbing areas
The two caves can also be compared by their measurements. Cova de Mont-ral is 22 metres deep, and its passage measures 158 metres. Cova de la Moneda, also known as Cova dels Motllats, lies at an altitude of 990 metres and has a 165-metre-long passage. This passage is seven metres longer than the one in Cova de Mont-ral. Cova de la Moneda is considered the best-known cave in the surrounding area. The figures refer to different things: 22 metres describes the depth of Cova de Mont-ral, while 990 metres refers to the altitude of Cova de la Moneda.
More than 300 climbing routes or variations run along the rock faces in the municipality. Cingle Serè is a climbing area just below the village of Mont-ral. These two details distinguish the scale of climbing opportunities across the municipality from one specific named climbing area. If you are interested in climbing, you’ll find both an overview of the wide range of options in the municipality and a specific place name.
Walking route and river area
The Vilaplana/Albiol–La Mussara–Mont-ral–Farena walking route passes through Mont-ral. Along this route, the village is a stop between La Mussara and Farena.
Another point of interest is the intensive fishing area on the Brugent River. It stretches from Farena to La Riba. Unlike the single named climbing spot, this area is described as a stretch between two places: Farena and La Riba mark its endpoints.
Church and local tradition
The Church of Sant Pere ad Vincula was built in the second half of the 12th century, shortly after the Christian conquest. Its construction history therefore dates back to a much earlier period than the later additions. In a subsequent building phase, two side chapels, the sacristy and the bell tower were added; these works are probably dated to the 18th century. The original building and the later additions thus belong to different phases, although the date of the additions remains uncertain.
A local custom also involves buying bread and magdalenas at the bakery in Mont-ral. This culinary detail complements the area’s landscape and architectural history with a local tradition, without reducing its character to a single attraction.
Discover more destinations: VimbodĂ, La Pobla De Montornès, Lilla, PaĂĽls, Riudoms, Llorenç Del Penedès, Ferran, Tortosa
For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.
