Discover Montblanc: City Walls, Culture and Hotels
Accommodation in Montblanc
Montblanc brings together medieval urban history, museums and opportunities for walking. If you’re looking for a hotel in Montblanc, these different highlights can help you decide what kind of stay you’d like: would you like to explore the fortified old town, learn about regional art and history, or plan a hike?
City Walls and History
The medieval fortifications form an impressive ensemble of towers, gates and crenellated walls. Montblanc has one of the best-preserved city wall systems in Catalonia. The historic old town was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1947. Together, these features give the town’s history a visible architectural form and a clear historical setting.
The church of Sant Miquel is also connected with Catalonia’s political history: it hosted the Catalan Courts in 1307 and 1370 and also housed the Parliament of Catalonia during the Interregnum. Those interested in the town’s history will therefore find, alongside the fortifications, a connection to Catalonia’s political institutions.
Cultural Experiences and Museums
Since 1987, the Setmana Medieval has brought to life the legend that Sant Jordi slew the dragon in Montblanc. This festival of national tourist interest takes place around 23 April. Its programme includes a medieval market, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and a wine and cava market. Parades, plays and small-scale performances round out the programme. Dates and events vary from one edition to the next. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition.
The Centre d’Interpretació de l’Art Rupestre (CIAR) is housed in the former new prison building in Montblanc. A visit begins with a short audiovisual presentation, followed by exhibition rooms devoted to rock art. The exhibition includes educational panels, dioramas, replicas and life-size reproductions of painted rock shelters from the extensive area of the muntanyes de Prades. It offers a vivid insight into the rock art of the muntanyes de Prades.
The Museu del Pessebre de Catalunya displays nativity figures and dioramas across three exhibition levels. It also presents a popular tradition that has continued since the mid-18th century. Its focus on nativity scenes differs from the rock art at the CIAR, though both offer their own ways of exploring history and culture.
Hiking: Long-Distance Trail and Circular Route
Hiking is another option to consider when planning your trip. The GR® 171 long-distance trail passes through Montblanc; its official Stage 7 runs between Montblanc and Prades. This stage description identifies a route between two towns. A separate, moderately difficult circular route starts at the Montblanc Tourist Office. It first passes through part of the city wall system and follows the GR-175 from the Portal de Sant Antoni. Along the way, it passes the former Hospital de Santa Magdalena and the Pont Vell.
The two hiking options therefore differ not only in the route described, but also in the planning information provided: for the GR® 171, the stage connecting Montblanc and Prades is specified; the circular route gives its starting point, moderate difficulty level and several stops. If you’re planning a hike, check the conditions locally.
Discover More Destinations
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Back to the main travel overview: Tarragona.
