Montferri: Church, Tower and Modernist Architecture

Montferri appeals to travellers who want to combine their stay with architectural and local history. Its diverse points of interest include the parish church, Església de Sant Bartomeu, the tower on Tossa Grossa, the modernist Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat and Castell de Rocamora. They represent different focal points: phases of church construction, a historic hilltop tower, architecture by Josep M. Jujol and the history of the frontier along the Riu Gaià. If you are looking for a hotel in Montferri, this overview can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Sant Bartomeu Parish Church: multiple building phases

Església de Sant Bartomeu is Montferri’s parish church and is classified as a cultural asset of local interest. It has been documented since the 13th century and was built using the remains of an older structure dating from the early 12th century. The main façade dates from 1789, and the bell tower was built in 1797. These dates illustrate the difference in time between the older building fabric, the written documentation and later-dated parts of the building. The church can therefore be understood not by a single construction date, but through several building phases. Its sacristy holds a collection of Easter candles dating from 1978 to the present day. If you would like to see this collection, check before your visit whether it is still there.

Torre de Montferri on Tossa Grossa

Torre de Montferri stands on Tossa Grossa, a hill 386 metres high. The tower’s ground plan is oval on the outside and circular on the inside. The surviving masonry reaches a height of about eight metres; the tower is dated to around the year 1000. Its geometry, surviving height and approximate date provide different clues to help place the tower in context. From Montferri, you can reach it on foot via the path from Montferri to Salomó. Check the trail conditions before setting out.

Modernist sanctuary and guided visit

The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de Montserrat in Montferri is a modernist project by architect Josep M. Jujol. Jujol was a student and collaborator of Gaudí, and his connection to Gaudí adds another architectural point of reference for the sanctuary. Visitors interested in architecture can explore both the building project and Jujol’s relationship with Gaudí. Montferri offers a guided visit for those who would like to see the sanctuary. The guided visit to the sanctuary and the walk to the Torre are different ways to plan your stay.

Castell de Rocamora: frontier history and a restaurant

Castell de Rocamora was built to defend the frontier area along the Riu Gaià. Until the 12th century, this area formed the last frontier between the Christian and Saracen worlds. The restored castle currently operates as a restaurant specialising in Calçotades. This brings together the site’s historic function and its present-day use as a place to eat. If you plan to visit the restaurant, check its opening arrangements and booking options before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Forès, Vilaverd, Poblet, L'aldea, Miravet, Farena, Capçanes, Prades.

For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.