Riudoms: Gaudí’s origins and routes through Baix Camp

Discover Riudoms through Gaudí’s family history and routes across the cultural landscape of Baix Camp. There are several different themes to choose from as you plan your trip: historic sites, a signposted walking trail, a cycling route and the Fira de l’Avellana. You can shape your stay around your main interests, whether you’re drawn to architecture and history, enjoy exploring a route, or want to combine your trip with the hazelnut festival.

Gaudí’s origins and the history of Riudoms

Antoni Gaudí was born on 25 June 1852 at Mas de la Calderera. The estate had belonged to his family since the 18th century. The Casa Pairal d’Antoni Gaudí had belonged first to Gaudí’s grandparents, then to his father and finally to Antoni Gaudí, all since the 18th century. The local history of Gaudí also includes the metalworking workshop at Casa Gaudí: it was first used by Gaudí’s paternal grandfather and later by his father. The architect Pere Blai contributed to the construction of the Església Parroquial de Sant Jaume Apòstol. Riudoms thus brings together biographical connections and a distinctive architectural landmark.

Another historic site is the Cisterna Vella, an underground space containing a large water cistern dating from the 18th century. During the Spanish Civil War, from 1936 to 1939, underground galleries were dug out, and the cistern served as the central space of an air-raid shelter. The Cisterna Vella can be visited as part of a guided tour. Two historical functions meet here: the water cistern and its use as part of an air-raid shelter during the war.

Walking trail and cycling route

The Ruta Gaudí Riudoms is a signposted walking trail to the Riera de Maspujols and Mas de la Calderera. These are two specific destinations for a walk. The Ruta Cicloturística de l’Oli offers a different kind of outing: it passes through seven olive oil-producing towns, including Riudoms, and follows a circular route over flat paths suitable for cyclists of all kinds. Along the route, you can visit various olive-oil-related facilities, including cooperatives, mills, museums and interpretation centres.

The landscape along the Ruta Cicloturística de l’Oli is also described in detail: the route passes through olive groves, vegetable-growing areas, hazelnut groves and carob trees, all typical of Baix Camp. The difference between the two routes is their format: a signposted walking trail to named destinations, or a flat circular cycling route through several towns and an agricultural landscape.

Fira de l’Avellana and getting there

The Fira de l’Avellana takes place on the second weekend of August. If you’d like to combine your stay with the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition. The programme for the 2026 edition again planned the Gastrofira for the central event area, in the courtyard of Escola Beat.

To continue your journey to Riudoms, it’s best to travel via Reus and then change to a bus to Riudoms. Buses from Reus run regularly, approximately once an hour. This frequency is a guide; check the timetable for your travel date before setting off.

Discover more destinations: La Riviera, Poblet, El Milà, Botarell, Vallmoll, La Senia, La Vilella Baixa, L'aleixar.

For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.