L'Albiol

L'Albiol is a municipality in the Baix Camp region. It borders Alcover to the northeast, Mont-ral to the north, Vilaplana to the west, L'Aleixar to the southwest and La Selva del Camp to the south.

The municipality of L'Albiol is situated at an elevation of about 900 metres, crowned by a castle built by the Arabs and framed by the Estelada and Pozo mountain ranges. It is the prelude to the Prades Mountains , which are covered in thick forests.

Due to its strategic location, it is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Camp de Tarragona, dominating everything from the mountains of Montserrat to the Ebro Delta. The entire Tarragona coastline is at its feet and on clear days it is not difficult to glimpse the Mont Major of Mallorca.

Among its historical heritage, the Albiol Castle stands out, although only a few parts of the original castle remain, as it was ordered to be demolished and destroyed after the Guerra dels Segadors in 1654. However, parts of the wall with some square towers and the central buildings are preserved. From the top you can see a splendid panoramic view of the district.

In the historic centre of the town, near the castle, we can also find the church of San Miguel del Albiol, built at the end of the 18th century, consisting of a single nave with open chapels between the buttresses. The main portal is a semicircular voussoired arcade supported by pilasters with classical capitals.

Another of its attractions is Villa Urrutia. This is a modernist building with a ground floor and a floor above, with a cylindrical tower that forms the horizon of the surroundings of the Masies Catalanes. Around it there is a garden of which a small temple and a series of stairs and balustrades with glazed ceramics forming coloured drawings have been preserved.

Due to its location, El Albiol is a very good starting point for hiking routes that will allow us to discover the natural surroundings of the Prades Mountains.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The Castle of L'Albiol

Documented since 1089, this castle was part of an Andalusian defensive network in the 10th century, with Siurana as its centre. Although it is currently in ruins, remains of the walls and towers can still be seen, offering an impressive panoramic view of the Camp de Tarragona.

Parish Church of Sant Miquel

Built in 1791, this single-nave church has side chapels between the buttresses. Despite losses during the Civil War, restorations have been carried out to preserve it. A polychrome carving of Saint Michael from the 18th century stands out.

The Masos

L'Albiol has numerous historic farmhouses that reflect the rural life of the area. Among the most notable are Mas de Barberà (18th century), Mas Miqueló (1768), Mas Sord (1335), Mas Bonretorn (1313), Mas Sedasser (1663), Mas Maideu (16th century) and Mas Flassada (14th century).

Catalan farmhouses

This development, begun in 1965, combines traditional and modern elements. Located in a privileged natural setting, it offers panoramic views of the Camp de Tarragona and the Costa Dorada.