Les Masies Catalanes (L'Albiol)

Les Masies Catalanes de l'Albiol is a residential area surrounded by nature, notable for its privileged location at the foot of the Prades Mountains. With panoramic views over the Camp de Tarragona and the Costa Dorada, this place combines history, Mediterranean landscape, and tranquility.

The origins of the development date back to 1965, when the company Masies Catalanes, SA promoted the consolidation of several properties to develop a new residential area between the municipalities of l'Albiol and Alcover. The project gradually transformed a traditionally agricultural area into a residential zone integrated into a mountain environment.

Before urbanization, these lands were occupied by farmhouses, vineyards, olive groves, carob trees, and hazelnut trees —crops characteristic of the Tarragona rural landscape. Even today, the Mediterranean vegetation and pine forests preserve part of the natural identity of this area, which features slopes and small valleys.

One of the most unique historical elements of the complex is Villa Urrutia, formerly known as Villa Bau. This property, along with the old tenant farmers' house and the surrounding land, forms part of the collective memory of the development of Les Masies Catalanes. Also noteworthy is the presence of a small chapel associated with the complex.

The urban planning respected some traditional paths, especially the old route that connected La Selva with Alcover. The streets of the development were given names inspired by nature and saints, such as the Avenue of Flowers and the streets of the Olive Tree, Hazelnut, Pine, and Willow.

Les Masies Catalanes are today an example of the evolution of the rural landscape during the second half of the 20th century. Their elevated position and natural surroundings make them an interesting place to discover another facet of l'Albiol, beyond its medieval center.

For visitors who want to learn about the landscape heritage and recent history of l'Albiol, this sector offers a different perspective of the municipality, marked by the coexistence of old agricultural holdings, rural roads and residential development.