El Molar

El Molar is a peaceful and welcoming municipality located in western Priorat, in an environment shaped by rolling hills, vineyards, and a past marked by mining and rural life. Covering an area of 22.85 km² and consisting of a single population center, the village sits at an altitude of 228 meters on a mountain range overlooking the Siurana River valley, shortly before its confluence with the Ebro.

A small place, but with an intense history, a deeply rooted identity and a cultural heritage that has been recovered and reclaimed during the last decades.

A municipality with history and landscape

The location of El Molar has favored human settlement since prehistoric times. The village retains the essence of the Priorat villages: narrow streets, houses with stone or brick doorways, and a community life that revolves around the square, the church, and the premises of the associations (created in the 20th century by the mine workers), the Centre Obrer Recreatiu and La Gaia.

The natural environment is one of the municipality's greatest attractions. The Siurana River, which flows along the southeastern border of the area, creates riverside landscapes ideal for walking or wildlife watching. Vineyards, olive groves, and almond orchards stretch across the surrounding countryside, forming the typical agricultural mosaic of the Priorat region.

Mining heritage and historical memory

An essential part of El Molar's identity is linked to lead mining, which marked the economic and social development of the 20th century.

Therefore, the municipality has recovered this legacy through outreach spaces such as the Centre d'Interpretació Mina Lussa - Linda Mariquita, which uses immersive audiovisuals and scenography to explain its use as a CENU school in the early years of the Civil War and, later, as a second-line front hospital during the Battle of the Ebro.

Places of interest

Mina Lussa Interpretation Center - Linda Mariquita

The Interpretation Centre features a significant audiovisual display. Three specific productions, set in scenographic environments, explain how the Lussa Mine came to function as a school and hospital during the Spanish Civil War.

Church of Sant Roc and Sant Isidre

The parish church, dedicated to Saint Roch and Saint Isidore, is Neoclassical in style, with the archivolt of the portal adorned with lithographs and the corner corners framed with ashlar blocks. Inside, it preserves devotional elements and a serene atmosphere that reflects the town's long spiritual tradition.

The protohistoric site of Calvari, El Molar

The protohistoric site of Calvari (9th-6th centuries BC) is one of the earliest urban areas in the Priorat region. Its inhabitants began cultivating the land and transforming the landscape with the presence of a pioneering industry: mining and processing galena (lead ore) for later sale to a foreign market.

In the autumn of 1930, Salvador Vilaseca discovered the site, unearthing up to 172 ceramic urns, most of them covered with a stone slab. It is one of the most important "treasures" of this period in Catalonia, a cremation necropolis. Subsequent teams, including Núria Rafel (UDL) and the GRAPCE (UB) research group, have uncovered various areas of the settlement, such as a perimeter street and numerous houses.

The archaeological materials discovered can be seen in the Salvador Vilaseca Museum (Reus) and in the Castle of Falset, Regional Museum of Priorat.

Roads and old mining areas

The trails around the village of El Molar allow us to closely observe the mining heritage and enjoy an authentic Priorat landscape. One of these trails, which connects the Calvari area with the fountain and the old washing places, is the Camí de les Roques, a charming old cobbled path.

Fountain and washhouses of El Molar

The public fountain and washhouses of El Molar are a pre-Independence War (1800-1815) structure, a beautiful space with two covered passageways under a reed and tile roof, supported by brick columns and with cobbled floors. Recently restored, they retain their original layout and all their charm.

On the brick columns you can still see the marks of “lauzet” (blue dye), a blue dye that was used to whiten clothes when they yellowed.

El Molar encapsulates the essence of Priorat: ancient history, mining heritage, living traditions, and a spectacular landscape. Visiting it means discovering an authentic, peaceful environment steeped in cultural significance.

Cultural life and festivals

El Molar maintains an active community life with deeply rooted celebrations. The Sant Roc Festival (August 16th) is the highlight of the year, featuring dances, fire runs, children's activities, floats, and popular events that bring together locals and visitors.

The Fiesta de las Xiques, from December 6 to 8, is an ancient tradition where floats adorned with flowers, the jota dance and cakes are mixed, which in 2025 celebrated 125 years of history.

The April Cultural Days fill the town with activities: concerts, conferences, workshops, competitions and theatre.

El Molar encapsulates the essence of Priorat: ancient history, mining heritage, living traditions, and a spectacular landscape. Visiting it means discovering an authentic, peaceful environment steeped in cultural significance.