La Bisbal de Montant

La Bisbal de Montsant is a municipality in Catalonia, located in the province of Tarragona, within the Priorat region. Between 1858 and 2024 it was known as "La Bisbal de Falset".

History

The oldest traces of settlement are found in "El Planot", located on the border between Margalef and La Bisbal. This human settlement, situated at a strategic point, dates back to the Middle Paleolithic period (90,000 - 35,000 BC) and was studied by Josep M. Fullola.

According to Carmel Biarnés, the village could correspond to "Mont Sacer," a Muslim hamlet dependent on the leader of Ascó and under the authority of the governor of Siurana. Even today, some remains of Arab fortifications can be seen, such as a chimney, several doorways—possibly with horseshoe arches—and a pottery kiln.

After the conquest in 1324, James II created the County of Prades, which included this territory. By the beginning of the 13th century, the Barony of Cabacés was fully established, and La Bisbal was part of it for a time under the name La Bisbal de Cabacés. The Bishop of Tortosa held the title to the barony, and that is the origin of the name Bisbal.

During the War of Independence, the village was burned and the parish church was desecrated. Several executions also took place during the Carlist War. Later, during the Civil War, several altars in the church were destroyed, as well as the municipal and parish archives.

Places of interest

The cave of Santa Llúcia

It is a large rock shelter located 1 km from the village, with a freshwater spring inside. Flint tools have been found there, indicating that it was probably inhabited during the Upper Paleolithic period.

During the Spanish Civil War, in 1938, it was converted into a field hospital for the International Brigades, with 80 beds and 3 operating rooms. Some remains and information panels about that period can still be seen. Currently, it is a renovated space, and a popular gathering is held there every second Sunday in August.

The Ateneu Bisbalenc

It is a social and cultural center for the town, featuring a bar, cinema/theater, library, and spaces for young people and senior citizens. Founded in 1917, it has been an important meeting place for the residents ever since.

During the Civil War it suffered bombings and was rebuilt in 1950. In 1982 it recovered the name Ateneu Bisbalenc and is currently one of the most representative entities of the town.

The Camp Cooperative

Founded in 1952, the cooperative is mainly dedicated to the production of extra virgin olive oil, one of the most important products of the local economy.

Every first Sunday of December, the New Oil Festival is celebrated, with a popular breakfast, visits to the olive groves and the mill, where you can learn about the oil production process.

The church

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was built in the late 18th century and combines Neoclassical and Baroque styles. It is approximately 25 meters tall and has three naves.

During the War of Independence, it was burned down by Napoleonic troops, as were other parts of the town.

The Source

It is a fountain over a hundred years old, located at the main entrance to the town, near the Portal. It has traditionally been an important meeting point for the inhabitants of La Bisbal.

It was inaugurated in 1890 and is supplied by a water source located in the corner of Benet's cave. Before its construction, the inhabitants had to fetch water from the river.

The Foradada Cave

It is a cave located about 3 km from the village, in the direction of Cabacés. It stands out for its unusual geological formation and the two large openings it features.

In summer, when the sun is in a very vertical position, the rays can enter through the hole and reach the base of the cave.

Cova Emboixa

It is a large cave located 1.5 km from the village, near the Montsant River. A large stalagmite is a prominent feature inside.

Flint tools have been found, indicating that it was probably inhabited by humans in prehistoric times.

Header photo: Juan Emilio Prades Bel, “Municipio de La Bisbal de Montsant, comarca del Priorat (Tarragona)”, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Original image on Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 License