Do you know his story?
The presence of cave paintings in the cova de Vallmajor shows that there were human settlements in the Paleolithic era. Thanks to the Via Augusta, this region served as a communication route between Barcino and Tarraco, which has meant that the Roman presence was also very important.
In the early Middle Ages it served as a border between the Muslim and Christian worlds, as evidenced by its network of defensive castles. the Baix Penedès has also had great relevance in the War of the Reapers and in the War of Succession.
One of the latest crises it has suffered has been the arrival of phylloxera. In a land where the vine was an economic engine, this plague caused a real catastrophe. However, its beaches and its natural environment make it a highly visited area throughout the year.
What can you do in Baix Penedès and its Holiday cottages?
The Baix Penedès beaches are some of the most important on the entire Costa Daurada . Some of the best known are those of Cunit, Calafell or Coma-ruga. Popular festivals are also deeply rooted in this region. The castle days and the major festivals are celebrated with great passion in all the municipalities.
Within the cultural offer of the Baix Penedès, you can visit the Josep Canyes museum, the Puntes del Coixi Museum or the Pau Casals house-museum. History is also very present as can be seen in the Vendrell Municipal Museum or in the Iberian citadel of Calafell.
The wine landscape is also one of the main attractions of the region. You have numerous routes that you can do on foot or by mountain bike and that will allow you to see some lovely natural places. Gastronomy is another of the strong points of the region. Without a doubt, the xató route is known throughout Catalonia.
10 ideas to enjoy Baix Penedès
- Vendrell, a city open to the world.
- Visit the Iberian citadel of Calafell.
- Live a castellar day.
- Discover its religious heritage.
- Do the Frontera castles route.
- Enjoy its beaches.
- Modernist center of l'Arboç.
- Walk along hiking trails.
- Discover the Museu Pau Casals.
- The xató route.
Vendrell, a city open to the world
El Vendrell is the capital of Baix Penedès and is one of the municipalities with the most tourist attraction in the region. Its cultural activity is very important as can be seen with the museu d'Àngel Guimerà or Pau Casals . If you like music, many concerts are held throughout the year. The Pau Casals International Music Festival stands out.
In the center of Vendrell you will find numerous restaurants with traditional and signature cuisine . There are also many tapas places where you will find pinchos, orelletas, etc. Xató and coca enramada are dishes that you cannot miss if you pass through Vendrell. You can take the opportunity to accompany your meals with one of the wines and cavas that are part of the DO Penedès and that have international prestige.
Visit the Iberian citadel of Calafell
Located on a peak in front of the beaches of Calafell, the Iberian citadel offers you the opportunity to see first-hand the reconstruction of ancient Iberian towns . The project began in 1992 and since 2007 has been part of the Ruta dels Ibers.
Within its facilities you can take a tour of the streets of the citadel and enter the houses or climb the old walls. You will also find numerous explanations that accompany all the cultural equipment. In the summer, the Terra Ibérica festival is held, with numerous activities for the naughty and the adults.
Live a castellar day
Castles are deeply rooted in Catalan culture. In fact, they have been declared World Heritage by Unesco. Castles are not only a spectacle, they are also a long tradition that represents the human value of a town . Its origin goes back to the area of Tarragona, specifically in the municipality of Valls. Little by little the castle practice has been implemented in the rest of the territory.
The Baix Penedès is no exception and the castles take on great importance especially during the major holidays. L'Arboç and Vendrell castle festivals are very important, due to the fact that not only gangs from the same municipality participate, but also gangs from other localities.
Discover its religious heritage
Religious buildings are of great importance within the historical heritage of Baix Penedès. Some of the most important buildings you can visit are the església de Sant Bartomeu in Albinyana. A Romanesque-style building with a single nave dating from 1120. In l'Arboç you have the església renaixentista of Sant Julià . Its style is baroque and it has been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Its beginning dates back to the year 991 and it has gone through several reconstruction works.
In Calafell you can find the ermita romànica of Sant Miquel de Segur, built in the 11th century. Its church has only one nave and was burned down in 1936. In 1991 the town council began restoration work.
Do the Frontera castles route
If you like medieval architecture, the Castells de Frontera route is a good way to get to know some of the most important castles in the Catalan territory. In the Baix Penedès the best known is the Castell de la Santa Creu in Calafell.
The first documents that mention the castle are from the year 1037. Throughout its history it has undergone several transformations. It has been from a defensive castle to a residence of noble families. However, in the 16th century it gradually suffered a process of degradation. In 1982, it began to recover its historical heritage. We recommend that you visit the Romanesque-style church and its outdoor archaeological park.
Enjoy its beaches
The Baix Penedès beaches have fine sand and are equipped with all the necessary facilities to give you the best service. Many have the Blue Flag, a badge that recognizes the quality and safety of their waters. One of the main advantages of the Baix Penedès beaches is that the entrance to the sea is shallow, which makes them perfect for the rascal and the elderly.
Some of the best-known beaches in the region are Coma-ruga, Calafell, Cunit or Francàs al Vendrell. Many have sports facilities and spaces for children to play. As they are very flat you can also take the opportunity to take walks by the sea.
Modernist center of l'Arboç
L'Arboç is also known as the "town of beautiful houses". At the end of the 19th century it had a very important economic development, which caused many buildings to be renovated in a distinctly modernist style. Currently, an itinerary of 25 modernist buildings that are still in good condition has been created. Most are located on Carrer Major or Plaça de la Vila. Some of the most important buildings are Sant Antoni Hospital, Gener i Batet Palace, La Giralda or castell de Bellesguard.
Walk along hiking trails
The Baix Penedès offers you the opportunity to do numerous routes that cross natural areas of great beauty. In Calafell posts take the route that goes through the Dunes area. It is suitable for everyone and you can see the sea from very close. Another route that goes by the sea is the one that goes from the promenade of Cunit to Segur de Calafell. The sunsets you can see are spectacular. From Montmell you can also take several routes that cross mountain paths and where you can see old buildings such as Romanesque hermitages or watchtowers.
Discover the Pau Casals Museum
Located on Sant Salvador beach, the museu Pau Casals allows you to discover the life of one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. During the years before his exile in 1939, the current museum building was his summer residence. It was in the thirties when Pau Casals commissioned the renovation of the building.
Currently, the museum is of great relevance due to the set of goods it preserves from Pau Casals. Interactive visits can be made in which the figure of the well-known musician is explained, especially his more human aspect. In addition, the museum has a neoclassical garden overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The xató route
The xató route connects three counties, specifically Alt Penedès, Baix Penedès and Garraf. Although each region prepares the xató in a particular way, ingredients such as endive, cod, anchovies or olives are used to make it. In addition, the sauce based on almonds, hazelnuts, bread, walnuts or chilli gives it its characteristic taste.
The season of xatonada goes from November to April. However, it is between January and March when many restaurants propose special menus where precisely this dish stands out. Precisely in the area of Baix Penedès, the xató recipe has as a characteristic feature a sauce to which onions, roasted tomatoes or red peppers are added. In Vendrell you will find numerous restaurants where you can taste this delicious dish.
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