Riudecanyes, town of Baix Camp, is located in the inland of the region, between Argentera Mountain Range and Costa Dorada.

This small town of just over 1,000 inhabitants became the capital of the Barony of Escornalbou, an ancient jurisdictional territory created in the 12th century.

Escornalbou is also the name of a mountain located 700 metres above sea level and 4 km from Riudecanyes.

In the 12^th century, after the Reconquest, King Alfonso the 2nd of Aragon and the 1st of Catalonia ordered the construction of an Augustinian church and monastery on this mountain. The monastery was in operation until the 19th century. After decades of neglect, the Reus diplomat Eduardo Toda acquired the old building to rebuild it as a private residence. Nowadays the Castle Monastery of Sant Miquel de Escornalbou is one of the most beautiful monuments in the province of Tarragona.

The name of the mountain and its castle is also the name of another heritage element of this region: the Escornalbou Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This product is made in Riudecanyes Cooperative and has become an important brand of identity for the people of the old Barony.

With this route we will visit the Castle Monastery of Escornalbou and the Interpretation Centre Fruits of Landscape, in Riudecanyes:

Itinerary

• Visit to Sant Miquel Escornalbou monastery
• Visit to the Visitor Centre

The visit to the Monastery will take us back to the Middle Ages to talk about the monastery and also ot the beginning of the 20th century, when Eduardo Toda transformed the old monastery into his residence: we visit the luxurious halls and bedrooms of the house and we talk about the fascinating figure of E. Toda who, apart from being a diplomat, he was a traveller, an egyptologist, an art collector and a humanist.

After the visit we go to Riudecanyes, where we learn about the world of the olive tree and the olive oil. The Visitor Centre is located in the former facilities of the Cooperative. In this Centre we find an old oil mill and a hydraulic press, as well as an exhibition and audiovisuals. At the end of the visit you can taste the Escornalbou Extra Vigin Olive Oil, made in Riudecanyes.

If you wish, you can start or finish the tour with a breakfast or a lunch in an olive grove. Only for groups up to 5 people. Contact us to consult menus and prices.

Visits for groups by appointment

When:

Subject to availability and prior consultation.

Price:

Check the price.

Language:

Spanish, Catalan or English.

Includes:

Tasting of bread and olive oil.

Transport:

The transfer between the olive groves and Riudecanyes is done in the visitors’ own vehicle, following the guide.

Allergies:

Please report any food allergies.

Recommended clothing:

Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Difficulty:

Low.

Accessibility:

The visit to the Castle is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Pets:

Not allowed in the Castle, except small dogs.