Viladellops brings together a medieval town center, a history of winemaking and a natural landscape with springs and riverside vegetation. The Torre de Viladellops stands in the center of the town; to the south lies the Fondal de Viladellops. There are also the vineyards and offerings of Finca Viladellops. This gives you different ways to shape your stay, focusing on architectural history, wine or landscape.
Medieval buildings in the town center
The Torre de Viladellops is a Romanesque building dating from the 11th century. It has a circular floor plan; on the lower level, its diameter is three meters and its walls are 1.4 meters thick. The layout of the town center also tells the story of its architectural history: houses and agricultural outbuildings are grouped around a large central manor house. At the Església de Sant Joan de Viladellops, sparse remains of Romanesque wall paintings have been preserved on the arch of a side chapel. The altar frontal of Sant Joan consists of 91 polychrome tiles. The Immaculate Conception is depicted in the middle, Ramon de Penyafort on the right and John the Baptist on the left.
Winemaking and the history of Finca Viladellops
The history of Finca Viladellops dates back to 930. A well-preserved medieval tower was at the origin of the wine-growing village named after the estate. The current winery dates from 1877; old walls, rooms, wine hoses and machinery from the estate's early days have been preserved there. The estate's 60 hectares of vineyards grow the native Garnatxa and Xarel·lo varieties. The vineyards are 100 percent certified organic.
The Centro de Interpretación Familia Desvalls displays documents and historical objects and explains the role of the Desvalls family in the history and winemaking of Catalonia. The family's archive contains records from 981 to 1983, including 4,529 parchments. The “Historia y Vino†tour combines the Centro, the Sant Joan chapel and a tasting of three wines. “Cata de vinos Premium entre viñas†includes a guided walk through the vineyards and tastings at various points. Another option is a 4x4 drive through the vineyards with a guided wine tasting. Check the dates of these activities in advance.
Fondal, springs and trails
The Fondal de Viladellops lies south of the town center and can be reached via a trail from the Sant Joan chapel. This area of natural interest is home to riverside vegetation and natural springs. The Torrent de les Jonqueres forms meanders here in some rugged terrain. In the wet part of the Fondal, the Font de la Cova emerges as a spring in the upper part of a natural cave. The Font de Sant Joan was traditionally an important meeting place for the residents of Viladellops. A trail leads from the Sant Joan chapel toward Altrabanda and this spring.
A single tree is also part of the local natural landscape: the Roure de Viladellops is a large-leaved oak about 25 to 30 meters tall. It is identified as Quercus petraea or a related hybrid. North of the town center, the Torre de l'aigua de Viladellops stands on the road from Viladellops; it is point 6 on the Ruta del Vi. To help you find your way when arriving: two roads lead into the town from the C-15.
Which aspects best suit your trip?
For a stay focused on architectural history, the Romanesque tower, Sant Joan church and the layout of the town center are highlights. If you are interested in winemaking, the Finca activities described offer different formats: a tour that includes the chapel and a tasting, a guided walk through the vineyards or a 4x4 drive. The Fondal offers a different focus, with its springs, stream and oak tree. These themes can help guide your choice of accommodation without limiting your stay to a single attraction.
Discover more destinations: Els Hostalets De Pierola, Centelles, Òdena, Bellavista, Can Cartró, Avià , Sant Juliá De Vilatorta, El Masnou.
For the overview of the wider region: Barcelona.
