Gothic architecture, wine and festive traditions offer different ways to discover Vilafranca Del Penedès. The town combines a distinctive architectural heritage with tastings and a long tradition centred on poultry. Visitors planning a stay can focus on one of these themes or explore them together.
Gothic Architecture and Architectural History
The Basílica de Santa Maria is the first parish church built in the Gothic style in Catalonia. It was built over an earlier Romanesque chapel, so the building also reveals the succession of two architectural styles. The freestanding, octagonal bell tower is 52 metres high and offers views of Vilafranca and the surrounding area.
Another example of the town’s architectural history is Cal Figarot: this Neo-Gothic building dates from the late 19th century and is the headquarters of the Castellers de Vilafranca. At the Cementiri Patrimonial de Vilafranca, artistic movements from the late 19th to the early 20th century come together. These include works by architects Santiago Güell, August Font and Antoni Pons. The cemetery was built in the 19th century on the site of a former Capuchin monastery.
Historical events are also associated with specific places: King Pere III el Gran died at the Palau Reial. According to tradition, the Concòrdia de Vilafranca was signed at the Palau Baltà in 1461. The Casa de la Festa Major permanently displays all the defining elements of a festival that originated in the 17th century.
Wine and Local Cuisine
The VINSEUM Museu de les Cultures del Vi de Catalunya offers a comprehensive, wide-ranging and modern look at the world of wine—from its origins to the challenges of the future. The museum also has a tavern where you can sample regional products. If you plan to visit, check the latest visitor information beforehand.
At Vilafranca’s wine shops, you can sample wine from local wineries. As individual venues may change, it is worth checking the latest tasting options in advance. The Fira del Gall offers another combination of wine and food: this traditional poultry market has been held in Vilafranca since the Middle Ages. There, you can buy and sample Gall del Penedès, a local poultry breed. Wines from the Denominació d’Origen Penedès are served with poultry dishes, ranging from traditional recipes to newer creations. If the Fira falls during your trip, check the event dates in advance.
A Route and a View of Vilafranca
The Camí del Vi starts at the Oficina de Turisme de Vilafranca and runs for 3.5 kilometres to the Torre de les Aigües, with eight stops along the way. If you plan to follow the route, check the details before setting out. For a different perspective, visit Miravinya Sant Pau: from a rocky outcrop above the Ermita de Sant Pau, which is set in a rock cave, you can enjoy views of Vilafranca.
In summer, Castells performances are often held in Vilafranca. You can watch a Castell being built, crowned and taken down again. There is no fixed schedule, so if you would like to see a performance, check the specific dates before your trip.
The themes offer a clear way to choose what to focus on: architectural history ranges from the Romanesque predecessor of the Basílica through the Gothic period to Neo-Gothic architecture. Wine takes centre stage at the museum, tastings and the food at the Fira del Gall. For an outing in the open air, the Camí del Vi and Miravinya Sant Pau offer different perspectives on the surrounding area and the town.
Discover more destinations: Calders, Les Fonts, Torrelles De Foix, Font-rubí, Seva, Sant Bartomeu Del Grau, Les Corts, Sant Quirze De Besora.
Return to the wider travel overview: Barcelona.
