The 13th-century medieval bread oven is one of Capafonts’ most important buildings. The village also lies on the upper reaches of the Brugent, between the Muntanyes de Prades and Els Motllats. The village’s history and landscape offer different ways to shape a stay: the small village centre can be explored on foot, and several marked hiking trails start there.

Karst Landscape and the Brugent

Els Motllats is a karst mountain range stretching across the municipalities of Capafonts, Vilaplana and Mont-ral. Its landforms include caves, shafts, natural arches and deep gorges. Les Fous del Brugent are gorges carved by the Brugent River as it leaves the valley.

La cova de les Gralles lies at the bottom of the Barranc de la Font Nova, above the Font de la Llúdriga. This large rock-shelter cave was formed by headward erosion. It is about 15 metres deep, with a waterfall or rock face approximately 60 metres high above it. The Font de la Llúdriga never runs dry and supplies Capafonts with water. Another natural arch, Pont de Joi, lies below the Font Nova. La Roca Foradada is also a natural arch formed by erosion, in a rock face about 10 metres high.

Hiking Trails with Different Destinations

The Camí de Farena runs through Les Fous and forms a nature route between La Riba and Capafonts. Another route, “Del Riu Brugent al Cim de les Muntanyes de Prades,” starts in Capafonts, follows the Brugent and leads to the Ermita de Barrulles. The routes described differ in both their course and destination: one passes through the gorges, while the other follows the river to the chapel. Before setting out, check trail conditions, as they may change.

Buildings and History

The parish church of Santa Maria is a three-nave building completed towards the end of the 18th century in a simple Baroque style. The Ermita de la Mare de Déu de Barrulles is a medieval chapel: it was built in the 12th century and first documented in 1225. A pilgrimage celebration at the chapel is recorded for the end of spring. Finds in the Cova del Daniel also provide evidence of human presence in the Capafonts valley during the Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic periods.

A guided tour of the village centre can include the church, the medieval bread oven, the old washhouses and other notable places, subject to advance reservation. If you plan to take this tour, check availability before your trip.

Festival and Getting There

The Festa Popular del Mandongo de Capafonts takes place on the first Sunday in February. It revives the traditional preparation of pork during the slaughter. As specific dates and programmes may change, check the information for your planned visit in advance.

The main access to Capafonts is via the road from Alcover or Prades; there is no regular public transport. Check current travel options before setting out. This will help you plan your journey as carefully as your choice between visiting the village, taking one of the hiking trails or exploring the area’s geological features.

Discover more destinations: Castellvell Del Camp, El Rourell, Rodonyà, El Morell, Sant Jaume Dels Domenys, Santa Coloma De Queralt, Duesaigües, Creixell.

Go to the main travel overview: Tarragona.