In the upper valley of the Siurana River, between the Montsant Massif and the Prades Mountains, lies Cornudella de Montsant. Its scenic setting is complemented by climbing in Montsant, activities at the Siurana Reservoir, and a varied architectural and local history. For planning purposes, it helps to consider these highlights separately: routes, visits and event dates each come with their own conditions.

Mountain scenery and activities

The Ermita de Sant Joan del Codolar lies on the southern slopes of the Serra de Montsant, at the upper end of the Sant Joan stream. Coll d’Albarca is a starting point for many excursions. A circular route passes Sant Joan del Codolar, Grau de Montsant, Cova Santa, Roca Corbatera, Grau Gran and Camí de la Llisera. The Montsant 360º route runs through the municipality of Cornudella de Montsant; check the latest details before setting out.

There are also several places to go climbing: climbing sectors and routes in Montsant are concentrated in areas including Cornudella de Montsant. Roca de les Hores, above the Ermita, is considered a climbing area suitable for summer. By contrast, the ascent of Grau dels Tres Esglaons has sections with technical aids that help you negotiate vertical stretches. Activities such as canoeing and kayaking are possible at the Siurana Reservoir; conditions may vary by season. Bear this in mind when planning and check the conditions for your travel dates.

Architectural history and heritage

The Ermita de Sant Joan del Codolar was built by Carthusian monks at the end of the 15th century. The present-day building dates mostly from 1780. These dates therefore refer to different aspects: the construction of the Ermita and most of the present-day building. In Cornudella de Montsant, the parish church of Santa Maria is a Renaissance building by Pere Blai.

A different architectural period is represented by the Celler Cooperatiu de Cornudella: built in 1919, this modernist winery is still in operation, producing and marketing olive oil and wine. In 2002, it was recognized in the category of historic monument as a Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional (BCIN). The Abric de Gallicant is protected as a BCIN archaeological zone and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1998.

The collections include a variety of holdings. The Arxiu Morató Aragonès houses paintings, drawings, graphic works and documentary material from Josep Maria Morató Aragonès’s personal archive. The Museu Peris-Aragonès is a private collection of objects brought back by its owners from different parts of the world. To visit the museum, you must arrange an appointment with the Cornudella tourism office.

Visits and event dates

The Arxiu Morató Aragonès is open without an appointment on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 to 14:00; weekend visits are available by appointment. As opening hours may change, check them before your visit. The tourism office is at the entrance to the town, near the Celler Cooperatiu. Its location may change; confirm it when arranging an appointment for the Museu Peris-Aragonès.

If you are planning a trip around a festival, it is worth checking the specific calendar: the Fira d’Artesania i Jornada Gastronòmica takes place on a Sunday in May in Plaça dels Cellers, with the exact Sunday varying each year. The Festa Major falls on the third weekend in August. The program includes an opening ceremony, dances, Gegants, Habaneras and sports finals. Check the dates for the relevant year before planning your trip around them.

Getting there

From Falset, you can reach Cornudella de Montsant via the N-420, TP-7401, TP-7402 and C-242; from Reus, via the N-420 and C-242; and from La Granadella, via the C-242. Check road conditions before setting off. This allows you to plan your journey separately from your choice of activities and visits.

Discover more destinations: Vilanova De Prades, Aiguamúrcia, Gratallops, La Morera De Montsant, Porrera, Vimbodí, Valls, La Palma D'ebre.

For the wider travel overview: Tarragona.