El Calvari, an open-air archaeological site, lies around 800 m from the present-day town of El Molar. This offers a glimpse into a history stretching from protohistoric traces to an 18th-century church. Other highlights include an interpretation centre about the Spanish Civil War, routes through a variety of landscapes, and festivals held on clearly specified dates.
Archaeology, the Church and Remembrance
El Calvari was inhabited from the 8th to the 6th century BC and is classified as a proto-Iberian or protohistoric open-air archaeological site. The Església de Sant Roc was built in 1788; its rectangular floor plan, three naves and polygonal apse add specific architectural details to the date of construction. A rectangular floor plan describes the shape of the building from above, while the three naves divide the church interior lengthwise and the polygonal apse forms a multi-sided end.
The Mina Lussa (also known as Loussa) – Linda Mariquita Interpretation Centre focuses on education and healthcare during the Spanish Civil War. Alongside archaeological and architectural history, it therefore highlights two specific topics: education and health. The centre’s perspective thus differs from the early settlement of El Calvari.
Routes Through the Landscape
The municipal route network offers opportunities to explore on foot, by bicycle or in a motorised vehicle. From the built-up area of El Molar, routes lead through varied landscapes featuring farmhouses, mills and mines. The route network also takes in the flora and fauna of the Priorat and the course of the Siurana River. The landscapes range from architectural and agricultural traces to the natural environment.
Agriculture also shapes El Molar. Most of the cultivated land is farmed using dryland methods; some plots are irrigated with water from old mines. Agriculture and mining are linked here in a specific way: water from the old mines is used to irrigate certain fields.
Festivals Throughout the Year
The Jornades Culturals last one week and take place in April. The programme includes concerts, talks, competitions and theatre. The main day of the Festa Major is 16 August, Sant Roc; festivities include dances, activities for children, Correfocs and floats. The Festa de les Xiques takes place from 6 to 8 December and combines Coques with Jota dances. It is a centuries-old tradition that was revived in 1992. During the festival, children distribute traditional Coques from house to house.
The festival dates offer different windows for a stay: a week of culture in April, the main day of the Festa Major in August, and the Festa de les Xiques in early December. If you want a particular festival to determine your travel dates, check the specific event dates before planning.
Agriculture and Wine Designations
The two regional designations of origin meet within the municipality of El Molar: DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant. After being contacted by email, the Cooperativa Celler El Molar offers tours of its facilities with a tasting of its products. Contacting the cooperative by email is part of planning such a visit.
Discover more destinations: Miami Platja, La Senia, Tivenys, Forès, Masdenverge, Móra D'ebre, Prat De Comte, L'aldea.
Go to the broader travel overview: Tarragona.
