Those wishing to focus on cultural history and an agriculture-shaped landscape can explore El Rourell through two themes: the architecture of Castell del Rourell and the Church of Sant Pere, and the agricultural structure of the municipal area. There is also El CamĂ, whose route through the town connects the church and the castle.
Castle and Church: Different Architectural Forms
Castell del Rourell, also known as Casal dels Marquesos de Vallgornera, is a detached manor house with a square floor plan. Its features include Gothic mullioned windows and a portal with wedge-shaped stones. Its origins are thought to date back to the 12th century; it was rebuilt in the 17th century and altered in the 19th century. This alteration gave the building its present appearance. The different periods should be distinguished: its 12th-century origins remain a possibility, while the rebuilding and alterations took place in the 17th and 19th centuries.
The parish church of Sant Pere provides a different architectural accent. The present building was begun in 1769 and completed in 1777. It has a single-nave layout with side chapels and a lunette vault; the façade is plain. The bell tower combines a square floor plan with an octagonal upper storey. Alongside the detached castle, the church offers a second way to explore the town’s history: here, the focus is on the church building and its spatial and tower forms. Those interested in architecture can distinguish between the two buildings by their architectural form.
El CamĂ Through the Town
El CamĂ provides a direct connection between the two buildings. On its route through Camp de Tarragona between Valls and Reus, the path passes through El Rourell. Within the town, it runs along Carrer de la Creu to the Church of Sant Pere and then to the castle, or Casal dels Marquesos de Vallgornera. It then crosses the Clot del Riuet and leaves El Rourell via Carrer Major and CamĂ de la Granja. This sequence gives the route through the town a clear course between the historic buildings and the named streets and paths. Check the condition of the paths and crossings before setting out.
Agriculture and Getting There
Away from the architectural history, agriculture shapes the municipal area. It is flat and almost entirely used for agriculture; more than two-thirds of its area is irrigated with water from the FrancolĂ. The FrancolĂ forms the eastern municipal boundary, while the Glorieta forms the southwestern boundary. Flat terrain, agriculture and irrigation thus come together in the El Rourell area. For road travel, the T-722 is important: it is the town’s main transport link and connects Valls with El Morell via Vilallonga del Camp, El Rourell and La MasĂł. Road conditions can change, so it is worth checking the latest situation before setting off.
History and Festivals
The town’s former organisation is another aspect to explore alongside its buildings. The commandery of El Rourell was part of the Templar organisation and was subordinate to the commandery of Barberà . This institutional dimension adds a historical connection to the architectural history.
Two dates are of interest for visitors planning a trip around an event: the Festa del Sagrat Cor is celebrated every ten years in October. Streets and squares are decorated, and the festival attracts visitors from nearby villages as well as more distant areas. A medieval fair in May also focuses on the town’s historical origins. If you are planning your trip around a festival, check the exact event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: La Bisbal Del Penedès, Els Pallaresos, Vespella De Gaià , Sant Salvador, Montbrió Del Camp, Perafort, Castellvell Del Camp, La Nou De Gaià .
For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.
