Falset lies in a valley in the Siurana basin, surrounded by the Roca Roja, Morral and Llaberia mountains. The town combines a medieval center with a distinctive wine culture. This gives you a choice of different focuses when planning your trip: historic buildings, the history of Priorat, wine visits and routes through the landscape.

Medieval center and town history

The historic center, formerly known as Malanyet, is a compact medieval ensemble between the church and the castle. It extends around Plaça d'Àngel Marquès. Tourist signs lead from the main entrances to the tourist office and the castle; a short walk connects the arcaded square, the parish church and the lanes leading up the hill.

Portal del Bou is the only one of Falset’s five former town gates to have survived. It was probably built at the beginning of the 14th century. Look for the stonemasons’ marks and the different arches in the passageway: it features both a segmental arch and a central round arch. These architectural details give the former town gate a distinctive character within the historic center.

Castell de Falset is also closely connected with the town’s history: the Counts of Prades made it their main residence. The castle houses the Museu Comarcal and the Castell del Vi section, dedicated to the wine culture of the Priorat comarca. The museum’s immersive, interactive presentation spans the period from prehistoric times to the wars of the modern era. It covers Iberian and Roman trade, as well as the medieval origins of Falset.

A guided circular tour of medieval Falset starts and ends at Castell dels Comtes de Prades de Falset – Museu comarcal. It covers around 300 years of the town’s history. If you plan to join this tour, check the program in advance and find out whether a reservation is required.

Wine and Modernist architecture

Agrícola Falset-Marçà winery was founded in 1919. Its building is an example of Modernism and was designed by architect Cèsar Martinell, who drew inspiration from medieval forms. Cooperativa Falset Marçà offers a theatrical winery tour covering its history, architecture and wines, ending with a wine tasting. The offer is seasonal, so check the dates and availability of the tour in advance.

The winery tradition also includes a distinctive Rancio wine. It is made outdoors on the winery’s roof and aged using an almost century-old solera system. The architecture, winemaking and history of the business are different aspects to explore when discovering Falset’s wine culture.

Festivals throughout the year

The Fira del Vi de Falset takes place on the first weekend of May. It focuses on wines from the two designations of origin, DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant; tastings and accompanying events round out the program. The festival is especially suited to a wine-focused trip, although the specific program may vary from year to year.

L'Encamisada is celebrated on the weekend closest to January 17, the feast day of Saint Anthony. The celebration is rooted in rural tradition and is associated with a local legend about a nighttime attack. If you want to time your trip to coincide with either festival, check the dates and program in advance.

Routes in Falset and the surrounding area

For hiking, the Al peu de la Mola route passes through Falset. It connects hiking trails starting in the participating municipalities, leading through woodland to the Mola. Itinerari 5: Falset – Bellmunt – El Masroig – Marçà – Falset, by contrast, is described as a 29.59-kilometer circular route. It starts and ends in Falset and runs mostly through vineyards and olive groves.

For Itinerari 6, the starting point is Plaça de les Escoles at the entrance to Falset, in the direction of Gratallops. When choosing your excursions, it is worth distinguishing between the described distance of the circular route and the stated starting point of this other route. Trail conditions and markings may change; check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Camp-Redó, Bellmunt del Priorat, La Pobla De Montornès, Solivella, Els Pallaresos, Alcanar, Gratallops, La Riviera.

For the main travel overview: Tarragona.