Those interested in L'aleixar will find cultural and historical connections, natural heritage, a route linked to art and literature, and horse-riding activities. The church of Sant Martí, the Ermita de Sant Blai and Mascabrers represent different aspects of history. The Mir-Manent Route offers another way to explore the area through landscapes, paintings and diaries. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on individual sights, a route or an activity.
Natural heritage: oak and pine
The Alzina del Mas de Borbó is considered the largest and probably the oldest holm oak in Catalonia. At the Pi de les Planes, a different feature stands out: it is considered one of the thickest pine trees in Catalonia, with a trunk circumference of 4.70 metres. The comparison highlights two different characteristics. The description of the Alzina emphasises its size and its explicitly probable age; the Pi's description can also be tied to a specific measurement of its circumference. Those interested in natural heritage can choose between these two distinctive descriptions.
Church and historical traces
The church of Sant Martí is associated with several historical references from different periods. The church is documented in a papal bull dating from 1194. Its Baroque portal bears the year 1725, and it houses an 18th-century Baroque organ. The organ is considered one of the few in this area to have survived. The dates should not be confused: 1194 refers to the documentation of the church, 1725 to the portal, and the 18th century to the organ. Sant Martí thus brings together an early written record and two Baroque features with their own dates.
The Ermita de Sant Blai is about a ten-minute walk from L'aleixar and is a destination for day-trippers. Polychrome wooden tiles suggest that the hermitage has medieval origins. Another historical and literary connection leads to Mascabrers: today, the abandoned and ruined settlement of L'aleixar consists of a single street and a small square; its description also includes a legendary well. Mascabrers inspired the poet Ventura Gassol to write the play “La cançó del Vell Cabrés” (Barcelona, 1924). The place can therefore be understood not only through its described layout but also through its connection to literature.
The Mir-Manent Route and excursions
The Mir-Manent Route leads to 20 places that inspired 32 of Mir's paintings and passes through landscapes described by Marià Manent in his diaries. The section in L'aleixar includes the village and the Ermita de Sant Blai. The route thus connects landscapes, paintings and literary records, offering a different way to explore the area than visiting individual buildings or natural sites. This artistic and literary connection is its distinctive feature when deciding whether to include the route in your travel plans. The hermitage is also a destination in its own right, about a ten-minute walk from L'aleixar.
The stated driving route to the trail follows the T-11 Reus bypass towards Falset, taking exit 1, and then the T-704 to L'aleixar. Check road conditions and signage before setting off.
Horse riding and festivals
The La Mussara equestrian centre teaches adults and children aged three and over to ride. It also offers mountain rides lasting at least one hour. The centre provides direct access to trails without first having to use a road. If you are considering riding lessons or a ride, check booking and operating conditions and availability in advance.
The festivals also have their own distinctive features: the Festa Major de Sant Blai includes the blessing of the fruit. The Festa Major de la Santíssima Trinitat and Santa Fímbria includes the blessing of the water. Both customs offer a tangible cultural connection for travellers interested in the village's festival traditions as well as its buildings and landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Pira, Gratallops, Roda De Barà, La Selva Del Camp, Bellmunt del Priorat, Albinyana, El Rourell, Farena.
For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.
