Prenafeta brings together the history of an abandoned settlement centre and a castle that once controlled access to the Conca via the Prenafeta Pass. The Cistercian Route GR175 also passes through the village, where route travellers can get their stamp. These offer two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: traces of earlier settlement and a route that passes through Prenafeta. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether the village’s history or the GR175 is more important for your stay.

Location and landscape

Prenafeta lies east of Montblanc, at an elevation of about 470 metres, at the foot of the western slope of Tossal Gros. The mountain reaches 867 metres and is the highest point of the Serra Carbonària. Tossal Gros is also a viewpoint overlooking the plain of the Francolí River. West of Montblanc, beyond the Serra de Prades, lie the forests of Poblet. These details link Prenafeta’s hillside location with the prominent peaks and landscape features of the surrounding area.

Traces of old Prenafeta

Old Prenafeta was abandoned at the end of the 18th century, when its residents moved to the current, more accessible location. In the former settlement centre, Prenafeta Vell, the route of the main street is still visible. Some sources also refer to this old centre as Vilafreda. The surviving remains include the ruins of the old church of Sant Salvador. The parish church of Sant Salvador in present-day Prenafeta is a different building: it is in the Baroque style. This distinguishes two churches with the same name, belonging to different settlement centres and periods.

Castle and Ermita de Santa Anna

Prenafeta Castle occupied a strategic position: from there, it could control access to the Conca via the Prenafeta Pass. Its remains are known as Castell dels Moros or Torre dels Moros and lie at an elevation of about 750 metres. Castell de Prenafeta is designated a Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional (BCIN), or an Asset of National Interest. The castle site offers exceptional panoramic views of the Conca de Barberà.

The Ermita de Santa Anna de Montornès also links architecture with the history of a former settlement. Built in the Catalan Gothic style, the building has a single-nave interior spanned by a wooden structure resting on stone diaphragm arches. The hermitage lies in the area of Prenafeta and was probably the centre of the now-vanished settlement of Montornès. It became a place of worship and gathering for several neighbouring villages, including Prenafeta.

The GR175 and choosing where to stay

The Cistercian Route GR175 passes through Prenafeta and can be travelled on foot or by mountain bike. The stamp point in the village is a practical connection to the route. The route and the village’s historic features offer different points of interest: the GR175 is an activity to enjoy on foot or by bike, while Prenafeta Vell, the castle ruins and the churches bring the history of the settlements to the fore. When looking for hotels, you can therefore first consider which of these themes best suits your planned stay.

For the main travel overview: Montblanc.