Renau combines a long local history with several named walking routes. When looking for accommodation in Renau, it helps to decide first: Should your stay focus mainly on historical themes, a festival date, or a walking route? The area’s architectural history, two recurring festivals, and different route connections offer specific points of reference.

Renau from Antiquity to Local History

Numerous remains of Roman villas have been found in the municipality of Renau. The origins of the settlement are placed in the mid-12th century during the Reconquista; the first written mention dates from 1161. This places a historical account of its beginnings alongside a specific year for its first recorded mention. The Roman finds provide another, earlier point of reference for the history of the municipal area.

The construction date of the parish church of Santa Llúcia and its artwork are two distinct historical points of reference: the church was built in 1769 and contains a 16th-century Gothic carved figure of the Mare de Déu del Loreto. The Ermita de la Mare de Déu del Loreto dates from the late 17th century; in 1930, the architect Josep M. Jujol decorated and renovated it. Thus, the church brings together a later construction date and an older figure, while Jujol’s work from 1930 is also part of the hermitage’s history.

The term Castell also offers a glimpse into local history: in Renau, it refers more to a manor house than to a feudal castle. The remains of the former Castell de Renau were demolished in 1876 to create the church square. The name and the history of the square therefore point to different aspects of the former building.

Festivals as Seasonal Points of Reference

The Festa Major d'estiu is a votive festival in honour of the patron saint Santa Llúcia and takes place on the third Sunday in July. The Festa Major d'hivern is celebrated in honour of the Verge del Loreto on 10 December or on the nearest Sunday. The difference is specific when choosing a date: the summer festival follows a Sunday-based rule in July, while the winter festival is held on a December date, with the nearest Sunday as an alternative.

Walking Routes with Different Destinations

The Ruta dels Masos is a signposted route by the Consell Comarcal del Tarragonès that connects various farmhouses in the area around Renau and Vilabella. The GR 172 passes through the municipality of Renau and takes walkers from Renau to the Cistercian monastery of Santes Creus. The Camí de Sant Jaume offers another route connection: Renau lies along its first stage.

These route connections make it easy to distinguish between the options: the Ruta dels Masos focuses on farmhouses in the area around Renau and Vilabella, the GR 172 on the connection to the monastery, and the Camí de Sant Jaume on its location along the first stage. Consider which destination or route connection best matches your interests when deciding what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Vespella De Gaià, Alcanar, Aiguamúrcia-Santes Creus, L'ametlla De Mar, L'eucaliptus, La Vilella Alta, Margalef, Sant Jaume D'enveja.

For the broader travel overview: Tarragona.