Two routes along the Monestrell path

Skirting around the Foix Reservoir, this route is split into two stages: from Sant Sadurní d'Anoia to Sant Pere Molanta (very close to Vilafranca), and from there to Castellet i la Gornal. In addition to natural places of interest, the route also takes in jewels of cultural heritage such as the Monastery of Sant Sebastià and the Monumental Site of Olèrdola.

1. From Sant Sadurní d’Anoia to Sant Pere Molanta

Departing from the centre of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the first stage takes you through villages and hamlets in the Penedès area, including Lavern, Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs and Les Gunyoles. This part of the route takes almost six hours to complete, amid landscapes of vineyards and must-see heritage sites to stop off at, such as the Monastery of Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs and the Church of Sant Pere de Lavern. Located in the town of Avinyonet, Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs is an architectural complex with Romanesque and Gothic elements that has been listed by the Government of Catalonia as a Cultural Asset of National Interest since 2000. Meanwhile the Church of Sant Pere de Lavern is a combination of typical Romanesque elements with others more characteristic of Arab architecture, such as its curved roof tiles. At three quarters of the way through the route, you come to Can Fàbregues, a 16th-century country house in Cantallops, and Can Ràfols dels Caus, a lovely winery nestled at the foot of the inner slope of the Garraf Massif.

2. From Sant Pere Molanta to Castellet

The second stage is five and half hours long. It’s worth taking your time because it includes the Olèrdola Monumental Complex, a must-see attraction. This outstanding architectural site is a testament to the historical evolution of the region over the centuries, since in addition to containing prehistoric remains and traces of the Bronze Age, it has been home to an Iberian settlement, a Roman fortification and a mediaeval city with Romanesque buildings and anthropomorphic tombs. Today it also houses one of the centres of the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia (MAC). After visiting the site, you’ll pass through Santa Margarida i els Monjos, taking in the Romanesque Church of Sant Esteve de Moja, before reaching the end of the route in Castellet i la Gornal, where you should make your way up to the town centre to visit the wonderful architectural complex composed of the old town, Castellet Castle and the Church of Sant Pere de Castellet.


More information:

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia Tourist Office
Penedès Tourist Board
Avinyonet Tourist Office
Olèrdola Monumental Complex
Castellet i la Gornal
Santa Margarida i els Monjos
Foix Park
Olèrdola Park