The Priorat is one
of the oldest and also one of the least densely populated districts
of Catalonia, and although it is only one hundred miles from
Barcelona, it is as remote from a bustling city as could be
possible. Located southwest of Barcelona, not too far from Tarragona,
this region sits in a natural amphitheatre of low mountains
that surround it on all sides. The twenty three towns that form
the Priorat are all relatively small and quite close to each
other, the principal one being Falset.
The economy of the Priorat has always relied on agriculture
and the production of wine and olive oil, making it an ideal
location for wine tours, winery visits and culinary tours. Here
they have been exporting wine since the fifteenth century, and
wine production remains its most important activity along with
the production of olive oil.
There are several
ruins from pre-Iberian settlements as well as vestiges of the
Romans’ presence. The most notable historic feature though,
is the “Cartoixa”, or monastery of Escaladei. Soon after the
Islamic domination which ended in 1153, a group of Cartusian
monks were sent here from France in order to establish their
presence in Catalonia. Thus was founded the first monastery
of the Iberian peninsula, which you will of course have the
chance to visit during your stay.
Catacurian is the leader in teaching Catalan cooking classes and Monstsant wine appreciation tours in El Priorat and Barcelona, Spain. Enjoy three or six day gourmet Spanish culinary vacation and Priorat wine tour in a private boutique hotel in Catalonia, Spain. Single day Catalan paella food class also available at our school in Barcelona.
