History, olive trees and flavours of Escornalbou

Riudecanyes, town of Baix Camp, is located in the interior of the region, between Argentera Mountain Range and Costa Dorada.

This small town of just over 1,000 inhabitants became the capital of the Barony of Escornalbou, an ancient jurisdictional territory created in the 12th century.

Escornalbou is also the name of a mountain located 700 metres above sea level and 4 km from Riudecanyes

After the Reconquest, King Alfonso I of Catalonia and Aragon ordered the construction of an Augustinian church and monastery in this mountain. The monastery was in operation until the 19th century. After decades of neglect, the Reus diplomat Eduardo Toda acquired the old building to rebuild it as a private residence. Nowadays the Castle Monastery of Sant Miquel de Escornalbou is one of the most beautiful monuments in the province of Tarragona.

The name of the mountain and its castle is also the name of another heritage element of this region: the Escornalbou Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This product is made in the Riudecanyes Cooperative and has become an important brand of identity for the people of ancient Barony.

With this route we will visit the Castle Monastery of Escornalbou and the Interpretation Centre Fruits of Landscape, in Riudecanyes:

Itinerary

In order to learn about the characteristics of Escornalbou olive oil, we will start the visit in an olive grove, located in Montbrió del Camp, 5 km from Riudecanyes. While we take a walk, we will explain the origins of the Arbequina variety, the cultivation, the harvest and its characteristics. After the walk, we will go to Riudecanyes to visit the Interpretation Centre Fruits of Landscape, located in the old facilities of the Cooperative. This space exhibits an old oil mill and a hydraulic press, as well as an exhibition and audiovisuals. Here you can also taste the Escornalbou Extra Virgin Olive Oil, made in Riudecanyes.

To finish the route, we will visit the Castle of Escornalbou.