Attractions and Places To See around Valls - Top 20

Valls offers several significant historical landmarks. You can visit the Church of Sant Joan, known for its impressive architecture and Catalonia's tallest bell tower. The Chapel of Roser, a Cultural Asset of National Interest, features unique 17th-century glazed tile mosaics depicting the Battle of Lepanto. Other notable sites include the medieval Arcs de Can Magrané, the ancient Antic Convent del Carme, and the historic Antic Hospital de Sant Roc.

Valls is deeply connected to the 'castells' (human towers) tradition. You can visit the Monument to the Xiquets de Valls in Pati Square, which pays tribute to the local human tower team. Trigo Square (Plaça del Blat) is known as the 'Kilometre Zero of the Casteller World' and is a central point for performances. For a deeper understanding, the Casteller Museum of Catalonia is dedicated to this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, explaining its history and the effort involved.

While Valls itself is a historic town, the surrounding area offers natural beauty. The Olles de Horta are natural pools popular for bathing during summer. The picturesque countryside around Valls provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can also explore the Walkways and Bridges of the Gaià River, an entertaining route running parallel to the river.

Beyond its landmarks, Valls boasts several cultural sites. The Museum of Valls houses one of the most important collections of contemporary Catalan art. You can also explore the historic Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu), which retains its original structure, or visit the Air-raid Shelter under Plaça del Blat, offering a glimpse into the Spanish Civil War era. The El Teatre Principal de Valls is the second oldest theater in Catalonia with its original structure, hosting numerous cultural events.

Many attractions around Valls are suitable for families. The Royal Monastery of Santes Creus and the Montserrat Sanctuary, Montferri are both tagged as family-friendly. Exploring the historic Old Quarter of Valls, visiting the Casteller Museum of Catalonia, or enjoying the natural pools at Olles de Horta in summer can also be great options for families.

The region around Valls is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Hiking loop from la Plana - Picamoixons' or 'Casteller World – Chapel of the Roser loop from Valls'. Gravel biking options include the 'Old Bridge of Montblanc – Monastery of Poblet loop'. For more details and routes, explore the Hiking around Valls, Gravel biking around Valls, and MTB Trails around Valls guides.

Yes, for scenic views, you can visit the Hermitage of Sant Pere del Puig. This small hermitage is situated on a hill and offers a privileged viewpoint of the Camp region. The Royal Monastery of Santes Creus also provides a viewpoint within its impressive architectural complex.

Valls can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. The Olles de Horta natural pools are particularly popular during the summer months for swimming. If you're interested in the local gastronomic traditions, the famous *calçotada* season, centered around local sweet onions, typically runs from late autumn to early spring. For general exploration and outdoor activities, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather.

The Old Bridge of Montblanc is a medieval bridge dating back to the 12th century. It crosses the Francolí River and has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history due to floods, with the most recent one in 2019. It's a significant historical structure and a gateway to the old town of Montblanc.

The Montserrat Sanctuary, Montferri is a magnificent Modernist-style religious building. Its architect, Josep Maria Jujol, drew inspiration from the Montserrat mountains for its unique design, which features one hundred and twenty catenary arches. Construction began in 1925 and was completed in 1989 after a pause during the Civil War, making it a remarkable architectural achievement in the region.

Absolutely. Valls is renowned for its *castells* (human towers), a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, which you can learn about at the Casteller Museum of Catalonia or witness in Trigo Square. Another unique experience is the *calçotada*, a seasonal gastronomic event celebrating the local sweet onions called *calçots*. Additionally, the Old Quarter hosts a weekly fruit and vegetable market every Wednesday, a tradition spanning over eight centuries.

Visitors frequently appreciate the rich historical and cultural heritage of Valls, particularly the unique *castells* tradition and the well-preserved medieval architecture. The scenic countryside and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking are also highly valued. Many highlights, such as the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus, are praised for their grandeur and historical significance, while the Hermitage of Sant Pere del Puig is noted for its beautiful views.