| 
|
THE
CULTURE OF WINE AND THE CHARACTER OF THE COUNTRYSIDE
From Falset we take the road that leads to Gratallops,
capital of the Priorat “designation of origin”
wines. From here we reach Vilella Baixa where the houses
form part of spectacular landscape. We continue on to
Scala Dei passing by Vilella Alta.
The Carthusian Monastery
of Scala Dei was built at the head of the valley, protected
by the majestic slopes of the Montsant
mountains. To reach it we have to pass through the Hospice
of Scala Dei, the former monastery administrative buildings
where we can now find accommodation, wine cellars, and
other facilities. From here we can continue to either
to Morera de Montsant or to Pobleda. Both routes meet
up again in Cornudella de Montsant from where we take
the road to Siurana, located in a truly spectacular
spot which was the last redoubt of the Saracens in Catalonia.
After returning to Cornudella, we highly recommend a
visit to Albarca and Ulldemolins, the shady and lushest
side of the Monsant.
The return trip to Falset is via Porrera. From here
the best road is the one that crosses the Coll de la
Teixeta pass, but if you have the time the winding narrow
road from Porrera to Falset will give you a taste of
the real Priorat of times gone by.
|
