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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.
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