Among the hidden jewels of Spain, this medieval village in Catalonia deserves the detour. Find out why this unknown treasure of the French has so much charm and history.
Spain is full of wonders that attract millions of French tourists every year. The latter will naturally tend to quote Barcelona and its Sagrada Familia, Madrid and its Royal Palace or its Retiro park, the beaches of San Sebastian or Balearic … Among the essentials, are also the Alhambra of Grenada, the fantastic landscapes From the Canaries, via the animated alleys of Seville. In short, there is no shortage of Spanish treasures! There are also hidden villages, known by few French tourists: here is one of the most beautiful, in the heart of Catalonia.
Do you know Montblanc? This medieval village nestled in Catalonia is one of the most beautiful in Spain, and yet it is still unknown to French travelers. Montblanc owed its origin in the 12th century, when the Count of Barcelona Ramon Berenguer IV undertook to repopulate the region after the Reconquista. In 1163, King Alphonse I the chaste granted to Montblanc the title of “Royal City”, giving it privileges which favored his boom. The city became a major political and commercial center of the crown of Aragon, as evidenced by its impressive medieval architecture.
The ramparts, erected between 1366 and 1383 under the reign of Pierre IV of Aragon, extend over 1.5 km. Diggled with 30 laps and monumental doors like those of Sant Jordi and Bover, they effectively protect the city during the conflicts of the time. Local curiosity, many current houses still share their walls with these fortifications, a trick to optimize intramural space.
But Montblanc is above all the theater of the legendary story of Sant Jordi terraging the Dragon, recalled by the Spanish magazine Viajar. Each April 23, Catalonia celebrates this feast of lovers where it is customary to offer a rose, in memory of that born from the blood of the Dragon Ocis by the Holy Harder. It is also an opportunity to pay tribute to two literature giants, Cervantes and Shakespeare, both disappeared on April 22 and 23, 1616.
To discover Montblanc, stroll through its alleys or go for its flagship monuments. The Santa María La Major church is a jewel of Catalan Gothic, while the former Santa Magdalena hospital testifies to the care brought to pilgrims in the Middle Ages. On Plaça Major, give yourself a break on the terrace before walking the ramparts to enjoy breathtaking views!
The best time to visit Montblanc? During the “Setmana Medieval”, a colorful medieval festival holding each year around April 23. Knights, troubadours and craftsmen then invest the streets to recreate the atmosphere of the time, with a highlight a spectacle retracing the epic of Sant Jordi. A unique experience not to be missed to go back in time and unravel all the secrets of this Catalan city with intact charm …