The arrival in this town in Tarragona is one to remember, with its medieval castle reflected in the river, its old town and its history. Are you in?
Just two hours from Barcelona and on the banks of the second longest river in the Peninsula is one of the jewels of Terres de l’Ebre, a picturesque place to remember and enjoy its streets, gastronomy and history, and, above all, its castle, which is reflected in the river. This is Miravet!
Miravet is one of those villages that not only surprises with its scenic beauty, in a meander of the river Ebro, but also seduces with its history. Thanks to its strategic location, this town has witnessed most of the wars that the Peninsula has experienced, from the Muslim domination to the Spanish Civil War. We tell you what to see in this small Catalan town that captivates with its medieval charm.
1. Crossing the last boat crossing
A good way to get to this peculiar Catalan village is to cross the Ebro River. Don’t miss the Miravet boat crossing, a river transport system that has been operating without an engine for centuries and allows you to cross the river from one bank to the other in the most original way: you just have to put your car on this ferry, which moves forward thanks to the skill of the boatman, who moves metal cables and propels the boat until it reaches the other side. The ride is a short but adventurous one! And if you don’t have a car, you can also get on the Paso de Barca and cross the river Ebro while you enjoy the pleasant scenery that alerts you to what you will see ahead, as you can see the Miravet Castle in the background. You will arrive directly at the Plaza del Arenal and the side car park from where you can start your itinerary on foot through the village as access by car is restricted: only residents are allowed.
◊Practical information
+info: Boat crossing – Miravet
2. Miravet Castle
The fortress, of Arab origin and profoundly reformed in the 12th century, crowns an imposing hill at the top of the village and is one of the best architectural examples of the Order of the Templars in Europe. The first building dates from the 8th century and was one of the last Muslim strongholds in Catalonia, but was eventually occupied by Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona, who handed it over to the Templar Order. Miravet Castle, which dominates the landscape from its strategic position, consists of different enclosures, including the parade ground and the Romanesque chapel. And don’t miss a walk around the walls, from where you can enjoy fantastic views of the Ebro and the surrounding countryside.
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3. Stroll through the Old Town
It is not for nothing that Miravet is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia. All you have to do is visit its picturesque old quarter or “Cap de la Vila” and lose yourself in its narrow medieval cobbled streets, which conserve the original porticoes and stone houses and will transport you to the atmosphere of a very ancient era. Don’t miss gems such as the Molino Viejo, the Palacio del Comendador or the Portal del Motxi. And don’t leave without visiting the traditional pottery shops, where you can buy unique pieces of pottery, and don’t forget to try the clotxa, a typical local dish made with peasant bread filled with tomato, garlic, onion and sardines, as well as the delicious pastries.
◊ Practical information:
+info: Where to eat in Miravet
4. Don’t miss the Old Church
In the centre of the village stands the Iglesia Vieja (Old Church), a Renaissance temple built by the Order of the Hospital on the site of the old mosque. It was abandoned after a new church was built in the lower part of the village. But after years of abandonment, the building was restored and redecorated with Baroque paintings by local artists. Its dome, decorated with engravings with a hole from a bomb hit during the Civil War, also stands out. It also conserves a stone table made by the Templars in the 12th century, which was originally from the castle. It currently hosts a series of exhibitions, concerts, auctions, book presentations and other cultural activities.
◊ Practical information:
+info: Plan your guided tour here
5. Sign up for the activities on the Ebro river and around Miravet
One of the best things to do in Miravet is to go canoeing along the river Ebro. There are several companies that offer this service. But if you fancy hiking, routes such as the GR-99 (Ebro Trail), the Cameta Coixa trails or the Tamarigar trails are a good alternative. And if you plan your trip to Miravet well, you can make the most of its surroundings: for example, you could sign up for the 3Ces Route, which offers a visit to three different places with a long history, such as Miravet Castle, the Modernist Cooperative of El Pinell (where you can visit the Cathedral of Wine or the scenes of the Battle of the Ebro) and the Caves of Benifallet (discovered in 1968 and with important formations and unique beauty).
◊ Practical information
Conclusion
To walk through Miravet is to enter a setting worthy of a film, a village that belongs to an era of Knights Templar and allows you to learn about part of Catalan history. But it is also a source of inspiration and disconnection amidst beautiful landscapes and a majestic viewpoint overlooking the Ebro River, which flows unhurriedly by. Here time stands still while you enjoy a canoe ride or sample the rich gastronomy of one of the most beautiful villages in Catalonia.
