Prenafeta (Montblanc), Conca de Barberà

About the place:

What about discovering a ghost town at the foot of the mountains of Miramar?
Following the ancient stone path, you will find the ruins of the first villave of Prenafeta where residents sought the protection of the mountain and the castle of their masters during the most dangerous moments in the Middle Ages.

At about 800 meters high, dominating much of the Conca de Barbera, you’ll find the castle of Prenafeta (eleventh century) built on land donated by the Counts of Barcelona. In the twelfth century the castle falls into the hands of Muslims, but the property was quickly retaken by Ramon Berenguer IV.

In the fourteenth century the settlers left the village because of the plague.

A walk in the footsteps of medieval villagers!

Direction tips:

You'll find access to new village of Prenafeta at N240 between km 35 and 36, exit Montblanc - Prenafeta. You should follow the TV2421 to reach the village. Continue until almost the end of the street of the village. Before reaching a square with a fountain (the end of the street), you’ll find an esplanade on the left where you can park your car. From here you continue on foot. You have to go to the square with the fountain and follow the street that will turn left. At this point you will find an indicator. Then take the road that goes up to the, mountain on your right towards Figuerola del Camp following the red and white signs of GR175. Just next to the entrance of a house you will find a small path that climbs the mountain. Follow it. When you arrive to a fork with a stome with a yellow mark, you have to continue straight on towards the indicators. 

10 minutes from the start pint you’ll reach a wider path. Cross it in order to climb the stairs in direction of Miramar (GR7). At the next fork you should take the path that goes left. 10 minuts later you’ll arrive again to a crossroad. Go left following the indicator towards Figuerola del Camp. Immidiatly you’ll have to turn left again, following the wooden indicators towards the castle. In a few minutes you will find the ruins of abandoned village of Prenafeta. You should follow the main road through the village that after passing the first house turns left. At the next fork you must follow the path that takes you right up to an esplanade. On the left you will find the access to a new trail that will take you to the Romanesque church of San Salvador. Before reaching the church, you will find a bifurcation where you will have to go to the right. 

Half an hour from the staring point you will reach the church, which still retains the apse and the arches in quite good conditions. You must continue the path towards the source (font) to reach a track. At this point you go left and immediately left to pass by a cottage where you’ll hear the sound of water (the source). From here you follow the green marks to the castle. The last stretch is very narrow with ravines, so be very careful with children. In about 50 minutes from the start, you will reach the Castle where you can enjoy of some good views over the Conca de Barbera. You must undo the path to return to the car.

The best season:

spring, autumn, winter

Lunch tips:

If you are looking for a place for lunch, go to the restaurant Els Pins de Prenafeta, a rural setting with a giant chess game. If you prefer to have a picnic, you’ll find an esplanade with some stones (no banks or tables) halfway in the old town of Prenafeta.

More info:

Difficulty: medium
Type: linear route
Distance: approx. 4 km (two ways)
Duration: approx. 1h20 (including return)
Accessibility: It’s always way up to the castle. The last stretch is very narrow next to ravines, so watch the kids..
Recommendations: use mountain shoes and take water with you.

Photo: © ExploraTgn.cat