Baronia d’Escornalbou: a hidden gem in the heart of Costa Daurada

Pantà de Riudecanyes

ARGENTERA, L'

COLLDEJOU

DUESAIGÜES

PRADELL DE LA TEIXETA

RIUDECANYES

TORRE DE FONTAUBELLA, LA

VILANOVA D'ESCORNALBOU

Seven villages make up what is known as Baronia d’Escornalbou, a privileged inland area in Costa Daurada that, in medieval times, was ruled from the castle bearing its name. Have you ever heard about them?

Founded in the 12th century, the castle-monastery of Escornalbou still preserves part of its cloister, offering breathtaking views over the coastline. Make sure you visit the Romanesque church and explore the castle rooms that Eduard Toda transformed into an elegant manor house in the early 20th century. Today, visitors can discover these spaces through guided tours and immersive theatrical experiences led by Quitèria, the castle’s legendary maid.

Surrounded by almost ninety hectares of woodland, the castle stands in a unique geological setting shaped by distinctive red sandstone formations. No fewer than eighteen historic paths converge here, inviting visitors to explore an extraordinary natural landscape.

Duesaigües

The villages
Historically, the Baronia included l’Argentera, Colldejou, Duesaigües, Pradell de la Teixeta, Riudecanyes, la Torre de Fontaubella and Vilanova d’Escornalbou — a true inland haven in Costa Daurada.

L’Argentera
Nestled among pine forests and holm oaks, l’Argentera stands out for its character and heritage. Highlights include the baroque façade of the church of Sant Bartomeu and Casa Cabrer, restored by Eduard Toda using elegant red-stone voussoirs.

Colldejou
Set between Serra de Llaberia and Mola de Colldejou, this village offers hiking routes to the summit of Perdigotes or along the Costes del Jau. It also preserves remnants of the Carlist Wars walls, the parish church of Sant Llorenç and the remains of an old fort.

Duesaigües
The village stretches between the Enseula and Masos ravines. The Masos viaduct, built in 1893, stands as an impressive and valuable piece of heritage.

Castell-Monestir Escornalbou

Pradell de la Teixeta
Surrounded by the vineyards of the DO Montsant wine designation of origin, this village exudes rural charm. Its natural surroundings hide the Rector and Petitot caves, as well as numerous traditional dry-stone huts.

Riudecanyes
The largest municipality in the Barony is home to the Escornalbou castle and an interpretation centre devoted to olive trees and the agricultural landscape. A scenic walking path leads to the nearby reservoir.

La Torre de Fontaubella
The village grew around the Rafolí tower, of which remains can still be seen today. From here, the Mola mountain dominates the horizon, and its network of paths offers spectacular routes.

Vilanova d’Escornalbou
A gateway to exploring the surrounding countryside, with routes such as the hermitages trail, the lookout point and the Baix Camp lighthouse. In the village centre, highlights include the modernist former school building, the agricultural cooperative and the olive oil interpretation centre housed in a traditional farm structure.

Exploring the inland Costa Daurada is a gift for the senses, at any time of year. Ready to experience it?

Photos: Escornalbou, Duesaigües and Pantà de Riudecanyes @LopezMonne and @muntanyescd