Discover Rocallaura: the history of Tallat and walking routes

Rocallaura brings together a hilltop village at the upper end of the Maldanell Valley, the history of Tallat, seasonal processions and walking routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Rocallaura, you can first narrow down the purpose of your trip: are you most interested in historical and religious traditions, would you like to explore on foot, or are you interested in the spa resort? These different focal points offer different ways to experience the village.

Village layout and landscape

Rocallaura sits on a hill at the upper end of the Maldanell Valley. The village is clustered in narrow, winding streets around its parish church. From the hill, Rocallaura overlooks parts of the Serra del Tallat, ravines and the Maldanell Valley. Both the tightly knit street layout and the views of the landscape shape the village. Font Vella is another destination for a short walk: from Rocallaura, the path leads towards the neighbouring village of Belltall; it is less than half a kilometre away.

The history of Tallat and traces of the village

Tallat first appears in documentary records in 1058. The church of the Santuari del Tallat, on the other hand, was built in 1354 by the inhabitants of Rocallaura in honour of the Virgin Mary. The two dates mark different historical points of reference: the first mention of Tallat and, almost three centuries later, the construction of the church. A 14th-century polychrome wooden statue of the Virgin of Tallat is now kept in Rocallaura and carried in a procession to the Santuari del Tallat every year.

Parts of the castle wall also remain; today they form the foundations of some houses. The Refugi Antiaeri is a shelter and machine-gun nest from the Spanish Civil War. Thus, in addition to the traditions associated with Tallat, architectural traces and a military relic are also among Rocallaura’s historical points of reference.

The pilgrimage through the year

From after Easter until mid-June, people from the surrounding villages gather in Rocallaura on successive weekends in procession. They celebrate the pilgrimage to Tallat and venerate the Virgin Mary. This seasonal period sets the tradition apart from the permanent historical traces in the village. If the procession is important for your travel dates, check the specific weekend dates in advance.

Walking routes with different points of interest

The PR-C58 Serra del Tallat circular hiking route leads to Tossal Gros, the highest peak in the comarca at 804 metres. The PR-C58 is also signposted to the L2 Observatori d’Artilleria. The long-distance GR 175 La Ruta del Cister passes very close to Rocallaura. The route descriptions provide different guidance: the PR-C58 focuses on a circular route and summit destination, while the GR 175 is notable for passing close to the village.

Another destination is Font Vella. You can reach it on foot from Rocallaura via the path towards the neighbouring village of Belltall in less than half a kilometre. This means you can plan around three different points of reference: a named summit destination, a long-distance trail passing close to the village, and a destination a short distance away.

Spa tradition and thermal facilities

Rocallaura’s spa tradition began in 1909, when Aigua de Rocallaura was recognised as being of public benefit. The Balneari de Rocallaura offers massages and thermal treatments, as well as a thermal circuit with an activity pool, sauna, whirlpool and contrast showers. The spa’s history therefore spans its origins and specific treatments and facilities in the thermal circuit. If you would like to include these facilities in your travel plans, check their availability in advance.

For the wider travel overview: Vallbona De Les Monges.