Subida a El Montmell
We propose the ascent to the highest peak of the Montmell mountain range, the Talaia, an exceptional viewpoint of the Baix Penedès to make the route of the hermitages. Perhaps it is the most classic route in this area. `Talaia del Montmell´ is the highest peak in the Baix Penedès region. As its name suggests, it is located in the Sierra de Montmell range and is an excellent viewpoint of the whole region, reaching to see the Sierra de Prades, Montserrat, Montseny, and Sant Llorenç mountains and even the sea. During the route, we will enjoy the typically Mediterranean fields like vineyards, almond trees or olive trees. The white pine is also one of the protagonists during the whole itinerary. We start from Juncosa del Montmell, specifically in the picnic area at the new church of Sant Miquel, dating from 1598. From here, we will ascend to the hermitage, the cross and climb the ridge towards the `Talaia de Montmell´ summit. On the way back, we will continue the mountain range to the Coll de l'Arca and we will connect with Puig de la Cova, another important summit of the area, which will allow us to return to Juncosa making a very pleasant circular route.
Route type: Circular route
Point of departure and arrival: Juncosa de Montmell
Distance: 11.240 km
Duration: 3 hours and 24 minutes
Cumulative altitude difference: 850 meters
Points of interest: On the route, we pass by the Romanesque hermitage of Sant Marc after a slight climb. The location of this building is surprising, very aerial and in a very steep area. It dates back to the 11th century and was rebuilt in 1949. Inside are a stone altar and wooden benches. Only 20km away we find the Santes Creus Monastery. Of the three Cistercian monasteries, Santes Creus is the one who reproduces more faithfully the plan of construction of Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Cistercian Order. It is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian monastic complexes that we can visit today. Founded in 1168, protected by the nobility and the kings, it became a spiritual center, of studies and colonization of the territory.