Cultural venues on the Costa Daurada

Auditoriums, monasteries, theatres, museums and more essential cultural venues in Costa Daurada regions and towns

Monday 31 March 2014

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Costa Daurada - Priorat

Bellmunt del Priorat Mines and Museum

Museums

With associate Priorat with vines and wines perhaps with olive oil. But is inhabitants have had other ways of making a living, such as working in the mines at Bellmunt, where galena was mined to be transformed into lead. The mine was still working until 1972, and we nowadays we can visit one of its twenty subterranean galleries, which lies some 35 under the ground.

Attractions
Sightseeing

Capçanes has become the new capital of cave paintings in Catalonia following the discover of a concentration of prehistoric paintings, among them a singular mural of 27 figures that represents a slaughter or human sacrifice. The scene is part of the biggest discovery of cave paintings since the early '80s. The group of cave art features 19 paintings representing 150 human and animal figures, among which is a 54cm bull, one of the biggest documented to date. Other of the singularities discovered and that makes the area of Capçanes more important is a group of engravings on the ceiling that represent three deer.

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Escaladei Carthusian Monastery

Attractions
Historic buildings and sites

Located in a unique setting, Escaladei (12th century) was the first Carthusian monastery in the Iberian Peninsula and is a must for all visitors to Priorat. Even though much of the original monastery is now in ruins, you can still get an idea of the splendour of the place from its three cloisters, one of which is fully restored, its church, refectory, a cell that has been thoroughly reconstructed... You can also take advantage of your visit here to explore the surrounding countryside.

Things to do
Food and drink events

This Olive Oil and Productive Economies of Montsant Study Centre boasts two levels: you enter on the top floor and that's where you'll find the visitor information, and where you can see an oil washer in action, as well as a replica of a traditional kitchen. There's also a screening of a short film, 'The fruits of the earth', which helps you become familiar with the Montsant Natural Park and the economic activities that go on here. The lower floor, with more of a museum feel to it and featuring restored pieces, shows you different stages in the oil-production process that you learn via a self-guided tour and an accompanying leaflet. Here you see how the olives are crushed and pressed, decanted through tanks, stored in vats and weighed, and how the oil is transported once it's ready.

Prades Mountains Study Centre

Museums
History

Audiovisual presentations and a museum visit based on interactive modules that engage all of the senses allow visitors to explore the natural and cultural wealth of the Prades Mountains.

Attractions

This centre has three thematic areas, the first offering information on the Serra de Llaberia mountain range, the second on the town of Pratdip, and the third, the most curious one, which explores the world of myth through four stories of magic.

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Castle-Monastery of Escornalbou

Things to do
Event spaces

A castle that is peculiar, to say the least, from a time in which the wealthy bourgeoisie acquired historic buildings and adapted them to their tastes to make them their homes. Eduard Toda rehabilitated a monastery founded in 1153, with excellent views of the surrounding area. So, Sant Miquel d'Escornalbou is part early 20th century manor house and partly the remains of a remarkable religious building.

Museums
History

Located in the old mill and headquarters of the Agricultural Cooperative in Riudecanyes, here we can learn about the history and traditions of this inland region as audiovisual panels and interactive games take us on a trip through its landscapes and products.

Santa Creu Castle in Calafell

Attractions
Historic buildings and sites

Offering magnificent views over the plains of Calafell, you’ll reach this hilltop castle by walking up along narrow streets with a medieval air. It was built here in the twelfth century during the reconquest and repopulation of the territory against the Moors and the old town of Calafell grew in its sheltering shadow. You’ll see the remains of the medieval necropolis with tombs carved into the rock. Above the church is the comunidor, a square building that was open to the four winds and storms and was reputed to ward off both storms and demons and bless the town. You can still see cannon holes in the castle walls.

Attractions
Sightseeing

La Confraria, Calafell fishermen's study centre

The building of the old association of fishermen, the emblematic Pes, is now a study centre that explains a bit of the collective past of Calafell and its fishing history as well as the recent history of the seaside town. the space was created to keep alive the legacy of the 'most wooden' beach on the Catalan shore, as writer Carolos Barral called it. Get to know how the community lived and built itself up, the relationship between patrons and 'remitgers', workers of the sea and land, their social and cultural expressions – a way of life that takes you back to the last century.

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Iberian Settlement in Calafell

Attractions

There are not many places where you can stroll around a reconstruction of an Iberian settlement “in situ”. Following meticulous research, the archaeologists here have reproduced the walls, streets and houses that stood here between the 6th and the 1st centuries BC.

Museums
History

Home of writer and publisher Carlos Barral and one of the few of the old fishermen’s supply shops left in the village. The centre aims to recuperate and promote the traditions and customs of the seafaring community of Calafell and to promote Barral’s literary and publishing work.

Torre del Port

Attractions

The Port Tower (Torre del Port), also known as the Moor’s Tower (Torre dels Moros) is an old coastal watchtower that was built in the 17th century. Its position in the middle of the port has turned it into one of the most well-known buildings in Cambrils, and since the arrival of tourism in the town, it has been an important part of the image that the town wants to project of itself. The building has been designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest, and it hosts occasional temporary exhibitions.

Museums

The Mill of the Three Ages Museum (Museu Molí de les Tres Eres) is a former hydraulic flour mill, and today the main site of the Cambrils History Museum. You can visit its two permanent exhibitions throughout the year – ‘The ancient population of Cambrils’, which is dedicated to archaeology, and ‘The Mill of the Three Ages: living witness of the past’, which explains the original use of the building. In addition, temporary exhibitions and conferences are regularly held at the museum. The site has been designed a Cultural Asset of Local Interest.

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Torre de l'Ermita

Museums

The Hermitage Tower (Torre de l’Ermita) is a medieval defensive tower whose turrets you can visit after you’ve climbed its more than 80 stairs. The view of Cambrils from this high vantage point is certainly worth seeing. Inside the tower, throughout the year you can visit the permanent exhibition ‘A place called Cambrils’, as well as various temporary exhibitions organised by the Cambrils Study Centre. The building is designated as a Cultural Asset of National Interest.

Attractions

This is a site open to the public that displays remains from a villa in the immediate surounds of Tarraco, which was inhabited between 1 BC and 6 AD. The building is designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest.

L'Hospitalet de l'Infant and La Vall de Llors

Ca la Torre

Attractions

Located right next door to the church and the town hall in Vandellòs, Ca la Torre is a manor house that takes its name from its defence tower, which dates from the Middle Ages. Decaled a site of national cultural interest, today it is a cultural centre that provides the town with a variety of services.

Attractions

This old oil mill has been restored and converted into an study centre dedicated to the world of olive oil. Its modern museum exhibits invite visitors to discover and explore the world of olive oil through the mill’s original machinery and the testimony of some of the millers who once worked there.

Miró Centre

Museums

A tribute to an illustrious visitor to the village, this interpretation centre focussing on Joan Miró and his work, occupies an original setting in the old church in Mont-Roig del Camp. We’ll find everything from facsimile reproductions of paintings related to the village to videos on his work and his relationship to Mont-Roig.

Museums
History

A place to explore the world of olive oil through the machines, tools and instruments used by our ancestors to produce it.

Gaudí Centre Reus

Museums
History

Although he designed no building in Reus, the architect Antoni Gaudí is a constant presence in the city. Located in the bustling Plaça del Mercadal, this centre uses the latest technology and spectacular scale models to explore his life and works, making a visit here a complete experience for the senses.

Attractions

Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this psychiatric hospital, considered to be one of the jewels of European Modernisme, is located about 10 minutes drive from the centre of Reus. The magnificent “Pavilion of the Distinguished” is the only part of the ensemble that is open to visits and cultural events, and preserves all of its spectacular original decor (stained glass, ceramics, mosaics, furniture ...). The guided tour is free and lasts approximately 40 minutes

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Reus Museum

Museums
Art and design

The ground floor of this museum hosts temporary exhibitions. Until the end of May you can see an extensive sample of the work of painter Josep Tapiró. On the upper floor there is a permanent collection of archaeological exhibits with pieces from prehistory to modern times.

Museums

This centre is dedicated to the preservation, study and dissemination of the documental and artistic patrimony of the image. Since 2007 it has organized the international Memorimage Festival.

Medieval town of Conesa

Attractions

The historic town centre of Conesa has been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest, and you can only access it through the gateway of Santa Maria or of Sant Antoni, dating from the 14th century. Stroll the streets while exploring the remains of the wall, towers and the parish church of l’Assumpció. For guided tours, you need to make a reservation in advance by calling 626 900 520 / 660 677 465.

Things to do
Walks and tours

In Santa Coloma de Queralt you can go on three types of guided tour: the monument and historic route; the 19th-century route; and the monument route with songs and medieval languages: Gregorian, Occitan, Ancient Castilian, Sephardic... All throughout the year the Santa Coloma de Queralt tourist office organises these guided tours so you can get to know the most interesting spots in the city. For more information and bookings, get in touch with the tourist office.

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Museu del Torró i la Xocolata d'Agramunt

Attractions

Take a journey through history to discover the origins of 'torró' (nougat, traditional at Christmastime) and chocolate, as well as how they're made, and the Turrones Vicens company, via images, sounds and scents. Around October 12 in Agramunt they celebrate a fair dedicated to torró and chocolate.

Things to do
Event spaces

The most important Cistercian convent in Catalonia, Santa Maria de Vallbona is still inhabited by nuns after some 850 years of history. Though more humble in appearance than the Monasteries of Poblet and Santes Creus, it’s worth visiting to see its austere but beautiful cloister, its bare chapterhouse and the single-nave church, as well as its archives that are rich with historical documents.

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Centre d’interpretació del tèxtil i Museu Agrícola La Fàbrica

Things to do
Cultural centres

La Fábrica Textile Study Centre and Agriculture Museum was an industrial complex that encompassed the factory, the chimney, the house, the pond, and the grounds of the Martí Llopart and Trenchs textile factory that was founded in El Pla in 1916, and which employed many people who lived in the town and surrounding areas. Highlights include the modernista elements and the pond, which is surprisingly large. Today in one of the naves is the Agriculture Museum, and you'll also find the textile Study Centre with three century-old looms, an interactive table and a promotional video.To arrange a visit, get in touch with the Town Hall at 97 763 00 06.

Attractions

The Mixarda Tower (Torre de la Mixarda) is a circular watchtower, 10 metres high and 6 metres in diameter. It was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and has been designated a Cultural Asset of National Interest. You can visit its interior, where you’ll find a study centre on watchtowers. To get there, from Figuerola del Camp take the path towards Valls, then follow the green flags.

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Museu de la Vida Rural

Museums
Natural history

The Museum of Rural Life (El Museu de la Vida Rural) in l’Espluga de Francolí, explores all the characteristics of traditional life in the towns and villages of Catalonia, with special reference to agricultural labourers as a key feature of rural life. It has a varied collection of items related to traditional life, culture, agricultural workers, arts and craft trades on permanent show. The collections are divided into various sections installed in such a way as to discover the Catalan rural world through time up to the present day.

Museums
Science and technology

Take a stroll and a leap through time at the Cal Trepat factory, the main manufacturer of agricultural machinery in the whole of Spain during the middle of the 19th century. This museum is part of the Network of Science and Technical Museums of Catalonia.

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Medieval complex of Guimerà

Attractions

This is a charming village with a significant historical part. Guimerà still has its medieval street layout, which climbs up to the church of Santa Maria and the remains of the local castle, from where you can enjoy magnificent views. During August, a medieval market takes place here with a privileged natural backdrop.

Things to do
Event spaces

Santa Maria del Mar Church (Salou)

Attractions
Historic buildings and sites

This is Salou’s oldest religious building, it has maritime origins, and it's important for its mural paintings by Josep M. Güell, dating from the mid 20th century, as well as for the mural that decorates the baptistery, which was painted by Joan Garriga in 1964.

Museums
Art and design

Dating from the mid-16th century, Torre Vella conserves its original façades but has been modernized inside and, together with the adjoining building, is now a cultural centre hosting art exhibitions and housing the Museum of Contemporary Enamels.

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Masia Catalana

Attractions

This group of buildings was originally built as a nativity scene, and still stands today, together with rural implements and farm animals in a space of more than 5,000 square metres. There are a number of playgrounds for kids, and in the summer months you'll find a crafts market, while in December and January there is a nativity scene.

Vil·la Romana de Centcelles

Things to do

Located in Constantí, just 6 kilometres from Tarragona, is an important monument in Paleochristian art. In one of the rooms you can take in the Roman world's oldest Christian-themed dome mosaic, preserved in its entirety. You can opt to take a guided tour, and they organise activities for kids. The Villa has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attractions

This old house, surrounded by palm trees and located at the end of the Passeig Marítim in Torredembarra, was built at the start of the 20th century by some summer residents of the town, and it’s currently the headquarters for the management of Areas of Natural Interest of the Muntanyans.

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Roman Amphitheatre

Things to do
Event spaces

Possibly the best known image of Tarragona is that of its amphitheatre beside the sea. Oval in shape and with the stands sculpted into the rock, it was the venue for gladiatorial combats between men and men and men and animals, as well as for public executions. A Visigoth basilica was built here in the 6th century and it was also the site of the construction of a later medieval church.

Things to do
Event spaces

Tarragona Cathedral, Cloister and Diocesan Museum

The Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Tecla, stands at the highest point of the city, and was consecrated in 1331. It’s worth visiting to see the cloister, an exceptional architectural and sculptural ensemble dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The Diocesan Museum has a remarkable collection of tapestries.

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National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona

Museums
Art and design

This is the oldest archaeological museum in Catalonia and an important centre for the recovery, conservation, research and dissemination of the heritage of the Roman city of Tarraco and its area of influence. On display are numerous pieces from the Roman era and the mosaics are considered to be of special value. Other sites also make up the museum, including the Roman villas of Munts and Centelles.

Things to do
Event spaces

A visit to two of the most important constructions that remain from the Roman period. Firstly the circus, built in the first century AD with an estimated capacity for 30,000 spectators. While a lot of it is now buried under the streets of the city, some of the original construction is still visible. It is connected by underground passageways to the Praetorian tower, which housed the stairs that allowed people to pass from the lower city to the provincial forum, and which, in the sixteenth century, became the palace of the kings of the Crown of Aragon.

Casa Museu Àngel Guimerà

Museums

Tour the house where Àngel Guimerà, the author of acclaimed, often-staged Catalan plays like 'Terra Baixa' and 'Mar i Cel', started to write his poetry, before going on to find success as a playwright.

Attractions

Located in the artist’s summer residence and studio, a restored 16th century building with a beautiful Mediterranean garden, the Foundation’s museum contains an important collection of original sculptures in terracotta and plaster, as well as a selection of monumental bronzes.

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Pau Casals House Museum

Museums
History

This house-museum near the sea is where the musician Pau Casals rested during his breaks between world tours and where visitors can now explore his career and the gardens, sculpture gallery and music room of the house, which was reformed by architect Antoni Puig i Gairalt in the 1930s.

Attractions
Historic buildings and sites

In the centre of Vendrell we can visit the house in which Pau Casals was born and where he spent his childhood and youth. It’s a humble house with furniture dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. The guided visits allow visitors to learn about the human side of Catalonia’s greatest cellist and explore his origins and how his home town greeted the news of his death.

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Deu Museum

Museums
Art and design

This is one of the most important art collections open to the public in Catalonia, thanks to the donations of the notary Antoni Deu. The ground floor rug room is exceptional, as are the upper floors with valuable examples of sculptures, jewellery and blown glass.

Vila-seca Castle

Attractions

Located to the north of Vila-seca, the castle is neo-medieval in style and was acquired by the town council only a decade ago. Highlights include the Olzina Tower, which is believed to be of Roman origin. The tower is quadrangular and has an inner perimeter of 5.10 x 4.25 m. and its outer walls are built of large ashlars, with a thickness of six feet. The only way of seeing inside the building is to attend the acts that are held here since it isn’t usually open to the public.

Music
Music venues

Adjoining the Conservatory of Music, this auditorium bearing the name of Catalonia’s best known tenor has a diverse programme of classical and popular music concerts. It also occasionally hosts conventions and symposiums.

Costa Daurada must-see cultural venues

Travel

Auditoriums, monasteries, theatres, museums and more essential cultural venues in Costa Daurada regions and towns Baix Camp Mountains of Prades Interpretation Centre Audiovisual presentations and a museum visit based on interactive modules that engage all of the senses allow visitors to explore the natural and cultural wealth of the Mountains of Prades. Serra de Llaberia Interpretation Centre This centre has three thematic areas, the first offering information on the Serra de Llaberia mountain range, the second on the town of Pratdip, and the third, the most curious one, which explores the world of myth through four stories of magic. Castle-Monastery of Escornalbou A castle that is peculiar, to say the least, from a time in which the wealthy bourgeoisie acquired historic buildings and adapted them to their tastes to make them their homes. Eduard Toda rehabilitated a monastery founded in 1153, with excellent views of the surrounding area. So, Sant Miquel d'Escornalbou is part early 20th century manor house and partly the remains of a remarkable religious building. Fruits of the Landscape Interpretation Centre Located in the old mill and headquarters of the Agricultural Cooperative in Riudecanyes, here we can learn about the history and traditions of this inland region as audiovisual panels and interactive games take us on a trip through its landscapes and products. Spring and summer getaways on the Costa Daurada Baix Camp Where the Costa Daurada meets the mountains One of the

Travel

Recommended restaurants on the Costa Daurada

Time Out Barcelona's selection of the best restaurants and bars for a gastronomic getaway to taste the best Costa Daurada has to offer Baix Camp L'Estanc This restaurant's name comes from the fact that it is housed in what was once the tobacconist’s shop in Prades. But you won’t notice the smell of tobacco: this small restaurant offering home cooking using traditional, simple recipes has been open for three decades now. Once past the entrance arches, if you feel like eating something solid, order a butifarrada – an assortment of local sausages - or grilled lamb served with garnish. La Cuineta i el Fornet Located in Borges del Camp, this cosy restaurant with a double diminutive name serves up excellent dishes of snails, grilled meat, pig’s trotters and, when in season, calçots. This is market style cuisine served in peaceful surroundings. And in summer you can also enjoy a pleasant after-dinner cocktail. La Cuina d'en Carlos If you’d like to try some mountain-style cuisine, consisting of game dishes, stews, grilled meat, cold cuts or cheeses, all washed down with good local wine, La Cuina d'en Carlos, located next door to the Chapel of Santa Marina in the village of Pratdip, is an excellent choice. These are uncomplicated dishes but feature high quality produce served in a relaxing and friendly environment. If you’re with a group you can ask for a tailored group menu. Ca l'Amadeu Serving home-style local cuisine, this restaurant is located on the first floor of a rustic hotel.

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Top Costa Daurada accommodations

Travel

Hotels, hostals and cottages where you can stay in Costa Daurada towns and regions Baix Camp Mas Mariassa Set in an idyllic location, surrounded by the mountains of the Serra de Llaberia and very near the village of Pratdip, this gastronomic hotel occupies a fully restored Catalan farmhouse. In summer you can have a moonlight dip in the swimming pool or relax in the hot waters of the jacuzzi. But be sure to book well in advance because there are only seven rooms, all of which are spacious and modern and have terraces. Aire de Colldejou Located at the foot of Mola de Colldejou, this small rustic hotel has only five rooms, all equipped with terraces and offering views of the magnificent landscapes that lie all around, in which peace and quiet are essential elements. During their stay here, guests have free access to the village’s municipal swimming pool. The hotel restaurant serves market style mountain cuisine. Davall Plaça The dream of a couple from Capafonts came true a few years ago, when they opened this hotel with eight rooms and plenty of cosy corners to relax in, such as the library and the garden. It also has a small pool and a restaurant with modern elements like its red colour scheme and cylindrical shaped lamps. Rated four stars, it is also a good starting point for excursions and visits to the surrounding area. Cal Barber Always a good choice, this hotel in Botarell has modern style room that contrast exquisitely with the original structure and stone walls of the

Travel

Festivals and events on the Costa Daurada

From music and film to arts and entertainment, discover the best festivals and events taking place on the Costa Daurada throughout the year More info on the Costa Daurada Cultural venues Auditoriums, monasteries, theatres, museums and more essential cultural venues in Costa Daurada regions and towns Baix Camp Mountains of Prades Interpretation Centre Audiovisual presentations and a museum visit based on interactive modules that engage all of the senses allow visitors to explore the natural and cultural wealth of the Mountains of Prades. Serra de Llaberia Interpretation Centre This centre has three thematic areas, the first offering information on the Serra de Llaberia mountain range, the second on the town of Pratdip, and the third, the most curious one, which explores the world of myth through four stories of magic. Castle-Monastery of Escornalbou A castle that is peculiar, to say the least, from a time in which the wealthy bourgeoisie acquired historic buildings and adapted them to their tastes to make them their homes. Eduard Toda rehabilitated a monastery founded in 1153, with excellent views of the surrounding area. So, Sant Miquel d'Escornalbou is part early 20th century manor house and partly the remains of a remarkable religious building. Fruits of the Landscape Interpretation Centre Located in the old mill and headquarters of the Agricultural Cooperative in Riudecanyes, here we can learn about the history and traditions of this inland region as audiovisual panels an

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Cultural venues on the Costa Daurada

Costa Daurada - Priorat

Bellmunt del Priorat Mines and Museum

Capçanes cave paintings

Escaladei Carthusian Monastery

Centre d'Interpretació de l'Oli

Baix Camp

Prades Mountains Study Centre

Serra de Llaberia Study Centre

Castle-Monastery of Escornalbou

Fruits of the Landscape Study Centre

Calafell

Santa Creu Castle in Calafell

La Confraria, Calafell fishermen's study centre

Iberian Settlement in Calafell

Casa Barral Museum

Cambrils

Torre del Port

Museu Molí de les Tres Eres

Torre de l'Ermita

Roman villa of La Llosa

L'Hospitalet de l'Infant and La Vall de Llors

Ca la Torre

Olive Oil Museum

Mont-roig del Camp - Miami Platja

Miró Centre

Solé Oil Museum

Reus

Gaudí Centre Reus

Pere Mata Institute

Reus Museum

Mas Iglesias Centre for the Image

La Ruta del Cister

Medieval town of Conesa

Guided tours of Santa Coloma de Queralt

Museu del Torró i la Xocolata d'Agramunt

Santa Maria de Vallbona Convent

Centre d’interpretació del tèxtil i Museu Agrícola La Fàbrica

Torre de la Mixarda

Museu de la Vida Rural

J. Trepat Factory Museum in Tàrrega

Medieval complex of Guimerà

Santa Maria de Vallbona Convent

Salou

Santa Maria del Mar Church (Salou)

Torre Vella Art Centre

Masia Catalana

Tarragona

Vil·la Romana de Centcelles

Can Bofill

Roman Amphitheatre

Tarragona Cathedral, Cloister and Diocesan Museum

National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona

Praetorian Tower and Roman Circus

El Vendrell and Coma-ruga

Casa Museu Àngel Guimerà

Apel·les Fenosa Foundation

Pau Casals House Museum

Pau Casals’ birthplace

Deu Museum

Vila-seca and La Pineda Platja

Vila-seca Castle

Josep Carreras Auditorium

More info on the Costa Daurada

Costa Daurada must-see cultural venues

Recommended restaurants on the Costa Daurada

Top Costa Daurada accommodations

Festivals and events on the Costa Daurada