Lively guided visit to Siurana: legends, Andalusis and geology

What it is

A guided visit of an hour and a half through Siurana's historic ensemble that the education and heritage company Còdol Educació, from Reus, organises for the general public. They call it "lively" because it is not just listening: they have you look, touch, smell and listen to the landscape, rugged and sun-scorched, with all five senses.

The script covers four themes:

• Andalusi Siurana. How the Saracens lived in the last stronghold of al-Andalus in Catalonia, which held out until 1153 or 1154, when Tortosa and Miravet had already fallen.
• The legend of Abdelazia. The Moorish queen who, according to tradition, leapt with her horse into the void rather than surrender, at the spot today called the Salt de la Reina Mora.
• The geology. How the crags on which the village sits were formed, and which today attract climbers from all over the world.
• The artists. The artists who passed through Siurana and were inspired by it.

Along the way you pass the castle ruins, the Romanesque church of Santa Maria and the edge of the cliff: the same as you would see on your own, but understanding what you are looking at.

When

The second Saturday of each month, at 12:00. In the holidays and in summer Còdol Educació adds special dates, which it publishes in its activities calendar. Groups can book private visits on other days, in Catalan, Spanish or English, and in French on request.

Price

• Adults: €12
• Ages 8 to 12: €5
• Under 8: free

Groups have their own prices: ask the company.

How to book

Online, from the booking button on the visit's page on the Còdol Educació website, or by phone (977 327 362) and email ([email protected]). The Cornudella tourist office also provides information about the visits. Book in advance in spring and on long weekends, when more people come up to the village.

Meeting point and how to get there

The visit starts at the Pla dels Portals, the open area at the entrance to the village. Drive up from Cornudella de Montsant and leave the car in the Siurana car parks, paid (€3). On a Saturday at midday they fill up: arrive half an hour early to park and walk to the meeting point.

Language

It is held in Catalan. It can be held in Catalan and Spanish if someone asks and the rest of the group agrees; say so when you book.

Accessibility and what to bring

The route goes along cobbled streets and uneven ground, and the company warns that it is not adapted for people with reduced mobility. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and a cap in summer: at 12 the village has little shade.

With children

The legend of the Moorish queen and the work with the senses help children follow the visit, and up to age 8 they enter free. With babies, a baby carrier is better than a pushchair.

After the visit

You finish at lunchtime in the village itself: the Restaurant Siurana is open at midday except Tuesday and Wednesday. In the afternoon you can do the Camí de la Trona or go down to the reservoir.