Question 1

What is the Serra del Montsant?

Accepted Answer

The Serra del Montsant — the 'holy mountain' — is a protected natural park (Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant, declared in 2002) in the Priorat comarca of Catalonia, Spain. It is known for its sheer cliffs, centuries-old vineyards, olive groves and nine medieval hermitages, and is the heart of the DOQ Priorat wine region.

Question 2

How high is the Montsant?

Accepted Answer

The highest summit of the Serra del Montsant is Roca Corbatera, at 1,163 metres. The highest hermitage, Mare de Deu (Santa Maria) de Montsant, stands at 1,027 m just below the summit.

Question 3

How many hermitages are there in the Montsant?

Accepted Answer

Nine hermitages are scattered across the Serra del Montsant, each beside its own village. The range takes its name from the hermits who lived there in the early Middle Ages.

Question 4

Where is the Montsant located?

Accepted Answer

The Serra del Montsant is located in the Priorat comarca, in the province of Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain. Its approximate geographic centre is 41.275 N, 0.752 E.

Question 5

What villages are around the Montsant?

Accepted Answer

Villages around the Montsant include Ulldemolins, La Morera de Montsant, Escaladei (Scala Dei), Margalef de Montsant, Cabaces, La Figuera, Cornudella de Montsant, Albarca, Siurana and Gratallops.

Question 6

What is the DOQ Priorat?

Accepted Answer

DOQ Priorat (Denominacio d'Origen Qualificada Priorat) is one of only two wine regions in Catalonia with the highest quality classification. Its red wines of garnatxa and carinyena are grown on the slate (llicorella) slopes around the Montsant.

Question 7

Can you hike in the Montsant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Parc Natural de la Serra de Montsant offers many hiking routes, from easy walks to the hermitages near Ulldemolins to the ascent of Roca Corbatera. Route details are found on the panels in the nature park.