Terres de l'Ebre| Useful information | Find out about us | Routes and proposals | Journey planner | Agenda

• Active tourism

• Culture and history

• Festivals and Events

• Gastronomy

• Nature and eco-tourism

• Rural tourism

• Beaches and the coast

• River navigation

• Birdwatching

• Fishing and hunting

• Meetings

  
  

HISTORICAL AND MONUMENTAL HERITAGE, civil architecture

Much architectural heritage has been left by the existence of important nobility (ecclesiastic or secular) and the bourgois in these regions. Some of these buildings are still private residences, while many have become town halls, libraries, museums or other kinds of public buildings. However, public works were not only limited to residences. In these regions, part of civil architecture is also linked to the Ebre river. One of the oldest examples of such is Xerta Lock; there are more modern examples like the suspension bridge in Amposta

Emblematic, modern cellars in Terra Alta must be included among the most remarkable architectural elements, the most outstanding ones are in Pinell de Brai and Gandesa, and are really unique. In this civil section we should also include old prisons and roads which have been constructed over the centuries, one of the best examples is Via Augusta to El Perelló, dating back to Roman times. More recently the Vall de Zafán railway line was built which joins Tortosa and Puebla de Híjar (to the Aragón Community). After years without operating, the rail line which crosses Terres de l'Ebre has been made suitable for cycle-tourism with the creation of the so-named Via Verda (Green Route) in Terra Alta and Baix Ebre.

Technical work

Some of the technical work in Terres de l’Ebre is so beautiful or magnificent that it is of touristic interest. In the south of Catalonia, most of this practical, functional, civil architecture is near to the Ebre river. One of the oldest examples of this kind of heritage is Xerta Lock, a dam of Arab origin, but it was actually finished in the fifteenth century. It is 300 metres long and crosses the river diagonally, with the aim of diverting water into irrigation channels. There are other more modern bridges crossing the Ebre which have a visual impact. The most unique being Amposta Suspension bridge which was built between 1915 and 1921 in a neo-classical style. It was the first of its kind to be built and has become a landmark in the city. Arcades Bridge in Móra d'Ebre also has certain relevance; it was built in 1943 and has a reinforced concrete structure. We can take guided routes from La Fatarella to visit different traditional water wheels and mills, both are related to the use of water, but not from the Ebre.

Modern cellars

Modern architecture is closely linked to urban, social and economic development. In the fields of Terres de l'Ebre this architectural style has acquired special importance: mechanization of agricultural activities and modification of work organization created a need for new buildings to be constructed. In the Terra Alta region wine-makers joined forces to build stately co-operative cellars, popularly known as "wine cathedrals". There are some magnificent examples of these in Gandesa and Pinell de Brai.

Roads

In Roman times, the Via Augusta linking Rome to Cadis crossed Baix Ebre and Montsià. At certain points along this road there were "mutations" small buildings which were used for changing horses or taking a rest. It seems that one of these places was situated near to what is now the town of El Perelló, where sections of the road, totalling 4 km have been preserved, along with some wells, also dating back to the same period. Close to Montsià, this road divides into two: one going along the coast (passing through Amposta and La Foia d'Ulldecona) and the other inland (to La Galera). There are different signposted routes to see the remains of this thousand year old road which often converges with present day roads.