The history of Montblanc
Montblanc is a medieval fortified village, with the old town completely surrounded by its medieval walls. Walking in the streets has a special charm because they are inhabited and full of common life and its center is not entirely devote to tourism, like others similar villages.
The village was established at the beginning of the XII century for strategic reasons. Ramon Berenguer IV (Count of Barcelona) wanted to build a strong point in the road that linked Catalonia with France, halfway between Tarragona and Lleida, and was his son, king Alfons II of Aragon, who ordered the relocation of the residents of a neighbour village to Montblanc, and gave the city tax free privileges.
Fighting men of the village were always faithful to kings, accompanying them in their conquests. In exchange, they received good rewards, and over the next years Montblanc became richer and increased its monuments and population to be the most populous city of Catalonia in the XIV century.
With the end of the Catalan-Aragon monarchy came gradually the decline of montblanc and in XVII-XVIII centuries suffered several attacks and lootings.
At the XIX century the city recovered population due to the planting of vineyards, the arrival of the railroad and the industrialization.
Today Montblanc is the capital of the region of Conca de Barbera and has a population of 7,500 inhabitants.
You'll find a more detailed history and much more in this site of the Tourism Office, available in english.
Medieval Week celebration
Every year Montblanc organises a Medieval Week to revive its medieval origin. Streets, squares and towers are embellished with the noble flags and standards. There are a lot of activities that transport the visitors back to the Middle Age: scenes of medieval life, the medieval supper, a concentration of dragons and fire, the medieval market, the performance of the Catalan Courts and so on…
The Medieval Week actually lasts two weeks, beginning on 23th April: Sant Jordi's day (Saint George).
The legend of Saint George has an important role, and one of the main events is the theatrical representation of the legend:
A long time ago, a fierce dragon frightened the people in Montblanc. It ate up the pasture animals to such an extent to threaten the town’s population. So as to avoid the attack of the beast it was decided to give it a person every day. There was a draw among the population, the king’s family was included in it, and the destiny wanted the king’s daughter to be the person chosen. When she was going to be swallowed by the dragon a horseman appeared and saved her of being killed by the dragon. The horseman was Saint George. At the place where the dragon poured out its blood a rosebush with red roses grew. Since then it has been maintained the Catalan tradition in which men give a red rose to their beloved women.
See some photos of the show here.
The Medieval Week of Saint George has turned into the most important and most famous celebration in Montblanc. It has been designated as a Festival of National Tourist interest in Catalonia and in Spain.
Monuments and Folklore
Apart from Pont Vell (Ancient Bridge) and La Muralla (the walls), there is so much to do in Montblanc and its surroundings that you'd better look at the Tourism Office webpage, you'll find a big amount of practical and well structured information.
How to get there
Montblanc is well connected by highway to Barcelona (84 km), Tarragona or Reus (29 km) and Costa Daurada - Salou, Cambrils, ...
There is also public transport by bus and a railway station from where it is possible to visit the city in a walking tour.
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