How to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?
Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera is a mountain shrine at an elevation of 1.008m (3,307ft) above sea level, located in the comarca of Baix Camp, in southern Catalonia, Spain.
Where is l'Abellera shrine?
The shrine is located in the province of Tarragona, in the northeastern part of the country. From the shrine, deep in the mountains, the views are breathtaking.
Why is l'Abellera shrine famous?
The Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera is a historic chapel in Catalonia, possibly dating back to 1570, built into a cave on a cliff. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. According to legend, a shepherd found the Virgin statue in an oak tree, which returned to its original spot each time he tried to take it. The chapel is also connected to historical figures, including Queen Margarida of Prades and Friar Bernat Boïl, who lived there in the 15th century. The chapel features a modest façade and was built in stages, with the bell tower added around 1578. Inside, it contains a single nave and the replica of the Virgin statue, crowned in 1956. The chapel is a significant pilgrimage site, especially for beekeepers, due to its historical connection with bees. Pilgrims visit on Easter Monday and September 8, with a traditional procession from Prades around Christmas time.
Is the road to l'Abellera shrine paved?
Tucked away in the Prades Mountains, the road to the chapel is totally paved, but steep and pretty narrow. It’s called Camí de l'Ermita de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera.
How long is the road to l'Abellera shrine?
Starting from the paved T-704, to the south of the village of Prades, the road is 1.9km (1.18 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 64m, and the average gradient is 3.3%. Speed limit is 40km/h.