If you know Barcelona you have probably been to Poble Espanyol, that strange delirium of the early twentieth century that simulates, in the middle of Montjuïc, a “typical” Spanish village, concentrating in a few meters some of the most iconic monuments of the Spanish geography, such as the main square of Segovia or the walls of Avila. What you may not know is that right in the middle of the
In the heart of the Costa Daurada, in Roda de Berà, hides the Roc de Sant Gaietà, an architectural ensemble as curious as it is charming, a sort of “ideal village” that seeks to bring together the essence of different architectural styles from all over Spain.
Why there is a “Poble Espanyol” on the Catalan Costa Daurada.
This architectural complex was conceived between the 1960s and 1970s by the businessman Josep Maria Carreras and the architect Ramon Maria Puig Gairalt. The intention was not only to build a residential space, but to create an “ideal village” that would condense in a few streets the most emblematic architectural styles from all over Spain.
Inspired by the tradition of Andalusian, Castilian, Pyrenean and Mediterranean villages, the Roc combines white facades, flowery courtyards, Romanesque arches and Mudejar towers, creating a small open-air urban museum.
An architectural journey in miniature
The magic of Roc de Sant Gaietà is in the mix. Here you can find a Mudejar tower overlooking the sea or medieval facades reminiscent of ancient Romanesque mansions and arcades that coexist with modernist details.
Also Andalusian white houses, Romanesque cloisters or traditional Galician silos or the “Porta Mora”, a door imitation of Islamic style surrounded by Mudejar buildings and a fountain in the style of the Alhambra in Granada.
But do not miss what is perhaps one of the most outstanding buildings, the center Cívic la Roca Foradada, with an entrance that is a replica of the main door of the church of San Pedro de Avila, a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea and an impressive modernist interior.
Here are, by the way, the Espai Jujol and another striking space: the Radio museum created by Luis del Olmo.
How to get there
The Roc de Sant Gaietà is located in Roda de Berà, about 20 minutes by car from Tarragona and less than an hour from Barcelona on the AP-7 freeway .
It is also accessible by train to Roda de Mar station, from where a promenade by the sea leads directly to the complex.