El Vilosell is considered to be the prettiest village in the Garrigues region. Located in the province of Lleida, It has a population of approximately 200, occupies an area of just under 20 square kilometers at the foothills of the Llena mountain range.
Meander it's cobblestone streets and discover that it preserves remains of the old castle, a Romanesque gate and the Santa María parish church, its single remaining one nave housing the Capella del Santíssim (chapel) and Baptisteri (Baptistery).
There is also a 14th-century Gothic stone-cross in front of Ermita de Sant Sebastià (hermitage), and just a short distance from the town one can visit the Baroque Ermita de Sant Miquel de la Tosca.
Fiesta time!
Stroll its streets ...
The "Fiesta Mayor" of El Vilosell is usually held every third Sunday of August. The village transforms and its people enjoy to the fullest! It grows to include emigrants, their sons and many more. The program includes masses in honor of the patron saint and processions. Visitors can perceive that the fiestas are charged with cultural, historic and religious significance. Solemnity is broken by popular celebrations such as the "Correfoc, traditional games and sports events.
The Les Garrigues region is home to Spain's oldest olive oil designation of origin and its extra virgin Arbequina olive oil is thought to be one of the best olive oils in the world due to its low acidity.
The first Arbequina olives were brought to Spain from Palestine in the 17th century by the Duke of Medinaceli who named the olives after the Les Garrigues town of Arbeca located a mere 20 kms. from Ecoil de Josa's groves in El Vilosell.
Les Garrigues Region
Ruins of the Arbeca Castle that was home to the Duke of Medinaceli
Photographic Essay of El Vilosell
Photographic Essay of Les Garrigues
