In the heart of the Priorat wine region, you will find ruins that bear witness to centuries of history, spirituality and tradition: the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei. This monastery, founded in 1194, was the first establishment of the Carthusian order on the Iberian Peninsula. Today, the ruins of Escaladei attract both history enthusiasts and those seeking to connect with the spiritual essence of this unique setting.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of the Escaladei Charterhouse, the legends that surround this place, what you can see today in its ruins, and how this monastery marked the beginning of viticulture in Priorat, a tradition that is still alive today.
We invite you to explore this place full of mystery, nature and culture, located less than an hour from Tarragona and Costa Dorada. With Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can get to your destination from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Discover the history of the monastery
The Carthusian monastery of Escaladei was founded in 1194, in a remote and mountainous place in the Priorat region, hidden by the Serra del Montsant, on the initiative of the Carthusian order. This monastic order, characterised by its contemplative life and austerity, chose this place because of its isolation, perfect for a life dedicated to prayer and meditation. The Carthusian monks were known for their dedication to community life, but also for their work on the land, cultivating vineyards and orchards for their livelihood.
Over the centuries, the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei became one of the most significant centres in Priorat. During the Middle Ages, the monastery was a prosperous institution which, in addition to its religious function, had great influence in the region.
In the 19th century, after the disentailment of Mendizábal in 1835, the monastery was abandoned. The land was expropriated, and the ruins were looted, leading to the loss of many original structures. Despite this, the historical and cultural importance of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei endures, and today it remains a symbol of the monastic history of the region.
The legend of Scala Dei
The legend of Scala Dei, or the ‘Stairway of God’, is one of the most fascinating elements surrounding the Charterhouse of Escaladei.
It is said that when the first Carthusian monks arrived in Priorat, specifically in the Oliver Valley, they met a shepherd who claimed to have dreamt of a staircase connecting earth and heaven. This vision was interpreted as a divine sign, a sign that this place was sacred and destined for meditation and the ascetic life. Legend has it that this ‘ladder’ represented the spiritual path to perfection and closeness to God.
The name ‘Escaladei’ comes precisely from this vision. In Latin, ‘Scala Dei’ means ‘Ladder of God’, and is associated with the famous vision of the patriarch Jacob, narrated in the Old Testament, where he saw a ladder leading to heaven. This story has been passed down through the centuries, adding a component of mystery that makes the Charterhouse of Escaladei even more fascinating.
Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services you can get to Tarragona and Costa Dorada from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Visit the ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei
Today, the ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei are an important tourist and cultural destination. When visiting the site, tourists can tour the remains of what was once one of the most important monasteries in the region. Although the original building has suffered extensive damage over time, some significant structures can still be seen, such as the bases of the monastery walls, the large cloister or Maius and the church of Santa Maria, which allow visitors to imagine what life was like here.
Another of the most remarkable features of the ruins is the façade of Santa Maria, dating back to the 17th century, which prominently features the figure of Our Lady of Escaladei, by the sculptor Antonio Naveros, stands out.
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, guided tours offer additional information on the history and legends surrounding the monastery. In addition, the natural surroundings invite reflection and contact with the spirituality that permeated the place, making the visit a complete experience from both a historical and emotional point of view.
The birthplace of Priorat viticulture
The Carthusian monastery of Escaladei is also considered the cradle of Priorat viticulture.
The Carthusian monks were the first to introduce vine cultivation in the region, a tradition which, over the centuries, has given rise to some of the most prestigious wines in Spain. In addition to their religious duties, the monks dedicated much of their time to cultivating the land, and the vineyards surrounding the monastery were essential to the community’s survival.
The Carthusian monks brought with them advanced agricultural techniques for the time, which enabled them to improve the quality of crops, especially vines. With its mountainous terrain and unique climate, Priorat proved to be an ideal region for wine production, and the monks playeds a crucial role in the developing a tradition that endures to this day. Today, the region’s vineyards produce Priorat Qualified Designation of Origin (DOQ) wines, which are recognised worldwide for their quality. The wines of Priorat, made from varieties such as Garnacha and Cariñena, are still a living testimony to the wine-making legacy of the Carthusian monks.
In short, the ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei are a reflection of the history, spirituality and tradition of the Priorat region. This monastery was not only a centre of religious life, but also the cradle of one of Spain’s most important wine-growing traditions. To get you to Tarragona and Costa Dorada, Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
