El Molinot

El Molinot is a historic water mill located in the municipality of Querol, in the Alt Camp comarca of Tarragona province, Catalonia. It ties together the industrial heritage of the Gaià river valley with a hiking route that leads into Querol itself.

What is El Molinot?

El Molinot began life as a water mill and was later converted into a small hydroelectric plant. It drew its water from a reservoir near Mas de l'Espluga, with two turbines driving two generators to produce electricity. The site today stands as a reminder of the small-scale hydraulic industry that once lined the Gaià river, a pattern repeated at several points along its course.

A key part of the complex is the Sèquia de la Resclosa del Molinot, a water channel of medieval origin that once fed the mill. Irrigation and mill channels of this kind rank among the oldest traces of water management in the region and are now regarded as cultural heritage in their own right, even though the dam that once supplied the site has since been removed to comply with the EU Water Framework Directive.

How do you reach El Molinot?

Access to the mill's surroundings is provided by the Pont del Molinot, a suspension bridge crossing the Gaià river. The bridge also marks a point on the hiking trail heading toward Querol, so visitors can combine a look at the old mill with a walk along the riverbank.

What is the Gaià river trail like?

The stretch of trail between Pont d'Armentera and Querol is one of the best-known sections of the longer route that follows the Gaià river through the Conca de Barberà, Alt Camp and Tarragonès comarques. It is known for footbridges, hanging bridges and moderate climbs, making it appealing to casual walkers and more experienced hikers alike. The Molinot area forms the final leg of this route before it reaches Querol.

What is there to see in Querol itself?

Querol, the municipality where El Molinot sits, stretches along the left bank of the Gaià river on a hillside rising to 565 metres. The highest point of the village is crowned by the ruins of a 10th-century castle — though heavily damaged, it still shows traces of rooms, window openings and pointed arches. Next to the castle stands the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, dating from the 12th century.

The municipality of Querol also takes in the smaller villages of Montagut, Esblada, Bonany, Albereda and Valldossera, along with the remains of two further castles, Pinyana and Saburella. Monumental trees mark the landscape here too, including the Pi dels Quatre Soques and the Encina de la Casa Nova, both worthwhile detours for anyone exploring the area on foot.

Who is El Molinot for?

El Molinot works best as a stop along a walking route for anyone interested in Catalonia's industrial and hydraulic heritage and in the scenery of the Gaià valley. It suits travelers who want to combine light physical activity — a walk across suspension bridges along the river — with discovering the quieter, historic corners of the Alt Camp region, away from the busier coastal routes of the Costa Daurada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly was El Molinot? It was originally a water mill, later converted into a small hydroelectric plant powered by the Gaià river and fed by a channel of medieval origin.

How do you get to El Molinot? The Pont del Molinot suspension bridge over the Gaià river provides access and forms part of the hiking trail into Querol, including the section from Pont d'Armentera.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes — the village of Querol itself, with its 10th-century castle ruins and the 12th-century Romanesque church of Santa Maria, plus several monumental trees in the surrounding area.

Does the mill's reservoir still exist? No — the dam that once fed the old power plant has been removed to comply with EU water management rules, though the channel and the mill structures themselves remain visible as heritage features.