Església Vella

Església Vella ("the Old Church") is the historic parish church of Constantí, a small town in the Tarragonès region, just a few kilometres north of Tarragona. It stands on the highest point of the old town and has been the religious heart of the community for centuries.

How do you get to Constantí?

Constantí sits right along the road connecting Tarragona with Reus, so driving is the easiest option — it takes only about fifteen minutes from central Tarragona. Local bus routes also link the town to Tarragona. The church itself occupies a hilltop position in the historic centre, so once you park near the main square you'll need to walk uphill through the narrow old-town streets to reach it.

What is the history behind the church?

The story goes back to the Middle Ages. A first church on this spot is believed to have been founded in the 13th century at the initiative of Espàrec de la Barca, built over the foundations of an even older structure. As the town grew, that building became too small and eventually fell into disrepair, forcing repeated rebuilding. Surviving records document a major reconstruction in 1621, arranged through an agreement between the town's magistrates and Joan Corder, a master builder from Tarragona. A stone plaque set into the wall also marks the year 1668, when a further stage of construction was consecrated — the blessing took place on 31 July, followed the next day by the first mass on the feast of Sant Feliu, the town's patron saint.

The church took its present form during a rebuild carried out between 1734 and 1744, culminating in a consecration ceremony in 1749 presided over by the regional governor of Tarragona. The bell tower was finished even later. The building follows a Latin-cross floor plan set within a rectangle and has three naves — a central one under a barrel vault, flanked by two side aisles with cross vaults.

What should you look out for inside?

The interior's biggest draw is the work of Josep Maria Jujol, one of the most important Catalan architects of the 20th century and a close collaborator of Antoni Gaudí. Jujol designed several elements found here, including screens, wood panelling, railings, pews, confessionals, kneelers, a small baptistry and the presbytery decoration — his distinctive, organic style sits in striking contrast with the baroque bulk of the building itself.

Why is the church currently closed?

Església Vella has been closed to worship since March 2016. The closure followed cracking and structural movement caused by ground subsidence, subsurface moisture and the sloping terrain the building sits on. Because of this, access to the interior can be limited, so it's worth checking with Constantí's town hall before planning a visit.

When is the best time to visit?

The town's patronal festival, held around 1 August on the feast day of Sant Feliu, is a particularly good time to come — the old centre around the church fills with local celebrations. Outside the summer season, it's worth pairing a visit with a stroll through Constantí's old town and a stop at the nearby Roman villa, one of the more significant archaeological sites in the Tarragonès region.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the church? The building has been closed for worship since 2016 due to structural issues, so interior access can be restricted — check locally or with the town hall before you go.

How far is Constantí from Tarragona? About a fifteen-minute drive or a short local bus ride, since the town sits right on the main road toward Reus.

Who designed the church's interior decoration? Much of the interior was shaped by Josep Maria Jujol, a well-known Catalan architect, who designed the baptistry, pews and presbytery among other elements.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Constantí's old town is worth a wander, and the nearby Roman villa is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Tarragonès region.