[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Secci\u00f3n” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
In the heart of the <\/span>Priorat <\/span><\/b>wine region, you will find ruins that bear witness to centuries of history, spirituality and tradition: the <\/span>Carthusian monastery of Escaladei<\/span><\/b>. This monastery, founded in 1194, was the first establishment of the <\/span>Carthusian order on the Iberian Peninsula<\/span><\/b>. Today, the ruins of Escaladei attract both history enthusiasts and those seeking to connect with the spiritual essence of this unique setting. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of the Escaladei Charterhouse, the <\/span>legends <\/span><\/b>that surround this place, what you can see today in its ruins, and how this monastery marked the beginning of <\/span>viticulture <\/span><\/b>in Priorat, a tradition that is still alive today.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We invite you to explore this place full of mystery, nature and culture, located less than an hour from <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>. With <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, you can get to your destination from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|60px|30px|60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The <\/span>Carthusian monastery of Escaladei <\/span><\/b>was founded in 1194, in a remote and mountainous place in the <\/span>Priorat <\/span><\/b>region, hidden by the<\/span> Serra del Montsant<\/span><\/b>, 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 <\/span>vineyards <\/span><\/b>and orchards for their livelihood. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>great influence<\/span><\/b> in the region.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the 19th century, after the <\/span>disentailment of Mendiz\u00e1bal<\/span><\/a> in 1835, the monastery was abandoned. The land was expropriated, and the ruins were <\/span>looted<\/span><\/b>, 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. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The legend of <\/span>Scala Dei<\/span><\/b>, or the <\/span>\u2018Stairway of God\u2019<\/span><\/b>, is one of the most fascinating elements surrounding the Charterhouse of Escaladei.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CARTUJA-ESCALADEI-2.png” alt=”Ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei” title_text=”Ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n It is said that when the first Carthusian monks arrived in Priorat, specifically in the Oliver Valley<\/b>, they met a shepherd who claimed to have dreamt of a staircase <\/b>connecting earth and heaven. <\/span>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 \u2018ladder\u2019 represented the spiritual path to perfection and closeness to God. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The name \u2018Escaladei\u2019 comes precisely from this vision. In <\/span>Latin<\/span><\/b>, \u2018Scala Dei\u2019 means \u2018Ladder of God\u2019, 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 <\/span>mystery <\/span><\/b>that makes the Charterhouse of Escaladei even more fascinating.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that with <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a>‘s low-cost and sustainable <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a> you can get to <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b> from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.shuttle2sun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CARTUJA-ESCALADEI.png” alt=”Priorat Viticulture” title_text=”Priorat Viticulture” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Today, the <\/span>ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei<\/span><\/b> 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 <\/span>monasteries<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>large cloister <\/span><\/b>or <\/span>Maius <\/span><\/b>and the<\/span> church of Santa Maria<\/span><\/b>, which allow visitors to imagine what life was like here. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another of the most remarkable features of the ruins is the fa\u00e7ade of Santa Maria, dating back to the 17th century, which prominently features the figure of <\/span>Our Lady of Escaladei<\/span><\/b>, by the sculptor <\/span>Antonio Naveros<\/span><\/b>, stands out. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For those seeking a more in-depth experience,<\/span> guided tours<\/span><\/b> 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. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Carthusian monastery of Escaladei is also considered the cradle of Priorat viticulture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|60px||60px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|40px||40px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” min_height=”181.8px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”3px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The Carthusian monks were the first to introduce<\/span> vine cultivation<\/span><\/b> in the region, a tradition which, over the centuries, has given rise to some of the <\/span>most prestigious wines in Spain<\/span><\/b>. 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\u2019s survival. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>Priorat Qualified Designation of Origin (DOQ) <\/span><\/b>wines<\/span><\/a>, which are recognised worldwide for their quality. The wines of Priorat, made from varieties such as <\/span>Garnacha <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Cari\u00f1ena<\/span><\/b>, are still a living testimony to the wine-making legacy of the Carthusian monks. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In short, the <\/span>ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei<\/span><\/b> 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 <\/span>Tarragona <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>Costa Dorada<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>Shuttle2Sun<\/span><\/a> offers its <\/span>shared transfer services<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>private transfer services<\/span><\/a>, low-cost and sustainable, from <\/span>Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station<\/span><\/b>.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19968,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,42,29,41],"tags":[46,69,135,45,44,43,125,139],"class_list":["post-19958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-costa-dorada-2","category-spanish-culture","category-travel","category-travel-tips","tag-airports","tag-holidays","tag-private-transfer-2","tag-shuttle","tag-transfer","tag-travel","tag-vacances-2","tag-winter"],"yoast_head":"\nDiscover the history of the monastery \u00a0<\/h2>\n
The legend of Scala Dei \u00a0<\/h2>\n
Visit the ruins of the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei \u00a0<\/h2>\n
The birthplace of Priorat viticulture \u00a0<\/h2>\n