La Palma d'Ebre

Municipality of Ribera d'Ebre located in the highest and northern sector of the region, on the border with Les Garrigues, from which a narrow strip of the municipality of Flix separates it, and also on the border with Priorat.

The municipal area has an area of 38.31 km² and is crossed by the Valle Mayor. Hydrography is represented by numerous water sources and wells, scattered throughout the area. The town is located at 335 meters above sea level between the Valle de las Pieces and the Font Vella ravine, and is the only population center.

The main means of life of its inhabitants is agriculture. The most widespread crop is the olive tree, of the arbequina type, followed at a great distance by the almond tree and the vineyard.

History

There is no exact information about the founding of the town, although many vestiges remain from the time of Arab domination, which suggests that the town already existed at that time.

The first document on the population dates back to the year 1262, when Jaime I and Teresa Gil de Vidaure granted a deed of sale of the castle of Flix and the place of La Palma in Arnal de Bosc. At the beginning of the 14th century, La Palma was governed by the Commander of Ascó, who was part of the castellany of Tortosa. Later, in 1318, it passed into the hands of the Hospitallers, when this Order assumed the great Priorat of Catalonia.

In 1399, Barcelona acquired the baronies of Flix and La Palma, which remained under its rule during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, except during the years 1462 to 1472, when they were under the control of Alfonso of Aragon, during the wars against Juan II. This possession was important for Barcelona, since its strategic location between both sides of the Ebro River gave it great control over the passage of navigable goods through the river, thus avoiding the high tax charged by Tortosa for transport.

During the Reapers' War, Barcelona lost control over Flix and La Palma, and the town was involved in several wars. In 1670, Flix and La Palma were returned to Barcelona, but they lost them again in 1673.

From the 18th century onwards, no documents are preserved due to the destruction of local archives in the years 1810 and 1936.

Places of interest:

• The Palm Pine
• Font Vella Mural
• Old Jail
• The reservoir
• Reservoir road
• Assumpció Parish Church
• Romanesque church (12th – 13th centuries)
• Estoldrans path and Creu hill