Horta de Sant Joan: Lo Parot, the oldest olive tree

 Short walk around Horta de Sant Joan with access to an olive tree, traditionally regarded as the oldest of Catalonia. In Terra Alta, a particularly mild climate and appreciation of ancient men have favored the existence of several ancient trees. It features a very special one named Lo Parot, considered a monumental tree of Catalonia. The starting point of this trip is Horta de Sant Joan, in Terra Alta. To reach this population from Gandesa, the regional capital, take the road towards 3531 TV-Bot, and from there to the T-334 Horta. 0.00 km (523 m). Plaza de Cataluña. Leave the center of Horta de Sant Joan Avenue of the Government (road T-334) to the NE direction, and Gandesa. 0.33 km (505 m) 0 h 05 min. At the height of the inn Barceló, abandoned the road and turn left taking the road that leads to the establishment NOT leaving this right. After crossing perpendicularly another street, he leaves the village and take a dirt road that descends in NE. 0.70 km (487 m) 0 h 10 min. It crosses the road just in front of Bot signpost indicating the 3 km and continue along a path that is wide at the other side. 60 meters further, you pass a house that is on the right. Immediately after, turn right (E) and passing between two buildings that serve warehouse. We walk 70 m across the yard to be the threshold of a field of olive trees. Finally, turn right, now to the S to take a path that runs between the trees and dry stone wall. 0.96 km (484 m) 0 h 14 min. Lo Parot. The appearance of the tree clearly indicates their age. Lo Parot  owes its name to the fact that for its size and age, is considered the father of all olive trees in the region. It considers also the oldest tree in the country. Tradition has it that takes 2000 years. Without going into hypotheses, the fact that the olive tree belongs to an unknown variety suggests a millennial age. Its features are: Oleo Europaea species; vault 7.45 m height 8 m 9 m crown It returns to the diversion of the path between the two stores, and continue to the right (N) in fall, leaving a trail that goes to the left (O) to some areas. You pass a section with steps made of railway sleepers, the road enters the forest and describes a gentle curve to the left (O). 1.39 km (451 m) 0 h 20 min. Being half-turn, left the track and take a detour that goes to the right, toward the N decidedly downhill until you are following the road Bot, right where it crosses the old route Tortosa railroad, now the Via Verde from Terra Alta. 1.55 km (429 m) 0 h 23 min. Greenway of Terra Alta. Turn right (SE). It runs along the old station Horta. 50 meters before the bridge, turn left to take a track, turn right, lets move on to the road, to the left (N) would reach the corner of the convent San Salvador. 2.00 km (428 m) 0 h 28 min. Bridge over the old railway track, now the Via verde. It continues to track the S pointed to Horta de Sant Joan. The 2.47 kilometer point, is left to the left (E) diversion. Beside it is the source of the batteries. Continue straight. A little further on, the trail turns right (SW) and rises sharply towards the center of the village passing by the municipal sports center and the institute of education. It returns to the Plaza de Catalonia. During this part of the journey is particularly to the east, the unique mountains of Santa Barbara with the former convent of San Salvador de Horta, and more in the background, a mode of painting, the magnificent walls of Transportation, among which distinguish Viarnets Mola, Mola and the spectacular rocks of Benet. 3.39 km (523 m) 0 h 55 min. Plaza de Catalonia. End of tour. The old town of Horta, the headquarters of the Els Ports Natural Park, the Centre Picasso and the convent of San Salvador de Horta deserve a thorough visit. Counties: Terra Alta Length: 3:39 km Gradient Ascent: 90.0 m Gradient Descent: 90.0 m Signage: Partly Length: 55 min Topics: Nature Types: Walks for the family   Criteria of usage of these routes   See restaurants here See hotels here Source: Government of Catalonia. Directorate General of Tourism / Data Update: 24/03/2006 

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