Vistabella is a charming village located in the Tarragonès region, belonging to the municipality of La Secuita. In this picturesque town, less than 3 km away from the Camp de Tarragona high-speed train station, stands the impressive Church of Vistabella, one of the great modernist works by the renowned architect Josep Maria Jujol. The Sagrado Corazón de Vistabella, or Sacred Heart of Vistabella, is one of the few churches that Jujol was able to complete in his career, making it a tangible testament to his creative talent and architectural vision. Entrance fees are priced at €4, with special rates available for school groups and seniors. This excursion is a perfect choice for the summer, especially during the 140th anniversary of Jujol’s birth, which is being celebrated as the “Year of Jujol” to honor his legacy.

The Church of Vistabella, while not reaching the magnificence of the Sagrada Familia of the Tarragonès region, showcases Jujol’s more modest and sensitive architectural approach compared to his collaborator Gaudí. Despite the limitations of land and resources, Jujol successfully carried out the construction of this church. During his time at the Barcelona School of Architecture, Jujol would reserve his weekends to visit Vistabella and personally oversee the progress of the works. Unfortunately, during the Spanish Civil War, the interior paintings of the temple suffered irreparable damage. However, thanks to the arduous restoration work led by Tecla Jujol, the architect’s daughter and a prominent painter, the interior of the church has been restored to its original splendor.

The project for the Church of Vistabella arose from the need of the local community, which lacked a place of worship in the core of Vistabella. Led by Pere Mallafré, the villagers entrusted Jujol to design and construct a church that would be in harmony with the dimensions and characteristics of the area. Despite having a modest budget, Jujol accepted the challenge and began construction in 1917, completing it in 1923. To adapt to the circumstances and needs of the community, Jujol conceived a compact temple that would blend harmoniously with the surroundings, using affordable materials. Jujol’s skill in utilizing any available resource allowed him to bring the church to life using stones extracted from the local vineyard fields, which were traditionally used to build modest walls and shelters. These stones, generously donated by a local landowner, became the solid foundation upon which Jujol constructed and decorated the church of Vistabella.

The Church of Vistabella reflects the distinctive characteristics of Jujol’s architectural style and is considered one of the works in which he took particular satisfaction. It is even said that he actively participated in the construction, going so far as to drag carts during the process. In a discreet corner of the attic, one can find the architect’s signature, almost invisible to the naked eye, with the inscription “Domini dilexi decorem domus tua,” which translates to “Lord, I loved the beauty of your house.” The church is supported by large parabolic arches, following the tradition of Gaudí’s works, and is crowned by a tower that rises above the intersection of these arches, merging the dome and the bell tower into a single spire. Jujol used stones to embellish the profile of the cornice, and the roof is adorned with wrought-iron railings featuring sinuous shapes. To illuminate the interior of the temple, Jujol resorted to stained glass windows depicting angels, bathing the sacred space in heavenly light. Inside, as is characteristic of Jujol’s works, vibrant polychromy dominates the color palette. Every decorative element, including the lamps, was meticulously designed by Jujol himself. The central feature of the church is the altar of the Sacred Heart, flanked by the altars of the Rosary and the Blessed Sacrament.

The Church of Vistabella is one of the four works by Jujol that can be admired in the Camp de Tarragona region. Those who wish to delve further into the architect’s modernist creations can take advantage of their visit to Vistabella to explore other examples of Jujol’s style. One of the most notable is the Church of the Virgin of Montserrat in Montferri, located in the Alt Camp region. This sanctuary, initiated by Jujol and built with the help of local residents, was halted in 1930 and was not completed until the 1990s. However, it remained faithful to Jujol’s original design and stands majestically on a hill, harmoniously integrated into the natural surroundings. In the village of Bràfim, also in Alt Camp, Jujol created an original fountain for the Lloret sanctuary. Finally, in Les Pallerasses, in the Tarragonès region, one can find Casa Bofarull, a country house renovated by Jujol, where the architect’s talent for decoration shines through both the interior and exterior. Prior appointment is required to visit this residence.

In conclusion, Vistabella, La Secuita, and the Church of Vistabella are intimately connected, forming a captivating ensemble that showcases the artistry and ingenuity of Josep Maria Jujol. This modernist masterpiece, nestled in the heart of Catalonia, invites visitors to immerse themselves in its unique architectural beauty and experience the enduring legacy of one of the great masters of the genre.