Known as the wine capital of Catalonia, this city with character has an intense relationship with the world of wine and castles. Vilafranca is one of the most important castle towns in the territory and a great showcase for the wine of the Penedès area, the largest in Catalonia and the Peninsula. Live a wine tourism experience in the wineries of the area and visit the Vinseum, Museum of the Wine Cultures of Catalonia, is a good option to discover its history. The medieval legacy of this city on the Barcelona coast can be discovered walking through its Gothic quarter, presided over by the silhouette of the bell tower of the Basilica of Santa Maria, a temple that began to be built in 1285. It preserves the remains of wall paintings from the 14th century and a marble sculptural set made by modernist sculptor Josep Llimona. Modernism is very present in Vilafranca. This artistic current broke out with force in these lands after the phylloxera disaster, which devastated the vineyards of the region. By following the modernist route you will be able to see up to 20 buildings decorated with stained glass and wrought iron. To learn more about Vilafranca's wine culture and landscape, you can sign up for the Penedès 360° Route: they are walking or cycling tours to discover the natural environment and the wineries and vineyards between the mountains. You can also drive along the Carretera del Vi, a selection of 13 wineries in the area to get to know the cultural heritage of the Penedès. And to enjoy impressive views, the Miravinya Route, an itinerary organised around five viewpoints where you can visit wineries at your own pace. The xató is the protagonist of the great gastronomic festival in Vilafranca, which is celebrated at the end of February. Here you will taste the five official varieties of this popular dish from Penedès and Garraf. Vilafranca is part, with four other towns, of the Ruta del Xató. A whole event to enjoy more than 200 proposals and activities related to this essential dish of Catalan cuisine.