Population: 22,096

Population: 104,835

Reus is one of the undiscovered gems of Catalonia, which given that it’s such a large town with its own airport is a little surprising. Most people just pass through on their way to the Costa Daurada, I suppose, but they really are making a big mistake. Reus has a gentle provincial quality all of its own, and with a thousand years of history behind it, it’s an ideal base for discovering the whole of the province.

Ok, so here's the plan. My role here in NativeSpain is Regional Editor Catalunya, but I don't have very much to edit! This makes me think that I'd better write the content myself, and let you lot edit me. (Much less hassle for all concerned.)

I'm going to write a book online, it's going to be about the Catalans and I'm going to call it 'Barcelona and the Lost Nation'. Write comments, tell me its dreadful/grear/fair to middling, tell me what's missing, what's wrong and what seems downright stupid.

Looking out over Tortosa from Suda Castle, you can just catch a glimpse of the Roman Walls.

Another slightly more distant view of Suda Castle, the ancient Templar fortification at Tortosa.

A view of Suda Castle, the ancient Templar fortification at Tortosa.

What strikes me about this street sign is what it says about Catalan history. Guifre el Pilós became Count of Barcelona in 873 and effectively founded the Catalan nation, but it took another 250 years to gain control over the southern domains, Catalunya Nova, with Ramon Berenguer becoming the first Marquis of Tortosa in 1137. 

From the back of the Cathedral, the music sounded good, but closer up you could pick out the precision of every instrument and voice.

This really was a priveleged moment. When we visited Tortosa Cathedral, the Municipal Orchestra and Choir were rehearsing for the Easter concert that would be held in this awe-inspiring Gothic space. The quality of the music and the level of musicianship were both heavenly.