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History

There are different versions about the origin of the name of the village. One tells that is come from "Llobar, terra de llops" (wolves area). This is based on the existence of many of these animals some time ago. Another version tells that it may come from "Lloar, lloança o alabança" (praise). The third one suggests the possibility that is comes from "Llosa or Llosera", because of the composition of most of the lands of the township. In the oldest documents about the village, it always appears under the name "Masos or Quadra Lloar".

It is believed that the foundation of the village took place after the "Reconquista". It was a small part that was added to La Figuera, to the Barony of Cabacés. This was founded for the Tortosa Archbishop, and it held the lands of La Figuera, Vilella Baixa, El Lloar, La Bisbal and Margalef. The capital of the Barony was in Cabacés. Meanwhile the villages were growing, they were given the rights (Called "usos y costumbres") from the Church of Tortosa.

In 1558, the neighbours asked the Archbishop of Tortosa, Ferran de Loazes, for the construction of a church. He authorised it, and it dedicated to Sant Miquel Arcàngel, who is the patron of the village.

In 1777 another church was built in the village.

During the war against Felipe IV, the village, as the others of the Priorat County, fought on the side that defended the "Catalan Cause", against the Royal army.

During the war against the French, El Lloar managed to have its own Town Council. Until then, it had been represented in the Town Council of La Figuera by a trustee. It contributed to the war with soma "somatenes", and with gold and silver that was given to the monks of Escaladei (They were known as "Recaptadors", that is, a collector). The village was occupied and sacked several times by different people.

During the "Guerras Carlinas", the village was divided into two parts, the liberals and the Carlistas. The consequence for this was that there were fights between them continuously.

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Local Festivities

It celebrates the Summer Fiesta Mayor on the first weekend of August (Sant Domènec's Day).

On the 29th.of September, it is the Day of Sant Miquel, which is the Fiesta Mayor. It can not be very bright because it coincides with the time when the grapes are picked.

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Remarkable places

The Parish Church was built between 1777 and 1778. It was made in honour to Sant Miquel Arcàngel, and its style is Greek-Roman.

Within the nucleus of the village, in the Sant Miquel Street, there is a natural balcony that is called "Mirador del Priorat". From there, there is a wonderful sight of the river at the end of the valley.

We have to mention the caves that are at one kilometre and a half of the village. They are called "Les Coves dels Rogerals", and they are very closed to "El Nas de Quiuma". This is a very big high stone. Near of them, there is a fountain called "Font de Minfami", made by the Saracens.


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Bibliography

- Sabaté i Alentorn, Jaume.- Guia del Lloar.- Tarragona: Diputació, 1980.
- Asens, Joan.- Guia del Priorat.- Tarragona: Edicions de la Llibreria de la Rambla, 1981.
- "La Veu del Priorat".- nº 18, Juny de 1992.

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