The 1944 Bell Antònia and the 18th-Century Church of Valls

The Església de Sant Antoni Abat in Valls is a Baroque church included in the Catalan Architectural Heritage Inventory. It features a basilical layout with a single nave of four spans and lateral chapels. The nave and transept are covered with barrel vaults, while the transept features a dome over tiles and the main chapel features a vault with a rib vault. The facade includes a rectangular opening decorated with moldings, topped by a semi-circular arch niche with an image of Sant Antoni.

The building is constructed of plastered masonry with large stone blocks at the base and corners. It features a tower with four bodies located at the right foot of the church. The bell tower houses three bells - the oldest dating from 1917 and the largest, named Antònia, from 1944. The facade and bell tower were expanded in 1768.

History shows that in the late 13th century, a hospital and church were located on the site where the town hall currently stands. The current church was built in the 18th century, though the exact date is debated - F. Puigjaner cites a blessing on December 9, 1726, while Fidel de Moragas records the blessing on January 13, 1753. In 2026, the town will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the first temple with choral concerts, bell tower visits, and talks about the Antonians.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons