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The first document that makes reference to Vallclara dates from 1152, when Count Berenguer the 4th donates the place of Vinaixa to the people of Tarrega, and at some point mentions a place called Vallem Claram. The lineage of the Vallclara's (Lords or inhabitants of the castle) is known from 1195, when Guerau de Vallclara and his brother Bernat de Conesa approved the extension of a right that enabled the mills of La Guàrdia dels Prats to obtain more water. In 1234, another Guerau de Vallclara appears as the executor of Ramon de Guardiolada's will ( Ramon de Cervera's son).

In1260, Guerau de Vallclara was benefited with a third part of the taxes corresponding to the weekly market of Conesa.

In 1264, Arnau de Vallclara is reported to be the Lord of Conesa. In the year 1220, the castle and its outskirts were ceded to the monastery of Poblet by Pere Sassala. That community kept the estate peacefully through all the 13th century, until 1349, when Berenguer de Jorba claimed his rights over the place. Because of his claim, there were some violent incidents and his men set fire to the Riudabella church that belonged to the monastery. As a result of that incident, King Pere the 3rd took part in the dispute and decided to leave the Chief Magister of Montblanc in charge for the castle. Finally, Berennguer de Jorba sold his rights over Vallclara to the monastery of Poblet for 80000 wages. Ramon de Sanahuja also made a demand for his rights over the castle but his claim was turned down by the King.

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Vallclara celebrates its Town Festival the third week in August.

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The town planning is basically the one of a town-street. Unlike other towns, Vallclara was not built around the castle, but located to the east.. The main street goes from the church all the way to the castle.

The parish church of Sant Joan Baptista has Baroque features and is located in the town centre.

In the east end of town there are still some ruins of the old walls in La Muralla street. There are not many ruins left from the castle.

The hermitage dates from the 16th century and there also is a Romanesque bridge from the 12th century.

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- Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana.

- Catalunya Romànica, vol. XXI.-- Enciclopèdia Catalana

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