Shopping Spree in Reus
Reus lies near Tarragona city. Reus was first mentioned in the 13th century, but its commercial life dates from 1750 when an English settlement was established there. Reus gained the status of a city in the 1840s. In its oldest section is the Gothic priory church of San Pedro, with a belfry 200 feet (60 m) high. The municipal museum (Prim-Rull Museum) houses a prehistoric collection and educational, cultural, sporting, and recreational centres. Reus is the site of an important textile industry. Much horticultural produce is also grown. The hazelnuts from Reus are just the best you can have. Salou Beach, a Mediterranean resort, is 5.5 miles (9 km) south. Pop. (1991) 86,864.
Reus' urban makeup and the pioneering initiative of its shopkeepers place it
above the majority of Catalan towns. The shops and services which extend around its
streets variety, novelty and value which are difficult to match. The personal attention,
experience and care offered by the sector confirm its leading role.
This added to the progressive creation of pedestrian streets, the renovation of the old
town centre and the placing of car parks at strategic points around the town make Reus the
best shopping centre in Catalonia.
During the week, this brings many visitors. Reus is not only the capital of the Baix Camp;
its area of influence includes surrounding areas and extends as far as the western part of
Aragon, competing with towns nearby and further away and with larger populations. It is,
though, on Saturdays that this activity takes off. Spending Saturday in Reus means
enjoying a town geared up to receive the large numbers of visitors which its shopping
attracts. Street entertainment, different kinds of small open-air markets in cosy spots in
the centre and the bustle of people make the streets lively and nice to walk about.