the lands of lleida
TRANSCRIPT
Ruta de l’Art Rupestre (Cave Art Route): places of particular interest include: the Moors’ Cave at Cogul, the Cova dels Vilasos, near Os de Balaguer, Bronze Age remains; the cave remains of La Coma and Les Roques Guàrdies, in Les Garrigues; Aparets I, II, III and IV, AntonaI, II and III, La Cova del Tabac and La Cova del Cogulló, in La Noguera.
Ruta dels Castells (Castle Route): this includes the medieval fortresses of Montsonís, in La Noguera, Montclar in L’Urgell, Florejacs and Les Pallargues in La Segarra. And other medieval buildings such as the Castell de Vicfred in La Segarra and the Castell de Verdú in L’Urgell.
Ruta monumental de Lleida (Monuments of Lleida Route): La Seu Vella (old cathedral), Sant Llorenç (church), the IEI, Sant Martí Vell (church), the Catedral Nova (new cathedral) and the Palau de la Paeria (City Hall). The Seu Vella hill, which contains the longest walled perimeter in Europe, including the ancient fortress of La Suda and the Seu Vella cathedral.
Ruta de l’oli (Olive Oil Route): in the rural districts of Les Garrigues, L’Urgell and El Segrià, which form part of the D. O. Les Garrigues. It is particularly recommendable to follow this route in autumn, when it is possible to follow the production process at many of the local agricultural cooperatives. Particular places of interest include the Parc Temàtic de l’Oli (Olive Oil Theme Park), in Les Borges Blanques.
There are places in the world that are wrapped in a halo of mystery and charm, and that act as powerful magnets. This is the case with the Lands of Lleida, which are also often referred to by the term "Ponent", on account of them being located in western Catalonia.
On the lowlands of “Ponent” we find the rural districts of Les Garrigues, La Noguera, La Segarra, El Segrià, El Pla d'Urgell and L'Urgell, each of which has its own specific character. They offer visitors a wide range of symbols, monuments, castles, monasteries, traditional crafts, beauty spots, gastronomy and settlement that are symbols admired for their beauty by locals and visitors alike. We find villages that deserve to be declared places of tourist interest, such as El Vilosell and La Pobla de Cérvoles in Les Garrigues. There is also the castle of Montsonís, Cubells and Ponts, in La Noguera; the most imposing fortification in the whole of La Segarra is Montfalcó Murallat; while visitors must walk around the Estany d'Ivars, another marvellous beauty spot in El Pla d'Urgell; the Seu Vella of Lleida is the most emblematic symbol of El Segrià, while the monastery for women at Vallbona de les Monges is the most emblematic site in L’Urgell. In these lands, visitors will find everything that their souls desire.
Surprising settings
surp
rising
setting
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The Comarques (Rural Districts) of the Plain
Les GarriguesLa SegarraL’UrgellEl SegriàEl Pla d’UrgellLa Noguera
There are places in the world that are wrapped in a halo of mystery and charm, and that act as powerful magnets. This is the case with the Lands of Lleida, which are also often referred to by the term "Ponent", on account of them being located in western Catalonia.
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The
Land
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Lle
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Some route through the Lands of LleidaRuta del vi (Wine Route): it is important to highlight four different routes. The first runs from Artesa de Segre to the Castell del Remei, including visits to the Vall de Baldomar and Castell del Remei. The second runs along the valley of the river Corb, from Tàrrega to Montblanc, via Verdú and Vallbona de les Monges. The third runs through Les Garrigues, starting at Vinaixa and going on to Les Borges Blanques, via l’Albi and Cervià. The last begins at Lleida and goes to Raïmat, where the huge plantations have been producing excellent quality vine since the cellars were founded in 1914.
Rutes pels canals d’Urgell (Routes along the Canals d’Urgell): 14 different routes to follow on foot or by bicycle, with sign-posted courses and different lengths and degrees of difficulty – Route 1: El partidor de Ponts, Route 2: The tunnel of Montclar, Route 3: The Barony of Bellpuig, Route 4: La 3ª sèquia and El salt del Duran, (irrigation canals and locks), Route 5: La 4ª sèquia and Els Nou Salts, (irrigation canals and locks)Route 6: El Baix Segrià, Route 7: Agramunt and el Pont de Ferro, Route 8: El Subcanal d’Urgell, (irrigation canal), Route 9: Agramunt and el Molí d’Espígol, Route 10: Artesa de Segre and el Castellot, Route 11: La Sèquia-terraplé de Castellserà, (irrigation canal and embankment), Route 12: La 2ª Sèquia and el Castell del Remei, (irrigation canal and country estate with winery), Route 13: From Tornabous to Bellpuig, Route 14: L’Estany d’Ivars (Ivars Lake).
Lleidaprovince
How to get to Lleida
· By roadAP-2: Motorway of north-east Spain: Zaragoza - Lleida - Vendrell, connecting to the motorway AP-7- BarcelonaA-2: Madrid - Zaragoza - Lleida - BarcelonaN-240: Huesca - Lleida - TarragonaN-230: Lleida - la Val d’Aran - FranceN-260: Pont de Suert - Puigcerdà Eix Transversal from Girona to Cervera
· By trainRenfe Madrid - Zaragoza - Lleida - BarcelonaRenfe Lleida - Reus - TarragonaRenfe Lleida - Pobla de Segur (Tourist train of the Pyrenees)Renfe Lleida-Pirineus Railway StationTel. 34 902 24 02 02 - www.renfe.es
Tourist Information
· By coach. Coach stationsLleida - Tel. 34 973 26 85 00Tàrrega - Tel. 34 973 31 11 71La Seu d’Urgell - Tel. 34 973 35 00 20Solsona - Tel. 34 973 48 15 71
· By plane. AirportsLa Seu d’Urgell airport - Tel. 34 973 35 42 62Reus airport - Tel. 34 977 77 98 00Barcelona airport - Tel. 34 93 298 38 38Zaragoza airport - Tel. 34 976 71 23 00Girona airport - Tel. 34 972 18 66 00
· By light aircraftAlfés aerodrome - Tel. 34 973 29 08 29Vielha heliport - Tel. 34 973 64 20 32
Tourist Information OfficesRegional Councils
Catalan Meteorological ServiceTel. 34 93 567 0 90
Spanish Meteorological ServiceTel. 34 91 581 98 10
Road and traffic updates:• Teleruta Catalunya:Tel. 012 (from Catalonia)Tel. 34 902 400 012 (from outside Catalonia)
• Reial Automòbil Club de Catalunya (RACC):Central Tel. 34 902 30 73 07Lleida Office Tel. 34 973 24 12 45
• Information about the Túnel del CadíTel. 34 972 89 06 63 / 34 901 11 69 09
Tourist Information Centre for CataloniaTel. 34 93 238 40 00www.10.gencat.net/probert
Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan Police)Tel. 088 (from Catalonia)Tel. 34 973 70 00 50 (from outside Catalonia)
Fire BrigadeTel. 085 (from Catalonia)Tel. 34 973 70 60 80 (from outside Catalonia)
PoliceTel. 091 (from Catalonia)Tel. 34 973 27 95 35 (from outside Catalonia)
Consell Comarcal de l’Alt UrgellPg. de Joan Brudieu, 15 25700 La Seu d’UrgellTel. 34 973 35 31 12 - Fax 34 973 35 27 88www.ccau.nete-mail: [email protected] Comarcal de l’Alta RibagorçaC/ Victoriano Muñoz, 48 25520 El Pont de SuertTel. 34 973 69 03 53 - Fax 34 973 69 05 75www.ribagorca.come-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Comarcal de la CerdanyaPlaça del Rec, 5 - 17520 PuigcerdàTel. 34 972 88 48 84 - Fax 34 972 88 22 83www.cerdanya.org e-mail: [email protected] Comarcal de les GarriguesAv. Francesc Macià, 5425400 Les Borges BlanquesTel. 34 973 14 26 58 - Fax 34 973 14 01 06www.ccgarrigues.come-mail: [email protected] Comarcal de la NogueraPasseig d’Àngel Guimerà, s/n25600 BalaguerTel. 34 973 44 89 33 - Fax 34 973 44 53 24www.nogueraturisme.orge-mail: [email protected] Comarcal del Pallars JussàC/ Pau Casals, 14 -Edif. Sant Jordi25620 TrempTel. 34 973 65 01 87 - Fax 34 973 65 28 31www.pallarsjussa.net e-mail: [email protected] Comarcal del Pallars SobiràC/ del Mig, 9 - 25560 SortTel. 34 973 62 01 07 - Fax 34 973 62 00 78http://pallarssobira.ddl.nete-mail: [email protected] Comarcal del Pla d’UrgellC/Prat de la Riba, 1. Edif. Can Niubó25230 MollerussaTel. 34 973 71 13 13 - Fax 34 973 60 04 77www.plaurgell.org e-mail: [email protected] Comarcal de la Segarra C/ Combat, 29 - 25200 CerveraTel. 34 973 05 48 00 - Fax 34 973 05 48 10www.lasegarra.orge-mail: [email protected] Comarcal del SegriàC/ Canyeret, s/n - 25007 LleidaTel. 34 973 05 48 00 - Fax 34 973 05 48 10www.segria.nete-mail: [email protected] Comarcal del SolsonèsC/ Dominics, 14. Edif. Palau Llobera25280 SolsonaTel. 34 973 48 20 03 - Fax 34 973 48 25 14http://solsones.ddl.nete-mail: [email protected] Comarcal de l’UrgellC/ Agoders, 16 - 25300 TàrregaTel. 34 973 50 07 07 - Fax 34 973 50 06 66www.urgell.org - www.larutadelcister.infoe-mail: [email protected] Generau d’AranÇò de Saforcada, s/n - 25530 VielhaTel. 34 973 64 18 01 - Fax 34 973 64 17 69www.aran.org - e-mail: [email protected]
ÀgerOficina de Turisme del MontsecPlaça Major, 1 - 25691 ÀgerTel. 34 973 45 50 96 Fax 34 973 45 52 16www.montsec.infoe-mail: [email protected] AgramuntPlaça del Pou, s/n - 25310 AgramuntTel. 34 973 39 10 89www.agramunt.ese-mail: [email protected]/ Mercadal, 1 - 25600 BalaguerTel. 34 973 44 66 06 - Fax 34 973 44 86 21www.balaguer.net / e-mail: [email protected], Vall de BoíPasseig Sant Feliu, 43 - 25527 BarrueraTel. 34 973 69 40 00 - Fax 34 973 69 41 21www.vallboi.com / e-mail: [email protected] de Sant BartomeuCtra. Belianes, s/n - 25250 BellpuigTel. 34 973 32 02 92 http://bellpuig.ddl.netBellver de CerdanyaPatronat de Turisme de Bellver de CerdanyaPlaça Sant Roc, 9 25720 Bellver de CerdanyaTel. 34 973 51 02 29 - Fax 34 973 51 02 47www.bellver.org / e-mail: [email protected]àPatronat de Turisme de la CerdanyaCruïlla N-152 amb N-26017520 Puigcerdà (Girona)Tel. 34 972 14 06 65 - Fax 34 972 14 05 92www.cerdanya.org e-mail: [email protected] Borges BlanquesConsell Comarcal de les GarriguesAv. Francesc Macià, 5425400 Les Borges BlanquesTel. 34 973 14 26 58 - Fax 34 973 14 01 06www.turismegarrigues.come-mail: [email protected]òstPasseig Eduard Aunós, 14 - 25550 BossòstTel. 34 973 64 72 79 http://bossost.ddl.net CerveraC/ Major, 115 - 25200 CerveraTel./ Fax 34 973 53 13 03www.lasegarra.orge-mail: [email protected] Pont de Suert• Patronat Comarcal de Turisme Av. Victoriano Muñoz, 4825520 El Pont de SuertTel. 34 973 69 04 02 / 34 902 10 15 16Fax 34 973 69 05 75www.ribagorca.com / e-mail: [email protected]• Oficina Municipal de TurismeAv. Victoriano Muñoz, 23 25520 El Pont de Suert Tel. 34 973 69 06 40 / 34 973 69 00 05www.elpontdesuert.come-mail: [email protected] d’ÀneuC/ Major, 40, Bis - 25580 Esterri d’ÀneuTel. 34 973 62 63 45 - Fax 34 973 62 65 21GuissonaPl. Vell-Pla, 1 - 25210 GuissonaTel./Fax 34 973 55 14 14 www.guissona.nete-mail: [email protected]
Gósol (Berguedà)Oficina de Turisme de Gósol (Berguedà) C/ Conseller Agustí Querol i Foix s/n Tel. 34 973 37 00 16/55 - Fax 34 973 37 00 11http://gosol.ddl.netIsona i la Conca DellàPl. de l’Assumpció, 2-3 - 25600 IsonaTel. 34 973 66 50 62 - Fax 34 973 66 42 28www.parc-cretaci.come-mail: [email protected]íCtra. Vall de Cardós, s/n (Ajuntament)25595 LlavorsíTel. 34 973 62 22 17 - http://llavorsi.ddl.netLleidaPl. Ramon Berenguer IV - 25007 LleidaTel. 34 973 24 88 40 - Fax 34 973 22 14 28e-mail: [email protected]• Lleida, Turisme de LleidaC/Major, 31 bis - 25007 LleidaTel. 34 902 25 00 50 - Fax 34 973 70 04 80www.turismedelleida.come-mail: [email protected] Pobla de SegurAv. Verdaguer, 35 25500 La Pobla de SegurTel. 34 973 68 02 57 - Fax 34 973 68 02 57www.pobladesegur.orge-mail: [email protected] Torre de Capdella• Patronat Municipal de Turisme de la Vall FoscaCasa Consistorial. C/ Únic, s/n 25515 La Torre de CapdellaTel. 34 973 66 30 01 - Fax 34 973 66 31 45www.vallfosca.nete-mail: [email protected] Seu d’Urgell• Turisme de la SeuAv. Valls d’Andorra, 33 25700 La Seu d’UrgellTel. 34 973 35 15 11 - Fax 34 973 36 01 56www.laseu.org / e-mail: [email protected]• Turisme Alt UrgellPasseig Joan Brudieu, 15 25700 La Seu d’Urgell Tel. 34 902 15 47 15 / 34 973 35 31 12 Fax 34 973 35 27 88 - www.ccau.nete-mail: [email protected]ça de l’Ajuntament 1- 25540 LesTel. 34 973 64 73 03 - Fax 34 973 64 83 82www.turismoles.come-mail: [email protected]àPl. de les Homilies - 25794 OrganyàTel. 34 973 38 20 02 - Fax 34 973 38 35 36PontsPatronat municipal d'iniciatives de PontsPl. Planell, 6 25740 PontsTel. 34 973 46 22 33 - Fax 34 973 46 02 77e-mail: [email protected] Llorenç de MorunysCtra. de Berga, s/n 25282 Sant Llorenç de MorunysTel. 34 973 49 21 81 - Fax 34 973 49 21 81www.lavalldelord.comSalardúTrauèssa de Balmes, 225598 SalardúTel. 34 973 64 51 97www.aran.org / e-mail: [email protected]
Sant Ramon i Les OluguesAv. Santuari, 21 - 25215 Sant RamonTel. 34 973 524 291http://santramon.ddl.nete-mail: [email protected] de Bassella, 1 25280 SolsonaTel. 34 973 48 23 10 - Fax 34 973 48 19 33www.turismesolsones.come-mail: [email protected]• Oficina Comarcal de Turisme del Pallars SobiràAv. Comtes de Pallars, 2125560 SortTel. 34 973 62 10 02 - Fax 34 973 62 10 03www.pallarssobira.infoe-mail: [email protected]àrregaC/ Agoders, 16 - 25300 TàrregaTel. 34 973 50 07 07 - Fax 34 973 50 06 66www.urgell.org - www.larutadelcister.infoe-mail: [email protected]. de Tavascan, s/n - 25577 TavascanTel. 34 973 62 30 79 - Fax 34 973 62 30 89www.tavascan.nete-mail: [email protected] Ajuntament - Plaça de la Creu, 1 25620 TrempTel. 34 973 65 00 09 / 34 973 65 00 05 Fax 34 973 65 20 36www.ajuntamentdetremp.come-mail: [email protected] - Pl. Serra del Cadí, 125717 TuixentTel. 34 973 37 00 30 - Fax 34 973 37 02 16e-mail: [email protected]ència d’ÀneuAv. Port de la Bonaigua, 225587 València d’Àneu Tel. 34 973 62 60 38 - Fax 34 973 62 63 41http://altaneu.ddl.nete-mail: [email protected] de les MongesPg. de Montesquiu, s/n25268 Vallbona de les MongesTel. 34 973 33 05 67 / 34 973 33 02 60www.larutadelcister.infoe-mail: [email protected] de Cardós Camí Comunidor, s/n25570 Ribera de CardósTel. 34 973 62 32 39 - Fax 34 973 62 31 22e-mail: [email protected]úPlaça Major, 1 - 25340 VerdúTel. 34 973 34 70 07 - Fax 34 973 34 70 07http://verdu.ddl.netVielha• Torisme Val d’AranCtra. de Gausac, 1 - 25530 VielhaTel. 34 973 64 06 88 - Fax 34 973 64 30 60www.aran.org / e-mail: [email protected]• Oficina de Informacion Toristica dera Val d'AranC/ Sarriulera, 10 - 25530 VielhaTel. 34 973 640 110 - Fax 34 973 64 03 72www.aran.org / e-mail: [email protected]
LA SEGARRA
La Segarra is a comarca with very imprecise limits that occupies an area of western Catalonia that is very difficult to define. This is a relatively high lying comarca, though it lacks any major relief features or particularly outstanding geographical characteristics. But, it is important to stress that La Segarra is a dry land area par excellence and, although almost devoid of running water, is extremely rich in minerals. This comarca has always been a crossroads of civilizations, a fact that is amply demonstrated by the Roman settlement of Guissona.
In the 11th century, this was one of the most important bastions of the conquest of the lands occupied by the forces of Islam. This explains why this is the comarca with most castles in Catalonia. As you travel through this area, you will see that there is hardly a town or village that does not conserve the nostalgic ruins of a fortress, castle or watchtower. Centres of population grew up at the feet of these lofty castles, many of which were built on ridge tops and similar vantage points.
Some of these castles still conserve the majesty of their halcyon days. One such building is the most imposing fortification in the whole of La Segarra; the walled settlement of Montfalcó.
It is impossible to speak of the monuments of this comarca without stressing the importance of visiting the monumental town of Cervera. Other obligatory visits in this area include: Sant Pere Gros (11th century); the village of Guissona; the spectacularly sized monastery of Sant Ramon; the Romanesque church of Pelagalls, in Tarroja de Segarra; Les Oluges; Castellmeià; Sanaüja, and a very long etcetera. Neither should we forget to mention the Pessebre Vivent (Living Nativity Scene) at the medieval village of Sant Guim de la Plana, or the witches’ passage in Cervera. The latter is closely linked to the traditional Aquelarre (Witches’ Festival), which attracts thousands of young people each summer.
EL PLA D'URGELL
In 1988, the Parlament de Catalunya (Catalan Parliament) authorised the creation of the comarca called El Pla d’Urgell. This was an administrative creation and a way of giving legal form to a sentiment, a character, a territory, a number of settlements, and a people, whose tenacity had driven them to fight to achieve recognition of their identity: Mollerussa was made its capital.
It is important to mention that these lands, which today appear so green and fertile, were not always like this. In the past, these were dry and very poor lands, but thanks to the Canal d’Urgell (irrigation canal) their physical appearance has changed and they are now some of the best lands in Catalonia.
Man has settled these lands since time immemorial, and one of the most important signs of this is the Tossal (outlier) de les Tenalles near Sidamon. At this site, it is possible to observe a water deposit that has made a most interesting contribution to the local area on account of the wisdom behind its urbanistic planning and the contribution that it has made to the organisation of the agricultural and livestock raising communities of the urn fields of the Segre. This water deposit is thought to originally date from as far back as Pre-Iberic times, and this is the most easterly located outlier of its kind.
One of the many tourism options offered in this comarca is to follow the course of the Canal d'Urgell and discover its turns, small locks and places of striking natural beauty. One part of the canal breaks off from the River Segre and crosses the Serra (sierra) de Montclar by way of an almost five-kilometre-long underground channel.
One of the most important events to underline with reference to this comarca, due to the tremendous importance that it has acquired, is Mollerussa’s Fira de Sant Josep (Saint Joseph’s Fair). Something else that must be mentioned, again for its tremendous relevance, is the Tossal de les Sogues at Bellvís. And looking a little further ahead into the future, it is possible to recommend visitors to discover and enjoy the wide range of tourist options now available in association with the recently recovered Estany d'Ivars (Ivars Lake). This is a truly marvellous landscape and visitors will soon be able to see how the waters, flora and fauna, help to recover and dignify a beauty spot that should never have been lost and which has tremendous importance for tourism in this comarca.
L'URGELL
The comarca of L’Urgell is located right in the centre of the western plains and spreads around the town of Tàrrega, which is the local capital and its main commercial centre. History has left its indelible mark on this comarca and has added to its natural attractions. The area’s treasures include: the remains of Iberic settlements; the beautiful Romanesque and Gothic style buildings of Vallbona de les Monges, Agramunt, Verdú and Vilagrassa; and the 19th century, Catalan renaissance style architecture of Bellpuig. Bellpuig was the centre of the Baronia de Bellpuig and its monuments of interest include the parish church, which has a magnificent 19th century Catalan renaissance style sepulchre, built by Giovanni Merliano da Nola.
The parish church of Agramunt is a marvellous example of 13th
century Catalan Romanesque style architecture. At Vallbona de les Monges, it is important to highlight the monastery for women. Together with those of Poblet and Santes Creus, this forms part of a trilogy of great Cistercian monasteries.
The village of Verdú is full of buildings that date from earlier periods. In Verdú, vaulted houses, arcaded streets, and arched windows, are all common features. The castle and church, and the family home of Saint Pere Claver, are all buildings that give this village, which is also famed for its pottery, its particular logic and beauty.
Guimerà is one of the most typical villages of the inner plains, both on account of its physical appearance and layout and its customs. In the case of Ciutadilla, it is important to mention the remains of the local lord’s castle, complete with tower, and the nearby ruins of the monastery of Santa Maria de Vallsanta. In the case of Tàrrega, the main monuments to highlight are its 13th century mansions. The streets and squares of the old town also contain the Casa de la Ciutat (Town Hall), one of whose most striking features is a magnificent Gothic cross. September is a good month in which to visit this town, coinciding with its internationally famous Fira del Teatre (Theatre Festival).
LA NOGUERA
La Noguera is a very large comarca and is mainly organised around the rivers Segre, Noguera Pallaresa and Noguera Ribagorçana. It is one of the largest comarques in Catalonia and one of the highlights of its capital, Balaguer, is the Plaça (Square) del Mercadal. This peaceful and majestic town is steeped in historical memories and offers an elegance and sumptuosity on a par with anywhere else in Catalonia.
This terrain of this comarca is by no means uniform. La Noguera Alta contains the comarca’s most emblematic feature; Montsec (the Dry Mount), and the comarca is also crossed from west to east by the Pre-Pyrenees. The imposing crags on the south face of this ridge were carved out by the two Noguera rivers as they cut through it.
Travellers visiting this comarca must visit the Vall d'Àger (Àger valley), which was immortalised by the writer Josep Pla in the following words: “the valley is a remote and distant paradise, which enjoys a divine sense of peace”. It is also possible to watch, enthralled, as human bodies suspended in light structures, glide like great birds through the skies above Àger. It is then on to Corçà. From the village, visitors should head for the beauty spot that contains the Ermita (hermitage) de Pertusa. From there, travellers can trek for several hours on a walking route that will take them through the Congost (gorge) de Montrebei, one of the most beautiful and spectacular sights in the area.
The Castell de Montsonís lies two kilometres from Artesa de Segre. This castle, which was built in the 12th century, is open to visitors in all of its magnificent splendour. Next to Montsonís, we find the Santuari (shrine) del Salgar, which is another must to visit, as are the villages of Cubells and Ponts. The Carrer Major (main treet) of the Ponts is incomparable in its character and charm, but today, the real highlight is the restored collegiate church of Sant Pere.
Another typical feature of La Noguera is its huge blue - ever so blue - sky. It is a land where the wind blows in the cool evening, the sun fills the sky and the land, and the day slowly passes: there is no haste in La Noguera. Come and enjoy it and see how it will prove almost impossible to forget.
EL SEGRIÀ
An old refrain says: “Del Segrià, qui no en ve, hi va” (“The person who does not come from El Segrià, goes there”). This is the ideal saying with which to greet newcomers. It should help to ensure that on leaving this comarca they will be the first to divulge the special character and beauty of this land and its monuments, people, gastronomy, fairs and festivities. This will make the comarca’s visitors its best possible ambassadors before their friends and acquaintances. They will then encourage them all to come and visit El Segrià.
Lleida is the capital of this comarca. Travellers are encouraged to wander down its Carrer Major (main street) and to visit the Peu del Romeu and La Paeria (the City Hall), which together with La Seu Vella (the Old Cathedral) is probably Lleida’s most emblematic building. Other places of interest include the churches of Sant Llorenç and Sant Martí Vell (now a museum) and the former Hospital de Santa Maria, which today plays host to the the Institut d'Estudis Ilerdencs (cultural centre), which is the only building completely constructed, from top to bottom, in the Catalan Gothic style. Then we must not forget the Balcó del Serraller (locksmith’s balcony) of the Diputació (seat of the provincial assembly), which bears silent testimony to the touching love story of Adrià and Maria; two young citizens of Lleida in the 18th century.
Lleida’s Horta (fruit and vegetable growing area) and the villages around it produce the excellent quality fruit that has brought both fame and fortune to the city and the surrounding region.
It is important to recognise a number of other interesting and important places to visit in El Segrià. These include: the Barri (quarter) de la Moreria and Carrer de la Sinagoga in Aitona; the ancient Castell dels Espolter in Albatàrrec; the Pont Vell (Old Bridge) over the river Noguera Ribagorçana at Alfarràs; the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Merli (Shrine to the Virgin Mary) at Alguaire; the whole town of Almenar; the monastery dedicated to the trinity of Nostra Senyora dels Àngels d’Avinganya; and, the parish church of Sant Salvador in Torrebesses. Furthermore, it is important to mention the region’s markets, fairs (particularly singling out the Fira de Sant Miquel of Lleida), gastronomy, gatherings and festivities. These are celebrated throughout the year and across the whole geography of this comarca, and include: medieval fetes, the festival of Moors and Christians, the Fanalets (lanterns) de Sant Jaume and the Aplec del Cargol (Snail Festival). There is certainly a wide range of options to choose from.
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Surprising Setting
Discover the Lands of LleidaLES GARRIGUES
Les Garrigues is like a Catalan Palestine, with the olive trees against the backlighting providing the evenings with a sense of peace and magic, and giving its small villages shape and really bringing them to life.
Les Garrigues is an essentially agricultural comarca (rural district), whose landscapes are dominated by fruit trees. The olive tree has become the true symbol of this land, which claims to produce the best olive oil in the world. Its D.O. (denomination of origin) olive oils have even graced the tables at the Nobel Prize awards.
The settlements of Les Garrigues stand on account of their compact nature, and the splendid porches in the main square of the local capital, Les Borges Blanques, deserve particular attention. In recent years, another point in the local capital has also taken form and come to life. This is the Parc Temàtic de l'Oli (Olive Oil Theme Park), which offers visitors a broad insight into different aspects of the production and elaboration of olive oil, tracing the industries development over recent past centuries. Even so, each of the twenty-four towns and villages in the comarca has its own peculiar characteristics and is well worth discovering. They house castles, ice wells, and Romanesque and Baroque style churches and some settlements, including El Vilosell and La Pobla de Cérvoles, deserve to be declared places of particular interest to tourists. Obligatory visits include La Cova dels Moros (The Moors’ Cave) at Cogul whose cave paintings, which were discovered in 1908, are some of the most important in Catalonia.
Many places and cultures have left their historical mark upon this territory and serve as essential references, but tourists have a real obligation to visit the village of Arbeca. There, it is possible to find the remains of an Iberic settlement, called Vilars, which has proved to be one of the richest and most interesting sources of insights into times past.In this comarca, travellers will find truly unique details in each and every corner. Walking along its trails, it is possible to appreciate the perfect harmony of the rural world in the pines, vines, hermitages, villages and people. The local inhabitants receive visitors with open hearts and frank sincerity and those who visit the area can fill their souls with peace and harmony as in no other part of Catalonia.