Lleida

The monumental complex of the Seu Vella, the University of Cervera and the Manresana Tower are three enclaves that stand out for their shared past: all three were the sites of the War of the Spanish Succession. This is an adventure that you can embark on at the weekend, as only 80 kilometres separate these three historical symbols from one another.
 
MANRESANA TOWER
You might wish to start your route with a visit to  Manresana Tower, the only surviving evidence of the former castle, Castell de la Manresana, which formed part of the defence system of the medieval County of Manresa. Built in the 11^th and 12^th centuries and standing at a height of 21 metres, this tower was used as a watchtower by the Austrian army during the Battle of Prats de Rei in 1711.
 
UNIVERSITY OF CERVERA
Some 30 kilometres separate Prats from Rei from Cervera, where you can visit the University of Cervera. With a striking austerity, this is one of Catalonia’s most beautiful baroque constructions. A symbol of the implementation of the new Bourbon order, this institution of higher education was founded in 1717 by King Phillip V and later became the intellectual heart of Catalonia. Through the years, this university has taken in countless famous students including Narcís Monturiol, Joan Prim and Jaume Balmes.
 
MONUMENTAL COMPLEX OF THE SEU VELLA
The route ends in Lleida, which boasts one of the most striking scenes of all: the monumental complex of the Seu Vella Hill, which is made up of the old cathedral known as the “Seu Vella” (the most eye-catching edifice on the hill), the Castell del Rei (King’s Castle) and Suda, the military fortification, as well as different archaeological remains. It was as of the Bourbon victory in the War of the Spanish Succession that this entire hill became a military complex.
 
GASTRONOMY
If you’d like to try the typical food of these regions, you absolutely must taste the coca de recapte d’escalivada (roasted vegetable flatbread) in Lleida, the perdiu amb farcellets de col (partridge with stuffed cabbage leaves) in Prats de Rei and the bunyols de cigrons (chickpea fritters) in Cervera. Bon appétit!
 
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Have you ever seen the cave complex of Roca dels Moros, in El Cogul? Bearing witness to more than 8000 years of history, for some 5000 years this site was used as a place of worship. It was officially declared World Heritage in 1998 and houses the paintings of the last hunters and gatherers and Neolithic groups. Researchers have also identified inscriptions here dating from the Iberian and Roman periods, although many are illegible. We invite you to delve into the origins of art at El Cogul, and as long s you’re there, be sure to explore the Les Garrigues area!
 
ROCA DELS MOROS CAVE
With 42 painted figures and 260 elements engraved in the stone, Roca dels Moros, in El Cogul, is one of the foremost cave sites in Catalonia. It forms part of the cave art group of the Mediterranean strip on the Iberian Peninsula, which boasts 757 sites with paintings.
 
TOWNS OF TARRÉS AND L’ALBI
A 40-minute car drive from Cogul will bring you to the village of Tarrés. With a population of little over 100, this village is made up of steep, narrow streets flanked by dry stone constructions. Be sure to have a stroll along Carrer de l’Església, see the arcades of Cal Magre and the square with its fountain, Plaça de la Font.  Very close to Tarrés is the town of l’Albí, which sits just at the foot of the ruins of a 12^th-century castle that was later converted into a Renaissance palace, in the late 16^th century.
 
ROMANESQUE CHURCH OF SANT JOAN BAPTISTA IN VINAIXA
Vinaixa is just a few minutes away by car from l’Albí. Here you can visit the small Church of Sant Joan Baptista, the interior of which is very well conserved. Particularly worthy of note are the apse, the wooden choir, the neoclassical and baroque façade, the Virgin Mary’s chapel and small fragments of what was once the old baroque altar, which was burnt down during the war.
 
To make this route complete, we recommend spending a night in the old shepherd’s house, as well as visiting the Parc dels Olors (Park of the Scents), and the wineries Celler Mas Blanch i Jové and the Vinya dels Artistes. For complete information, click here.
 
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We propose you to put yourself in the shoes of the old gold seekers of the Segre river and discover the history of this activity and, at the same time, enter the millenary city of Balaguer. Do you want to find gold? Join us!

MUSEUM OF LA NOGUERA

We will visit one of the most important museums in inland Catalonia, where the Andalusian history of the city and the importance of Hisn Balagi’s medina and the goldsmith extraction of the Segre are told. Gold and fertile plain lands played a decisive role in the growth of the city.

GOLD INTERPRETATION CENTRE

Walking through the historic center of Balaguer we will arrive at the Gold Interpretation Center, where we will know the secrets of the search for gold and we will learn to separate the straws from the sand.

SEARCHING FOR GOLD IN THE SEGRE RIVER

Now yes! It is time to try your luck: properly equipped and trained, we will enter the river in search of gold. You have to be patient, but surely in the end you will find the precious metal and you will take it home!

TASTING OF THE FLAVOURS OF THE SECÀ

Wine and oil are two of the star products of La Noguera. Throughout the itinerary we propose you to taste the oil of the local producers and the wine of the DO Costers del Segre.  

ANDALUSIAN LUNCH

You cannot leave without savoring an authentic Andalusian meal inspired by the old medieval recipes. We anticipate that gold is one of its ingredients! Then, we suggest you visit the origins of all this: in the upper part of the city we find the remains of the old Muslim city.


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