Sunday 28 June 2015

Day 608 - 13/06/2015 : Prullans

Prullans is a very picturesque town in Baixa Cerdanya located at the end of a big valley and stepped due to tectonic movements.

Prullans was the origin of 'ceretans', who resisted the Roman domains, in fact, it's said that the name of Prullans came from  a Roman person called 'Braulianus'.

Its location has provoked to be known as 'mirador de la Cerdanya' (Cerdanya viewpoint) due to the spectacular view we may take from Cadi Moixeró range.

Undoubtedly, a place to be aware of its existence !


Day 607 - 12/06/2015 : Bellver old town and Cadí Moixeró

Visitors are invited to take a trip through history. A walk around the historic part of Bellver de Cerdanya, which is also known as the Barri de la Plaça (or Square Quarter) and is the most emblematic part of the hamlet, is like taking a trip back to a time when settlements needed to be surrounded by walls in order to protect them from enemy attack. It is certainly well worth a visit!

You may take a rest in Jaume Vila viewpoint, from where it is possible to enjoy a privileged view of the area of Bellver and Cadi Moixerò range that catches most of the sun; this is rougher and drier than the shaded part of the area.

Are you willing to visit? 


Day 606 - 11/06/2015 : Bellver de Cerdanya

Let's change the town ! Today we will be visiting Bellver de Cerdanya, an open settlement with a long history of welcoming visitors. 

It is an attractive centre for holidaymakers, offering an extensive municipal territory containing fifteen small, picturesque settlements around the hamlet of Bellver. 

The area has several important items of cultural heritage, including the Romanesque architecture of Talló and, and its majestic natural patrimony, which offers a wide variety of ecosystems, including alpine, fluvial, steppe and forest areas. This is an interesting destination to come and explore!

A must !!



Day 605 - 10/06/2015 : Das's St.Julià Church

We came across with this tiny and picturesque church when looking round on Das fields. It was a cold winter morning and we were shocked by the wall colors in opposite to the grey sky and white mountains.

St.Julià is a Romanesque building from 11th Century located in Tartera, a Das hamlet. Nowadays it's closed to pray although it was a parochial church in the past. The first reference is dated on 839 in Seu D'Urgell chart. 

You may take breathtaking Cerdanya panoramas from the ground, don't forget your camera.


Amazing !




Day 604 - 09/06/2015 : Das's St.Llorenç Church

St Llorenç Church is a modern building built in Gothic Revival style with the bell tower above west door, giving a special configuration to embrace visitor's curiosity.

Located at the town center it's the most remarkable sight, having been built in cross shape with side chapels, and stone walls.

The church was rebuilt in 19th Century during a flourishing cultural time in the village due to the influence of remarkable people who were spending summer holidays there, as the journalist Rossend Arús i Arderiu.

Enjoy your visit !



Day 603 - 08/06/2015 : Das's Town Hall

Das is a little village belonging to Cerdanya shire, close to Masella and Molina ski station therefore a chance to visit after your ski activity.

It's located 1200 meters above the sea level and the first building you may encounter when visiting it probably is the old railway station which is the Town Hall nowadays.

Das ground  belonged to Bisbat d'Urgell until 17th Century when the royal power came the new owner. You may listen about the town as a temperature reference in winter, when it's considered one of the coldest town in Catalonia.

Bring your coat, don't forget it !



Wednesday 24 June 2015

Day 602 - 07/06/2015 : Cerdanya's panorama

Cerdanya, a natural Catalan county of excellence, forms a physiographic unity defined by some orographical, climatic and historical features which grant the region a very particular character. Mainly integrated by the higher Valley of the Segre river, Cerdanya is one Europe’s most extended valleys, with a minimum altitude (about 1000 metres), with its east to west orientation, and a high dose of insolation of about 3000 hours of sun exposure a year.

The mountainous shapes the Cadí Mountain Range (occidental half), the Moixeró Mountain Range and other more oriental massifs like the Tossa d’Alp and the Puigllançada, and the Pedraforca massif in the Berguedà region.


Amazing !


Day 601 - 06/06/2015 : Pobla de Lillet and Pedraforca

You might well think that this is the same picture you saw two days ago when we were introducing La Pobla, but it isn't !

Do you see two peeks on the left center area of the picture? Yes, it is, Pedraforca appearance. It wasn't easy to catch because the sky was grey, actually we weren't aware to have caught it until we checked the pictures after our trip.

Beautiful Catalonia forever and ever !


Day 600 - 05/06/2015 : Pobla de Lillet panorama

Oh my God !!! We have reached 600 days and pictures, what we need is to toast for this !

We continue visiting the quiet town of La Pobla and after crossing the old bridge we may catch a stunning picture of the town with Llobregat river governing it.

A stroll through the Old Town of La Pobla de Lillet will give visitors a magical history tour. The narrow cobbled streets invite you to forget about routine, and, from here, you can reach the Güell spring, the old bridge, Plaça del Molí square, the castle and the church.

The views are spectacular and the walk contains surprises such as medieval tales and games about the relationship between man and nature and that between Gaudí, the Catalan Art Nouveau and this town.

Enjoy your visit !


Day 599 - 04/06/2015 : Pobla de Lillet's old bridge

La Pobla de Lillet is a municipality located north of the Berguedà. Having located in the Valley of Lillet about 843m high, it is surrounded by the mountains of Cadi, the Moixerò, Catllaràs saw the Falgars, the range of Moreu, Bruc rocks and mountains Meranges and Tubau Planks.

In La Pobla you may find Artigas Gardens, designed by Antoni Gaudi in the early twentieth century as a thank you to the Artigas family to welcome him home when designing the Catllaràs Chalet.

The Artigas Gardens are a perfect union between nature and architecture in the midst of life in constant motion provided by the Llobregat River, which passes through the middle.

We also find the Old Bridge, the fourteenth century, among the people and as a landmark of the town across the river from one side to another. It is considered the oldest bridge crossing the river Llobregat.


It looked so beautiful with this 'Estelada', isn't it?


Day 598 - 03/06/2015 : Eagle fly free

While we were looking round Montgrony's land we were able to catch an impressive eagle flying free in the Pyrenees.

It was a magical moment, we couldn't stop at glazing the fantastic bird and its majestic fly which seemed to eat the sky.

We stayed a few minutes chasing the eagle with our camera and we finally took a picture from such a beauty nature inhabitant. I wish I could share the sky with it !

Eagle fly free !!


Monday 22 June 2015

Day 597 - 02/06/2015 : Mare de Deu de Montgrony land

Nowadays, Mongrony is a peaceful place, to put your feet up in a quiet and silent atmosphere. A land with such a magical charm which allow to enjoy the landscape, the nature and the infinite horizon.

You are invited to visit this stunning land in Ripollés, even you may think to collect mushrooms if you are a consumer and like to find them inside the forests.


Don't tell to somebody but you might also sleep in the ground protected by Mare de Deu de Montgrony's walls, but be careful with the wolves !!!



Day 596 - 01/06/2015 : Mare de Deu de Montgrony's Pantocrator

Unfortunately the contents of the sanctuary were extremely damaged by Spanish troops after the Civil War's end in 1936, you know, these people have never respected Catalan symbols.

But, the most we feel attacked in our culture, the most we fight to recover and it has been the case of Montgrony, which was restored almost completely after the war.

Now we can see a stunning Pantocrator just behind the altar, it isn't as relevant as Santa Maria de Taül but it's worth it visiting it.

Enjoy your pray !


Sunday 21 June 2015

Day 595 - 31/05/2015 : Mare de Deu de Montgrony

Undoubtedly, Montgrony's jewel is the sanctuary of Mare de Deu. This remarkable building is a Marian Church which belongs to Bisbat de Vic.

Not only remarkable is the building, but also its location in the cliff of Serra de Sant Pere, at 1370 above sea level  governing Ripollés and Berguedà shires.

Just above the cliff there are others relevant buildings as Sant Pere de Montgrony Church and the chapel, which are opened to visit.

The whole area is one of the main devotion sights to Maria in Ripollés and the neighbor areas, bringing lots of tourists around the year.

Like a prayer !


Day 594 - 30/05/2015 : Berguedà and Gombren from Montgrony

Santa Maria de Montgrony is a sanctuary located in Berguedà from where you can see a breathtaking panorama of the countryside and Gombren, the town which it's belonging to.

Specifically, it's over 1.408 above sea level and having been done up in 2001, nowadays it represents one of the most relevant sight in Pyrenees area.

Besides the great views, it's a known place to practice hiking and rock climbing, also 4x4 excursions or simply walking to enjoy the peaceful of this holy land belonging to Comte Arnau.

We're waiting for you !




Saturday 20 June 2015

Day 593 - 29/05/2015 : Font del Bisbe

La Font del Bisbe is a beautiful and hidden spot in Sant Jaume de Frontanyà, near the road leading to La Pobla de Lillet. 

There's a waterfall and a small lake below, surrounded by dense woods. There is a freak matter because of which the place is known: there is a Geocache located in a round, hermetic, regular box hidden some meters down the stream. 

You can reach there from Sant Jaume and from La Pobla, but this last route is a little better. If you park your car at the road, there's a short walk, with a little descent. Bring your swimming costume with you if you go there during warm seasons!

Amazing !


Day 592 - 28/05/2015 : St. Jaume de Frontanyà Romanesque Church altar

Since 2009, an audio-guided visit has been offered to visitors so they can learn more about the history and details of the village and its church you will be getting the best spot if you visit the town in a quiet day without the crowd being disturbed you.

You may ask for the Church's key at the information point, which kindly it gives to you after leaving your ID as deposit.

The whole Church will be available for you and only by paying 1€ to switch on lights.

It's good value for money !!!


Day 591 - 27/05/2015 : St. Jaume de Frontanyà Romanesque Church

The monumental Romanesque church of Sant Jaume is a protected historic-artistic monument from the 11th century, definitely tt's a must-see.

The 11th century Augustinian monastery church of Sant Jaume de Frontanyà is one of the county’s emblematic monuments. The Lombard-style decoration reflects the splendour of this large church with three enormous apses.

Capped with a barrel vault and dome, it is without doubt one of the most beautiful buildings in the county, not to mention one which conforms to a truly harmonious concept of Catalan Romanesque architecture. 

Are you willing to visit it?


Day 590 - 26/05/2015 : St. Jaume de Frontanyà


If I were you I would spend some hours to visit the smallest Catalonia's town in terms of inhabitants. The village is served by a local road to Borredà , which is located in C-26 road going from Berga to Ripoll, and it is well-known for its peace and tranquility.


Don't miss to stop before entering to the town and take a panoramic picture with the remarkable Romanesque Church in the background.

The town was first documented in 905, at the consecration of the Church of Sant Jaume Vell. Furthermore,
the guesthouse and restaurant Fonda Cal Marxandó has been welcoming visitors since 1851. Today, it is known for its traditional Catalan cuisine, made with locally-sourced ingredients.

Enjoy !


Day 589 - 25/05/2015 : Baells reservoir panorama

If you are thinking to spend some days around Berga and Bergueda shire make sure you go to visit Baells reservoir landscapes.

I suggest going to an alternative road which start to be steeped up and allow to admire the reservoir from the heights, undoubtedly it's the best way to catch fantastic panoramas.

The chances are to take C-26 road on the way to Ripoll just leaving Berga to the North. You will be crossing the reservoir through a vast bridge before reaching the crossroad with BV-4022. Then, don't have fear, take the narrow road which will lead you to remarkable pictures.

Just do it !


Sunday 7 June 2015

Day 588 - 24/05/2015 : Bergueda's great breakfast

In highland Catalonian shires it's common to set up the journey with a plentiful meal, we call it 'esmortzar de forquilla'.

It's basically based on pig food, some kind of sausages, calluses and red wine. We strongly recommend visiting Cobert de Puigcercós restaurant. It's located in a peaceful campsite area which you can access easily after reaching Berga.

Take C-26 road on the way to Borredà and Ripoll, just after leaving Borredà turn right into BP-4654 roach and drive 5-6 kilometers until reach your destination.

Enjoy your meal !


Day 587 - 23/05/2015 : Gironella panorama

From the balcony located in Town Hall's square we may have a panoramic view of Gironella and also a colorful set of houses dated on last century.

It's worthy to stop over in this town and learn about its history, plenty of relevant events. Probably, the most remarkable building is 'Pont Vell' which is dated on 1389 and it's the main entering point to the village.

Anyway, the eldest buildings are the pre-Romanesque Eremitori of Sant Marc which is located at Cal Bassacs and the runes of Diable bridge over Llobregat river, the walls, castle and old Town.

Enjoy your visit !


Day 586 - 22/05/2015 : Gironella

Gironella is a municipality in the comarca of the Berguedà, actually we may consider Gironella as a Llobregat's pearl.

It is situated in the left bank of the Llobregat river to the south of Berga. The local economy is traditionally based on cotton spinning and textile manufacture, although tourism is now more important: the company towns or "colonies" of workers houses surround the cotton mills are of historical interest.

The town is served by the C-16 road to Berga and the Cadí tunnel. Gironella, which has numerous stores, bars, and schools, is an important economic center for the smaller towns around it, such as Olvan, Sagàs or Casserres.

The town is mentioned in a well-known traditional Catalan song, A Gironella or Cançó de Gironella, in which a young man laments being rejected by his beloved and being forced to leave the town behind.

Why don't you stop over on your way to Berga?








Saturday 6 June 2015

Day 585 - 21/05/2015 : Sau reservoir from Vic's Hotel

Some months ago we were able to admire Sau reservoir from the heights, specifically from Tavartet cliffs. Today we have a different view from Vic's Hotel, but also a fantastic view.

The hotel is located in one of the loveliest parts of the Osona district, with the Guillerías Mountains in the distance and Sau Reservoir at its feet, reflecting the traditional style of a Catalan country house. Its beautifully maintained garden, guest rooms with balconies and a magnificent swimming pool with views of the exceptional landscape make this a wonderful place to get away from it all and relax

Fancy to go?


Day 584 - 20/05/2015 : Ter river looking at Sant Pere de Casserres

As you know, Sant Pere de Casserres was built at the furthest point of the crest of Casserres, which, due to its geographical layout, creates a peninsula surrounded by the most spectacular of the meanders made by Ter river on leaving Vic plain to enter to Guilleries.

From here every view is breathtaking, reflections are caught on the river in a explosion of beauty, nature and peace.

Wonderful !


Day 583 - 19/05/2015 : St Pere de Casserres, the Cloister

Let's continue with our tour on St. Pere de Casserres Monastery. The tiny cloister was destroyed in the well documented earthquakes in Osona and Garrotxa area during the 15th Century.

It has recently been rebuilt, with one part of the cloister restored in Romanesque style and the other just as the monks rebuilt it following the earthquakes.

In the center of the cloister there is a large water tank carved directly out of the rock, which collects all the rainwater.

Enjoy your visit !