Day 538 - 04/03/2015 : Inside Poblet

Poble Monastery is a Cistercian abbey located in Conca de Barberà shire, just in the vicinity of Muntanyes de Prades.

Essentially, is the largest abbey in Catalonia being dated on 12th-century. The austere, majestic monastery, which has a fortified royal residence and contains the pantheon of the Kings of Catalonia and Aragon, is an impressive sight.

It has served as one of the largest and most complete of the Cistercian abbeys, as a massive military complex, and as a royal palace, residence and pantheon. It is a unique artistic achievement and one of the most perfect expressions of Cistercian style in the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries. The abbey contains masterpieces from every period such as the great alabaster retablo by Damian Forment (1529).

Nothing more to say, is a must !

Day 537 - 03/03/2015 : Capafonts

During our tour inside Muntanyes de Prades we came up with a little town which provoked us to stop the car in the middle of TV-7041 road.

Being an agrarian town, only a handful of people lives here, specifically 124. Located at 721m above sea level, it belongs to Baix Camp shire on the North-East side of Tarragona fields.

Although the town is quite tiny it's advisable to visit and walk on the narrow and steeped streets, caused by being grow in a hill. However there are some relevant monuments and places to visit, as the church or essentially the countryside.

Enjoy your visit !

Day 536 - 02/03/2015 : Montblanc

Coming from Lleida province let's move to the South during some days, let's go to visit Tarragona, mountains, medieval villages and fertile grounds will accompany us.

Our first stop is Montblanc, the capital of Conca de Barberà's shire. Having been protected by Prades Mountains, this medieval town is proud to have a extremely old history, evidence of cave dwellings have been found dating back to Palaeolithic times.

But not further as the history is, we were able to have a pleasant walk inside the old medieval town in a cold night from November being impressed to be in a magical place.

 Amazing !

Day 535 - 01/03/2015 : Montsonis Castle, fear ot he dark.

Montsonís castle is situated inside the Montsonis village , inside Noguera's shire, 2 km from Artesa de Segre and 24 km from Balaguer, the capital village.

The castle and the splendid dry stone houses that surround it conserve all the magnificence and elegance of the past times and takes us back to past centuries. The castle is a superb fortress raised on the top of Montsonís, small and quiet village, surrounded by fertile lands and magnificent landscape views.

The following architectural parts are relevant: the arrogant homage tower, the delicate Gothic styled window in the main wall, and the vast seigniorial outhouses : the antecedents' room, the dining room, the chamber of the lords, ... and its very true well kept secrets : the room without door, the prison, the wine cellar, the secret passage... .

A fantastic guided tour can be attended during weekends, even at night when you could feel the cold night in your bones.

Fear of the dark !

Day 534 - 28/02/2015 : Pont de Sant Miquel over Segre's river in Balaguer

Another relevant monument in Balaguer is the main Gothic bridge, the "Pont de Sant Miquel", over the Segre river. This bridge was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in the battle of "Cap de Pont" (bridgehead battle in 1938) and rebuilt after the war.

Dated at the end of 14th Century, the bridge protected the town from the north and the east creating a defensive structure also with Gerb doorway.

Nowadays it's linking old and new town being the nature area from the city on both shores. Reflections on the Segre's river are common and the most impressive view can be seen from the hill where Santa Maria Church is located.

Why don't you check by yourself?

Day 533 - 27/02/2015 : Balaguer

Balaguer is the capital of Noguera shire's, in the province of Lleida. It is located on the shore of Segre river, a tributary to the Ebre. The municipality includes an exclave to the east.

Balaguer was conquered from the Moors by Ermengol VI of Urgell in 1106; he made it his new capital, and it remained so for subsequent counts of Urgell.

The most relevant Gothic building is the Santa Maria Church (in the picture's background), in the heights above the city, in line with a quite finely conserved wall dating to the 15th century AD. The historic town is on the right bank of the Segre.

For more information about the town please follow the Official municipal web site

Enjoy !!!

Day 532 - 26/02/2015 : St.Llorenç de Montgai

The environment around St Llorenç de Montgai drives out to visit the village to admire the mountains, reservoir and the incoming autumn colors.

Being so close to Balaguer is a must if you're visiting this area because there are plenty of walk routes and water activities on the reservoir.

The mountains surrounding the village are not too high and provoke a desire to climb them.

The town has one of the train station from the known and tourist track Lleida - Pobla de Segur, above all during summer season, note this, it's one of the best sights in Lleida province, don't forget it !