Day 352 - 29/08/2014 : Montllobar hill, Pallars landscape

We though we were in Patagonia other time ;-)

However, we were running on a Catalan landscape which will be forever in our memories. The first snow in Pyrenees were perfectly able to see behind the blue sky and some clouds creates the perfect picture.

It was our second rest stop in Montllobar and it wouldn't be the last. You can't get out in our Pallars route, please keep attention !

Beautiful Catalonia !

Day 351 - 28/08/2014 : Montllobar hill driving to Tremp

On the road from Franja to Tremp known as C1311 we will have to climb Montllobar hill (in Catalan called coll) just in the middle of  the trip.

At the top of the hill we'll be enjoying breathtaking view of Tremp and the Pallars fields with the Pyrenees on the horizon.

Take a rest, stop your car and look around, the fresh air will open your lungs and you will be feeling as you rebirth.

Relaxing !

Day 350 - 27/08/2014 : Catalonia on the horizon

Looking to the East from Roda de Isabena lookout we've a spectacular view of Lierp Valley.On the horizon we will reach Catalonia because the picture was taken in Spanish territory, being in Franja you are changing country constantly.

The last fall colors are presenting winter is coming, we were in early December. It was an amazing weekend in Alta Ribargorça which we encourage to include in your plans.

Enjoy !

Day 349 - 26/08/2014 : Roda de Isabena, St. Vincent church

The Cathedral of Roda de Isábena, called St.Vicent, whose facade is highlighted by an immense bell-tower and a porch was built in the XVIII century.

This Cathedral was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1904. The architectural elements of greatest interest are to be found in the trancepts and apses of the three naves which form the ground plan.

Beneath these are three crypts, at different levels. The central crypt was built in 1125 commisioned by Saint Ramón. In this crypt, to which access is a triple, semicircular arch, is the sarcophagus of Saint Ramón.

The organ, built in 1653, still works today, thanks to the addition of a small motor. The cloister, to the north of the cathedral, had the only cistern in the locality.

Definitely, it deserves a visit !!!

Day 348 - 25/08/2014 : Franja - Roda de Isabena bridge

Besides the Romanesque Church, we may others beautiful sights in Roda de Isàbena. Probably the most remarkable is the old Gothic bridge over Isàbena river which can be accessed from the road A1605.

We came across it in our come back route to Catalonia and we liked it, it was funny cross it and see its reflections on the river.

It's called the bridge of the Light but we could call it the bridge of the ice...

Look at the slope on the right hand, they were frozen !!!! It was a very cold morning definitely.

Day 347 - 24/08/2014 : Franja - Roda de Isabena

Roda d'Isàvena isn't located within Catalonia territory but it's closer therefore presenting Catalan influence. It is a village in the municipality of Isàvena, in the region of Ribagorça, in the Spanish province of Huesca.

It was the capital of the county of Ribagorça and site of a diocese, the reason why the Romanesque Cathedral of Roda was built between the 11th and 12th century.

Located near the Isàvena river, the county of Ribagorza was one of the founding domains from which was built the Kingdom of Aragon.

It's a relatively quiet town with some interesting and wonderful places to visit as the Cathedral and the bridge over the Isabena river, you won't be disappointed !!!

Day 346 - 23/08/2014 : Franja - Sta Maria de Obarra

Alta Ribagorça shire is on the border with Spanish region of Aragon and we called this area surrounding the border as 'Franja' (translated to English is just border) and it could be considered part of the Catalan country because people speak Catalan and follow our culture.

Therefore it's worth it to get to know. One of the first sight crossing the border by N-260 road is Santa Maria de Obarra Romanesque monastery.. Embedded within Isabena valley, it belongs to Beranui and  it was established in the 9th century. The monastery is located in the Pre-Pyrenees at the foot of the Mountains of Sis.

What about a fall visit to admire the colorful forest?

Day 345 - 22/08/2014 : Sant Feliu de Barruera

The church of Sant Feliu is situated slightly to the north of Barruera.

The village lies at a strategic point where the valley widens out and was connected with a nearby abbey in the Middle Ages which has now disappeared.

The church has a single surviving nave of the three originally built, with a barrel vault and a semicircular apse. It has a square transept and apse to the south and square chapel to the north.

A simple, undecorated bell tower lies at the southeast corner. Renovations were undertaken in the 16th century, adding two Gothic chapels to the main nave, and a Gothic western facade.

It's worth it to visit !!!

Day 344 - 21/08/2014 : Taüll panorama

This picture opened the blog just almost a year ago because probably is one of the best panoramas I've taken from a Catalan landscape.

Recently, we love beaches more than other places, in fact we live in a seaside town but we have to say we can enjoy mountains whenever we want.

Taüll valley is one of the most impressive places in Catalonia, the historical Romanesque churches with the wonderful paintings merge with the beauty mountainous valley giving us a unforgettable view to our eyes.

Here, at the center, Sant Climent de Taül appears majestically surrounded by mountains and green fields, on the right side Taüll and Santa Maria church can be seen.

Fantastic view !!!

Day 343 - 20/08/2014 : Catalan of the year

I love this picture !!! I'm a Catalan and there isn't best thing that suits you be proud of your country that take a flag and get shoot in one of its most beautiful landscapes.

Undoubtedly, Taüll valley in Alta Ribagorça with the Romanesques churches, the mountainous pictures, the National Parks and the quiet roads is a must traveling in Catalonia, definitely it deserves 1 week at least to explore.

Would you like to be shoot as me with this background? Try to visit us !

Day 342 - 19/08/2014 : AigüesTortes, Llebreta lake

The first sight you find out entering in Aigüestortes in the lake called 'Llebreta'. We found it frozen in early December, we guessed how the place would be two moths later !

The mountains reflecting inside the lake create a magic panoram. You can reach the lake by car but probably it's advisable to have a walk from Planell d'Aigüestortes where a taxi from Boí could drop you off here for a 3 hours and a half journey to Llebreta.

You will walk around the plateau that gives name to the Park along a track and a wooden walkway suitable for everyone. You will be walking through this magical space, gazing at the fabulous fir-tree forest that will be installed on this great esplanade full of transparent and quiet streams. You will discover how Aigüestortes was formed and we will be able to see the tracks and remains that the varied fauna of this area of high mountain leave everywhere. 

Enjoy !!!!

Day 341 - 18/08/2014 : AigüesTortes starting from Boí

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (in Catalan: Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici) is only one National Parks located in Catalonia being recognized by the Spanish Government. We hope the situation changes soon and it becomes one of the best Catalan National Parks.

The National Park comprises 40,852 ha., divided in two different levels of protection: the core area and the buffer zone surrounding the park.

 The core area is located in the shires of Pallars Sobirà and Alta Ribagorça, and includes the main entrances of the Park: On the west side, from the village of Boí, is the Aigüestortes plain which you can enter being in Alta Ribagorça whereas you take a rest from your Romanesque tour.

Enjoy your visit !!!

Day 340 - 17/08/2014 : Sant Joan de Boí

The church of Sant Joan is situated at the entrance to the village of Boí which gives its name to the valley.

The church has three naves, with apses at the eastern ends of the two side names. The original timber roof has been replaced with stone.

The bell tower rises to the south of the southern nave. The church was heavily renovated in the 18th century, but many of the renovations were removed in the 1960s. Its paintings were removed in 1919 and taken to MNAC.

 The view with the mountains behind is breathtaking !!!

Day 339 - 16/08/2014 : Santa Maria de Taüll paintings

Besides Sant Climent de Taüll, The Santa Maria de Taüll ensemble is one of the most complete series of Romanesque pictures kept in the Museum.

Originally, the church interior was totally decorated and despite not being preserved intact what we have is enough for us to know with some certainty what themes were represented and how they were distributed inside the church and to distinguish the different artists.

In the most important part of the church, the apse, the Virgin Mary is portrayed as the Child’s throne in a scene from the Adoration of the Magi. It is the representation of the first acknowledgement of Christ’s divinity by all nations and of the different ages of man. Inside the semi-cylinder are representations of apostles as witnesses of this divine manifestation and on the arches preceding the apse is the Hand of God, the figure of Abel (an allegory of Christ’s sacrifice and the Eucharist), and the Agnus Dei.

Nothing more to say, you should plan some journey to visit the splendid Romanesque area in Catalonia !

Day 338 - 15/08/2014 : Santa Maria de Taüll

Santa María de Taüll is one of the Romanesque churches in the Boí Valley, which received the UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2000.

It was built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is an excellent example of Catalan Romanesque architecture. 

The temple was consecrated at the same time as San Clemente church in 1123. The building has a basilical ground plan with three naves separated by columns, but after the modifications carried out on the church only one nave remains. 

The sanctuary has three apses and a 12th-century bell tower, comprising five floors, with an array of blind arches and pilaster-style decorative features. The interior houses wall paintings (scenes from Hell and the Last Judgement), copies of the originals are now preserved in the Catalan National Art Museum (MNAC).

Definitely, another must in your Catalonia visit, above all visiting North West Pyrenees area.

Day 337 - 14/08/2014 : Sant Climent Pantocrator

Sant Climent church was intended as a place for Christian worship, unlike other churches of the time, which were intended as a pilgrimage.

The artwork in Sant Climent de Taüll was important in bringing the art into the public atmosphere. The main work of art is the mural painting, calle Pantocrator located on the central apse of the church. This mural painting was painted by a painter, whose identity is unknown, but is referred to as Master Taüll

Wonderful !!!

Day 336 - 13/08/2014 : Sant Climent de Taüll

Sant Climent de Taüll is located in Taüll, a village inside the Vall de Boí in Alta Ribagorça shire and it is the largest, undoubtedly the most well preserved, and has the most outstanding architecture out of all the churches in the Valley.

 The exact date of construction is unknown however the church was consecrated on December 10, 1123. Sant Climent de Taüll is a Romanesque style church greatly influenced by the Lombard style, which can be seen through its exterior decoration.

What could I do to admire this fantastic building? Leaving Pont de Suert to the North take L-500 road on the right and climb up to Boí town, then continue 2 kilometers before reach Taüll and the church just entering the town.

Enjoy your visit !!

Day 335 - 12/08/2014 : Erill La Vall and Santa Eulàlia church

Inside the Boí valley, on the North of Lleida region, we find the small town of Erill la Vall. The church of Santa Eulàlia is included in the collection of Romanesque temples from this valley that was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO.

Located in Alta Ribagorça shire, the Boí valley is located in the westernmost part of the Catalan Pyrenees. One of the towns found in this valley is Erill la Vall, a picturesque place filled with traditional houses, built in the local style of architecture, which uses materials such as wood, stone, and slate.


It's worth it spend a week-end embedded in the Romanesque area of Catalonia, you won't be deserved !

Day 334 - 11/08/2014 : Viu de Llevata, Alta Ribagorça.

Before arriving at Pont de Suert we will find a stunning village just in front of snowed Pyrenees, we are talking about Viu de Llevata, the first town we met in Alta Ribagorça shire.

It's located at 1240m above sea level within the Viu valley, a wonderful place between Corronco and Pica Cerví mountains on the North and Sant Gervàs range on the South.

Even though there are only 10 inhabitants counted it has one of the best restored Romanesque church in the shire, Santa Maria de Viu de Llevata.

Stop and go !

Day 333 - 10/08/2014 : Xerallo, Pallars Jussà.

After leaving Tremp to the North you get soon Talarn and the dam inside a scenic route which leads out to Pobla de Segur, another of the known towns in Pallars Jussà.

Without entering in la Pobla you take the road on the left, N-260, which lead to Alta Ribargorça and Pont de Suert town.

After an easy driving the road start to become steeped, it isn't too bad because you can stop to take fantastic pictures as shown today. We are seeing Xerallo, a little village named as the concrete town due to the abandoned factory existing which was created in the mid 20th century.


A place to visit !

Day 332 - 09/08/2014 : Port de Corriols, the Pallars balcony

Let's take some journeys looking for Pallars and Ribagorça shires.We were able to live a unforgettable journey driving from our seaside lovely town to the magnificent mountain ranges located in Pallars Jussà and Alta Ribagorça shires.

One of the first shocks by us were when finishing climb the Port de Corriols road, in other words C-1412b road, a fantastic panorama opened on your eyes allowing us to admire Conca de Tremp and the snowed Pyrenees behind.

It was a breathtaking start of a such amazing journey over the mountains, continue connected because you will have news soon !

Day 331 - 08/08/2014 : Catalan Cat

Stark is also a Catalan cat, of course, anybody is doubting about this?

It was a little puppy when he loved to bring in his neck a bracelet claiming for Catalonia freedom, don't believe if you want but he cried for that when seeing the 'Estelada' flying on the window.

It's considered Catalan those who have born or work in Catalonia and feel this country as own, it isn't? Then, Stark was born in Barcelona therefore he is a Catalan cat, the best and the most beautiful.

Long life to the King of Cats !!!

Day 330 - 07/08/2014 : Catalan sex symbol

Stark came into our lives in 2012 summer becoming the Catalan sex symbol of that year !!!

We don't know exactly how a such beautiful creature have been conceived but we feel very lucky to share our lives with him.

He has been taking care of other inhabitant cats at home which were older than him and now he fights with the new ones which are youngest, life is pain my friend !

But he never forgot play with us and give loving nights sleeping together ! Long life to the King of Cats !!!

Day 329 - 06/08/2014 : Montseny, Turó de l'Home

Turó de l'Home is the highest peek on Montseny massif as well as one of the most beautiful mountain panorama in Catalonia. 

It has an elevation of 1,712 metres above sea level but it's easy to reach from the nearest parking we can find after taking the mountain road from Santa Fé del Montseny.

The top of the mountain is a triangulation station. It was the site of the 1959 Transair Douglas Dakota accident.

Would you like climbing it? It isn't too difficult, take the challenge !!!

Day 328 - 05/08/2014 : Vallés Oriental from Montseny

The trail leading to Turó de L'Home, the highest peek in Montseny massif, allow a panoramic view from Vallés Oriental and Litoral Range in a sunny day.

We can see St.Celoni on the left side, La Garriga in the center and even Mediterranean sea looking at the South.

The view is worth it and may be a resting point before continue climbing to Turó, you can't get out now!!!

Day 327 - 04/08/2014 : Ripoll, Guifré el Pilos grave

Guifré el Pilós was Count of Urgell (from 870), Cerdanya (from 870), Barcelona (from 878), Girona (from 878, as Wilfred II), Besalú (from 878) and Ausona (from 886). On his death in 897, his son, Wilfred Borrell, inherited these Catalan counties.

He was responsible for the repopulation of the long-depopulated no-man's land around Vic (the county of Ausona, a frontier between Christian and Muslim), the re-establishment of the bishopric of Vic and the foundation of the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll, where he is buried.

Following the legend he's the responsible of the creation of the Catalonian National Flag, the 'Senyera'.

Thanks for existing !!!

Day 326 - 03/08/2014 : Ripoll, St Maria monastery

Today I'm going to write about one of the most relevant heritage sites in Catalonia, St Maria Monastery in Ripoll.

It is a Benedictine monastery, built in the Romanesque style, becoming Ripoll and Ripollés symbol of history.  Although much of the present church in 19th century rebuilding, the sculptured portico is a renowned work of Romanesque art.

The Monastery was founded in 888 by Count Wilfred the Hairy (called Guifré el Pilós in Catalan) who used it as a centre to bring about the repopulation of the region after conquering it. The grave of Guifre el Pilós can be visited because it's located inside the building as well as those from counts of Besalú and of several counts of Barcelona as Ramon Berenguer IV.

You can't forgot to visit it !

Day 325 - 02/08/2014 : Campdevànol

Campdevànol is a village in the province of Girona located in Ripollés shire between Ripoll and Ribes de Freser, 4km on the North leaving from Ripoll.

It's a quiet place over the year but  plenty of activity and energetic people living. Nowadays the town is very known by being member of the “Ring of the European Cities of Iron Works” an European Organization whose aim is the recovery of metallurgy world.

There are beautiful trails on the surroundings, specifically one of the most interesting is the 'Torrent de la Cabana' trail, please find information about, you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy your visit !!!

Day 324 - 01/08/2014 : Besalú, reflections

The county town of Besalú conserves a unique set of Jewish heritage in Catalonia: a Mikveh from the 12th century and traces of a synagogue closed in the 13th century.

In 1966 Besalú was declared a national historic-artistic site. Since that time many finds have been made and amazing recovery of heritage has been developed. Its medieval, irregular laid out streets adapted to the city's orography, the arches, the steps, the stone houses, the shops that open all the year round to offer the traveller the craft products of the district, the superb Romanesque bridge providing access to the urban core, passing over the waters of the Fluvià giving us sometimes fantastic reflections pictures as today is shown.

Superb !!!

Day 323 - 31/07/2014 : Besalú, Romanesque bridge

Besalú is a beautiful town in the Garrotxa shire's.

The town's importance was greater in the early Middle Ages, as capital of the county of Besalú, whose territory was roughly the same size as the current  Garrotxa shire but sometime extended as far as Corbières, Aude, in France.

Wilfred the Hairy, credited with the unification of Catalonia, was Count of Besalú. The town was also the birthplace of Raimon Vidal, a medieval troubadour.

Besalú was designated as a historical national property ("conjunt històric-artístic") in 1966. The town's most significant feature is its 12th-century Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river, which features a gateway at its midpoint

Really amazing !!!

Day 322 - 30/07/2014 : Banyoles, Medieval fight

The first October fortnight is possible moving to Medieval past of Banyoles, the capital city of Pla de l'Estany shire.

The town was built around an historical medieval town created on the Sant Esteve monastery shadows. During these days is possible to be involves in different activities organized with the aim to remind the Medieval life in the town, for example a fight.

Children and parent might enjoy having a walk on Catalan donkey or learning to cook as a the old-timers.

Enjoy the visit !!!

Day 321 - 29/07/2014 : Montseny, autum colors

Before leaves fall in autumn they treat peepers to riotous color displays—but most of them don’t “change” color. Natural pigments called carotenoids, which produce yellow, brown, and orange hues, are always present in leaves. During the growing (and photosynthesis) season they are masked by green chlorophyll.

The climate change causes some difficulty to see autumn color in Montseny massif, we have to wait until mid November to admire the phenomena, but finally autumn comes and the explosion of colors invade our view.

Enjoy the nature !

Day 320 - 28/07/2014 : Autum ground

The Montseny Natural Park was declared a biosphere reserve in 1978 by UNESCO MAB program. It doesn't needed explain with details the reason, it's a question to enter in autumn season and get lost inside the park, you will confirm how magnificent the nature is.

Starting in October the ground begin to change the color, becoming brown in a few days and giving a magical atmosphere on all the trails.

Next one, schedule in your agenda the visit !!!