Things to See and Do in the West Catalan Pyrenees

Catalonia’s only National Park, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, is located in the heart of the Pyrenees mountains.

The stunning high-mountain landscape and the nearly 200 lakes, many of them of glacial origin, make this a truly unique location which has been inhabited by humans since the Neolithic. Due to the large range of altitudes, vegetation is diverse providing a good habitat for a wide variety of mammals and birds.

Aigues Tortes wooden trail.

You can access the park from Boí by taking a 4×4 taxi to the Aigüestortes Plateau, where there is superb hiking for all abilities, including an accessible route along a wooden path that circles the plateau. For a longer hike, you can follow the trail to Estany Llong located above 2000m!

The high concentration of churches, the consistency of the architectural style, and the incredibly good state of preservation, make the Vall de Boí’s Romanesque heritage truly exceptional.

Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, the churches represent some of the finest and best-preserved examples of the Lombard Romanesque or ‘First Romanesque’ style, known for skilled stone masonry, slim bell towers and rounded arches.

The churches reflect a feudal society and were sponsored by the wealthy Erill family and the bishopric of Roda de Isábena. In medieval times the tall bell towers were also used for communication and defence.

Though most of the frescoes from the valley’s churches were taken for preservation to the Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña in Barcelona some marvellous glimpses remain and one of the highlights is the Romanesque paintings in the church of Sant Climent de Taüll.

Through innovative video mapping, the original frescoes in the main apse and presbytery of the central nave are recreated, offering a stunning experience you shouldn’t miss!

Las Fallas (Falles in Catalan) is a summer festival named after the two-metre long, flaming wooden torches which are crafted by attaching pieces of pine wood to an ash stick (think ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘mob’ and you’re in the right direction).

Every year, originally during the summer solstice but now coinciding with the local festival, the towns in the Vall de Boí celebrate by “running the Falles.”

This tradition is linked to sun worship, giving thanks to the gods for the harvest and driving away evil spirits.

On the day of the Falles, everything starts at the Faro—a high point in the mountains with a good view of the village, the fallaires (torch bearers) light their Falles here before beginning the descent and proudly carry the fire down to the village, led by one of the young men.

Once down the hill the bearers run full pelt through the waiting throng in the crowded village square (this is not for the faint hearted) and are greeted with joy, music, and celebration. A large bonfire is made from the remains of the Falles that survived the descent, and the festivities begin, lasting all night.

Adventuring in the Pyrenees Mountains offers many opportunities for birdwatching.

In this part of the Catalan Pyrenees, there are plenty of well-marked trails through the mountains, which are a paradise for birdwatchers. The dramatic, wild landscapes are home to native birds of prey, including one of Europe’s largest and rarest vultures, the lammergeier.

The griffon vulture, the golden eagle, and the striking white and speckled short-toed eagle can also be spotted here, along with some smaller species.

In these valleys, you’ll come across Scots pines, beech trees, natural wonders such as the Nigritella orchid, the exotic carnivorous plant Drosera, and, on higher ground, firs and black pines.

Each of the 33 villages in the Aran Valley has its own church, and some of them are true treasures, showcasing beautiful Romanesque architecture and frsecoes, representing an artistic legacy of exceptional richness.

Most of these churches were built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the valley’s Romanesque style being characterised as ‘late Romanesque’ style. Some churches, however, still feature elements of Lombard Romanesque (see Vall de Boí), with doors adorned with rich iconography.

Each church is interesting, but here are our essential visits: Santa Maria de Arties, Sant Miquèu de Vielha, Sant Andreu de Salardú, Era Mair de Diu dera Purificación, and Santa Eulàlia de Unha.

This wildlife park is located in the the spectacular Pòrt deth Portilhon and is home to a wide variety of animal species that live in semi-freedom.

Among the species you can see in the park are white and grey wolves, bears, deer, lynxes, vultures, ibex, otters, marmots, and other species that are characteristic of the area.

The circuit takes approximately two hours to complete and has an elevation gain of 100 metres, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

The Baqueira-Beret ski resort, in the Catalan Pyrenees is one of the most popular winter resorts for skiing in the Catalan Pyrenees, thanks to its spectacular setting in the heart of the Val d’Aran and Valls d’Àneu, offering 153 kilometres of skiable terrain. It is a true snow paradise but can also be enjoyed thoughout summer.

Two chairlifts operate from early July to early September. A pass for these chairlifts includes one ascent and one descent on the same day.

Thanks to these chairlifts, you can enjoy the hikes (and the views!) while skipping the hardest part of the journey.

The Romanesque paintings in the church of Sant Climent de Taüll, a key example of Catalan Romanesque art, are now displayed – to jaw-dropping effect – using video mapping technology.

The display recreates the original 12th-century frescoes in the main apse and presbytery.

The original artwork, currently housed in Barcelona’s Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC).

After a botched restoration iin the 60s was removed some trace of the original frescoes were discovered but little remains.

Video mapping Sant Climent de Taüll

The video mapping however offers a unique way to ‘virtually’ restore the paintings, showing them as they looked in 1123. This innovative presentation provides a rare opportunity to understand how these churches were originally decorated and give an idea of the impression they would have had on worshippers. The show also helps visitors appreciate the Romanesque painting technique and explore the religious themes depicted in the murals.

The village of Bausén and the Carlac Beech Forest are two must-see destinations for nature lovers and hikers. The Carlac Beech Forest is a woodland of centuries-old beech trees that looks like something out of a fairy-tale, with majestic trees and lush ferns that will leave you speechless.

You can access the Carlac Beech Forest via a route from Bausén, which begins along the path that circles the upper part of the church and its cemetery, leading to the Sant Roc chapel via the Taishoères area.

Continuing along the mountainside, with a steep drop to the right, you reach the breathtaking forest of beech trees and ferns.

Though the evidence of the first human settlements in the area dates back to the Neolithic, legend has it that Andorra was founded by Emperor Charlemagne in 805 to thank Andorrans for their help in fighting the Muslims.

After a long history of power conflicts, the principality gained its independence from the Spanish dukedoms and France in 1278 and it formally became a parliamentary democracy in 1993 when its first-ever constitution was approved.

Located in the border between Spain and France, Andorra is a mountainous land with steep mountain peaks and beautiful valleys. With an average elevation of around 2000mts, its highest peak is Comapedrosa (2942mts)

Andorra’s charm lies not only in its beautiful landscapes and its matchless opportunities for shoppers – it welcomes a sizeable number of visitors every year who take advantage of this tax-free paradise – but also in its Romanesque architecture.

In Andorra la Vella, the capital city and nerve centre of the Principality, and the town of Santa Coloma you can find fine examples of this artistic style such as the monumental Santa Coloma Church, La Margineda Bridge and San Esteve Church among others.

Located at the confluence of the Segre and Valira rivers and dominated by the Sierra del Cadi, La Seu d’Urgell is the most important village in the northern part of the province of Lleida. Its historic quarter, formed by beautiful, arcaded streets and old mansions, treasures the only Romanesque cathedral in Catalonia and some other outstanding examples of medieval architecture, painting and sculpture.

The stunning surroundings offer a wide range of sporting activities, and the traditional weekly market is still held in the historic town centre every Tuesday and Saturday.