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Lerida Travel Guide
Lerida
The imposing and stately Lerida has a privileged position in the Iberian Peninsula because it is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains and has a great historical legacy.
Lerida, in Catalan Lleida, is the capital of the homonymous province belonging to the autonomous community of Catalonia. It is located in the northeast of Spain, in the valley of the Segre River.
Its beautiful name comes from Medieval times, when the Arabs settled in these lands for over four decades.
The historical heritage of Lerida is impressive, with many monuments and buildings dating from Roman, Medieval and modern times. All of them are well preserved to be enjoyed by visitors.
Two great examples of this historical legacy are the Old Cathedral of Lerida and Suda Castle. Both buildings were used as military fortresses. In them, one can find a large part of the ancient and modern history of the country.
Lerida, despite being a historic city, has a very innovative present, as it seeks to continue its growth and become a reference for Catalonia and all of Europe. The city surprises the thousands of visitors who come to these lands.
In short, Lerida has a lot to offer, from its historical and cultural heritage to its delicious gastronomy, which is unique in the country. Those planning a trip to Catalonia won't want to miss the opportunity to get to know this beautiful city.
Top 10 places to visit in Lerida
Historic Centre
Taking a walk through the Historic Centre, or the “Casc Antic” as it is also known, is a pleasant experience, as visitors will see historical places along with modern sites.
At this point in the city is the wonderful Sant Joan Square, which is surrounded by the most emblematic buildings of the city, such as the Town Hall (which is located in Paeria Palace), the Church of Sant Joan and direct access to the Seu Vella.
At this point in the city is the wonderful Sant Joan Square, which is surrounded by the most emblematic buildings of the city, such as the Town Hall (which is located in Paeria Palace), the Church of Sant Joan and direct access to the Seu Vella.
The Historic Centre also communicates with the commercial hub of Lerida, known as Main Street, an area of three and a half kilometres full of shops and businesses that is considered one of the longest commercial hubs in Europe.
The entire Historic Centre is designed for walking with the family and getting to know a dynamic and modern environment with a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops.
The Seu Vella
Without a doubt, the Seu Vella is the most emblematic place in Lerida. Also known as the Castell de Lerida or the Old Cathedral of Lerida, it is a religious site built in the 13th century.
The Seu Vella is located at the top of the hill known as Turó de la Seu Vella, from which one can see the entire city. It offers one of the best panoramic views of Lerida. The cathedral has a Romanesque and Gothic style. It has a Latin cross basilica plan with three naves and five monumental doors in addition to a 60-meter-high tower where the bell tower is located.
The Seu Vella is located at the top of the hill known as Turó de la Seu Vella, from which one can see the entire city. It offers one of the best panoramic views of Lerida. The cathedral has a Romanesque and Gothic style. It has a Latin cross basilica plan with three naves and five monumental doors in addition to a 60-meter-high tower where the bell tower is located.
In 1707, given its strategic position in the city, the Seu Vella was transformed into a military barracks. During the Franco dictatorship, it was a refugee camp.
Suda Castle
Suda Castle, or King's Castle, is an ancient fortress built in the ninth century. It shares the same hill as the Old Cathedral.
Due to its panoramic vision over the city, this fortress palace was converted into a military barracks. The result was its partial destruction due to the multiple attacks on this site throughout its history.
In Medieval Spain, this castle was the official residence of the kings of Spain when they visited the city.
Due to its panoramic vision over the city, this fortress palace was converted into a military barracks. The result was its partial destruction due to the multiple attacks on this site throughout its history.
In Medieval Spain, this castle was the official residence of the kings of Spain when they visited the city.
The most spectacular point of the castle is its terrace, which functions as a viewpoint of the historic centre of the city and its surroundings.
Today, this historic site preserves only part of the wall and some of its rooms. It is open to the public.
Champs Elysees Park
The main green lung of this beautiful city, Champs-Elysees Park is a beautiful place to walk and experience nature.
It is surrounded by plants and trees that offer a unique and magical experience.
This French-style park was founded in 1864. It is the largest and oldest in Lerida, located in the Cappot neighbourhood, on the banks of the Segre River.
It is surrounded by plants and trees that offer a unique and magical experience.
This French-style park was founded in 1864. It is the largest and oldest in Lerida, located in the Cappot neighbourhood, on the banks of the Segre River.
The best things about the park are the multiple views of the city it offers and its total feeling of tranquillity.
Gardeny Templar Castle
The historic Order of the Temple built a convent complex on the Gardeny plateau in Lerida. Today it is one of the main tourist attractions of the city.
Gardeny Castle was built during the time of the Reconquest and is part of a Templar tourist route called Domus Templi.
In this place, one can take a magical journey through time to discover part of the heritage and legacy of the ancient Crown of Aragon.
Gardeny Castle was built during the time of the Reconquest and is part of a Templar tourist route called Domus Templi.
In this place, one can take a magical journey through time to discover part of the heritage and legacy of the ancient Crown of Aragon.
In 2007 the castle was rehabilitated to become the Interpretation Centre of the Order of the Temple. From this place, one can also enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the city.
Mitjana Park
With an approximate perimeter of 90 hectares, Mitjana Park or Parc de la Mitjana is a magical and unique natural environment, ideal to enjoy with the family.
Located at the entrance to the city, this beautiful park is the perfect place to enjoy nature and interact with it. Here, one will find pedestrian bridges and walkways to cross the Segre River, a large picnic area, a children's and family recreation area, and multiple trails and cycling routes that are ideal for sports activities.
Located at the entrance to the city, this beautiful park is the perfect place to enjoy nature and interact with it. Here, one will find pedestrian bridges and walkways to cross the Segre River, a large picnic area, a children's and family recreation area, and multiple trails and cycling routes that are ideal for sports activities.
The park contains the Mitjana Interpretation Centre, which hosts an audiovisual exhibition.
In addition to being the most important green area in Lerida, Mitjana Park is a protected area for wildlife.
New Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Mary Assumpta, also known as the New Cathedral, is a Baroque-style religious temple located at the end of Main Street, in front of the old Hospital of Saint Mary, in the Commercial Axis.
The history of this cathedral began when the Seu Vella Cathedral was converted into a military barracks. Thus, the decision was made to build a new religious site for the city.
The temple houses the image of the Virgin of Montserrat, known as “La Moreneta”, patroness saint of Catalonia, which is a work by Josep Obiols, and the image of the Virgin of Blau.
The history of this cathedral began when the Seu Vella Cathedral was converted into a military barracks. Thus, the decision was made to build a new religious site for the city.
The temple houses the image of the Virgin of Montserrat, known as “La Moreneta”, patroness saint of Catalonia, which is a work by Josep Obiols, and the image of the Virgin of Blau.
Traces of Modernism in Lerida
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Lerida is one of the capitals of Modernism. This artistic movement – which was born in Catalonia and spread throughout the planet – has, in this city, one of the largest observation routes in the region.
The imprint of Modernism in Lerida is found mainly on Blondel Avenue and Main Street, with the Magi Llorens House being its most distinctive building.
This is the work of architect Francisco Lamolla Morante, who designed it in 1907.
The imprint of Modernism in Lerida is found mainly on Blondel Avenue and Main Street, with the Magi Llorens House being its most distinctive building.
This is the work of architect Francisco Lamolla Morante, who designed it in 1907.
Other buildings that show the great influence of this artistic movement are the Teatre Municipal de l'Escorxador, the Melcior House, the Morera House or House of the Lyre, the Balasch Houses and the Xam-mar House.
Old Bridge
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This structure is so old that there is no precise information about its construction. The most accurate record available states that it was erected before 47 BC.
The original Old Bridge was demolished during the conquest of the city by the troops of General Francisco Franco in 1938. The new bridge was built in 1944.
This bridge is located over the Segre River and is 149 meters long, with three pillars and four arches.
The original Old Bridge was demolished during the conquest of the city by the troops of General Francisco Franco in 1938. The new bridge was built in 1944.
This bridge is located over the Segre River and is 149 meters long, with three pillars and four arches.
Jaume Morera Art Museum
This museum is home to a vast collection of artistic pieces of modern and contemporary art. Its exhibitions collect the main artistic trends of the 20th century and the exhibitions of artists linked to the city.
The Jaume Morera Art Museum is located in the historic Casino building in the heart of the city. Its opening was made possible by a generous donation from the painter Jaume Morera. The museum's temporary exhibitions present multiple artistic disciplines such as paintings, photographs, audiovisual pieces and sculptures.
The Jaume Morera Art Museum is located in the historic Casino building in the heart of the city. Its opening was made possible by a generous donation from the painter Jaume Morera. The museum's temporary exhibitions present multiple artistic disciplines such as paintings, photographs, audiovisual pieces and sculptures.
How to get around Lerida
Most of the tourist places in Lerida are located in the Historic Centre. They are close in distance, so one can access them on foot or by bicycle. To use this latter means of transport, one must know the circulation route regulated by the city municipality.In addition, one can use public transport to get around the city, as there is an extensive network of urban buses that, in many cases, offer intercity connections.
Lerida has 11 public transport lines and a tourist route. The service is very comfortable and fast. Also, it offers discounts for young people and students. The buses run from early morning until almost midnight.
To get to and from Lerida, there are many options. One of the most used is by land, as the city is located in a very busy communication hub.
Lerida also has a train station with several lines linking it to towns in Catalonia and the rest of the country.
In addition, the city has an airport known as Lerida-Pirineos. This air terminal has modern facilities, with daily departures to national and international destinations. It is located just 15 kilometres from the centre of Lerida. The city bus line runs to the airport.
Accommodation in Lerida
Without a doubt, the best option for staying in Lerida is in the Historic Centre, as it is home to the main historical sites and the best places to enjoy the city's nightlife and gastronomy.In this area is located the Eix Comercial (Commercial Axis), which is a well-known sector including more than 450 stores and commercial premises. In fact, it is one of the longest commercial avenues on the continent. This area is fully connected to the entire city through public transportation.
The Lerida-Pirineus station is located northeast of the city and is the centre of land transport operations, as the train services and public bus network are located there. Also located in this area is the Llotja de Lerida, which is the event palace and great theatre of the city.
A third option is the area south of the historic centre, where the University of Lerida is located. It is just a five-minute drive by car. The south of Lerida is characterized by being very quiet compared to the central area. This makes it ideal for family enjoyment. It is one of the best options for affordable and comfortable family accommodation.
Gastronomy in Lerida
Panadones
This is a delicious vegetarian dish widely consumed during Holy Week.“Panadones” are empanadas filled with spinach, raisins and other vegetables. One can find this delight in the vast majority of pastry shops in the city.
It bears a great resemblance to “Coca de Recapte”, a baked dumpling made with vegetable “escalivada” combined with sardines, tuna, anchovies and sausage. This dish is also native to these lands.
Snails 'a la llauna'
It is impossible to not mention snails 'a la llauna', as this is the star dish of the capital of snail cuisine in Spain.
This dish is prepared by cooking snails with spicy sauce in a large can.
Snails 'a la llauna' in Lerida has its own festival, as every year the famous Snail Meeting is held. Known as “Aplec del Caragol”, it has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
This dish is prepared by cooking snails with spicy sauce in a large can.
Snails 'a la llauna' in Lerida has its own festival, as every year the famous Snail Meeting is held. Known as “Aplec del Caragol”, it has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
Cod “escalivada”
This dish was born in these lands, but has established itself in other parts of Spain.It comes from the Catalan term "escalivar", which means to roast over the fire. That is exactly how this dish is prepared, as the vegetables are roasted, and then cod is added.
It is a very fresh, healthy and delicious dish, served as an appetizer.
Cristina de San Blas
This is a bun filled with cream, truffle or pastry cream. It is a dessert little known outside the region.It is traditionally prepared in the first days of February to commemorate the festival of Saint Blaise, a very popular festival in Lerida. However, it can be found at any time of the year in the bakeries of this city.
Beef “fridadó”
This is a traditional stew prepared in a clay pot. Its main ingredients are a beef fillet and mushrooms such as “moixernó” or “perretxico”.Its preparation is based on flouring the fillets on both sides to seal them in the casserole, then adding the mushrooms, which give it a unique flavour. This dish is prepared in autumn, as this is the time of year when one can take advantage of the freshness of the mushrooms.
Other ingredients used in this stew make up the “sofrito”, which has a base of onion and garlic with a splash of white wine, as well as a mixture of nuts such as almonds and pine nuts.
Other information of interest
On the banks of the Segre River, in the economic heart of the city, is La Lojta de Lerida, a majestic building that sublimely combines the modernity of Lerida with the entrepreneurial vocation of its people.
Since its creation, La Lotja has become the most emblematic building in the city, as it unifies the contemporary and the historical tradition of Lerida. This is manifested by its proximity to the Seu Vella, which is located behind it.
The enclosure was designed by architect Francine Houben, who belongs to the Dutch architecture studio Mecanoo.
It has been widely awarded and praised for its aesthetic originality and vast functionality for the region.
The enclosure was designed by architect Francine Houben, who belongs to the Dutch architecture studio Mecanoo.
It has been widely awarded and praised for its aesthetic originality and vast functionality for the region.
La Lotja has three large areas. The first and main one is the theatre area, containing an auditorium with a capacity of 1,000 people. It offers perfect acoustic and visual quality from any location.
The heart of this building is the second level, which has a panoramic window from which one can look out at the city and river. This area functions as a conference and meeting room. The roof is an extensive and beautiful terrace. Its facade is made of stone slab brought from Brazil.
At the ground level is a beautiful square for outdoor activities. In short, it is a place that represents the citizens of Lerida to the world.
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