a city that takes you by surprise…

Lleida is the capital city of the Segrià region and the province that takes its name. It is the most important demographic and economical centre of the Catalonian interior. Located on the river Segre, halfway between the sea and the mountains, in one of the most fertile and productive areas of Europe.

Lleida has a wealth of historic monuments and cultural facilities as well as a tradition for good shopping and good food. It offers quality, quantity and variety including the power of nature with its hydroelectric power stations and sports; cycling, golf and snowboarding.

A bit of history

The Ilergetes were an Iberian community founded in the middle of the 6th century BC. They used to place their settlements on high places, therefore “Itrida” was placed on top of the “Sovereign Hill”. The city changed its name to Ilerda in 205.

In 1300 Jaume II founded the famous Estudi General which was the only centre of advanced studies of the Crown of Aragon until the end of the 15th century. The 15th century meant a period full of great architectural works that has lasted until the present day. The following two centuries were marked by recession, made worse by wars and diseases ending up in the “Guerra dels Segadors”, the uprising of the Catalan peasants from 1650 to 1652. Felip V found Lleida in ruins. Under Carlos III, in the 18th century, Lleida regained its image and the new cathedral was built. A setback came in the 19th century with the invasion of Napoleon. A new period started with the building of the railway line, the Camps Elisis Gardens and the first city plan. The Spanish civil war destroyed the city again (1936-1939) and in 1940 with only 40.000 inhabitants, great effort was needed to achieve growth. Nowadays Lleida has 115.000 inhabitants.

The inauguration of Roda Roda Automobile Museum, the re-opening of the Templar Castle in Gardeny and the new market were some of the most outstanding events of 2002.

Lleida and its historical monuments

Strolling through Lleida is a cultural experience with pleasant surpises around every corner. “the Castle” as the people from Lleida call it, is really named “Seu Vella”. Devoted to Saint Mary, on the grounds of a former Muslim mosque, it was designed as a basilica and inside you will find outstanding features, sculptures and murals. Eight centuries have gone by since the first stone laying of what was to be the greatest monument in Lleida.

The “Palau de la Paeria” or town hall, a good example of Romanesque achitecture, is situated in the heart of the Eix Commercial (shopping quarter). La Morra (former 16th century prison in the basement), the city archive and the inner courtyard are some of its best features.

The “Catedral Nueva” is a superb 18th century church in baroque with many French academic icist features.

On the Gardeny plateau you will find “El Castell de Gardeny”. Together with the castles in Miravet, Monzón, Peñiscola and Tortosa it is part of the Templar Domus Templi itinerary.

The modernist influence

A wide range of Lleida´s city buildings have a Modernist imprint, many of them have undergone recent restoration that has given them back their original splendour. The most important example is the “Teatre Municipal de l´Escorxador”. The “Bodegues de Raimat” (winery) is housed in a superb modernist building which makes wine tasting a pleasant experience in a beautiful setting.

Nature

Lleida is also a very pleasant city with a variety of natural spaces such as the Parc del Riu and the Camps Elisis with its exceptional buildings such as Café Chalet, Temple de la Música and the Aquarium. Mitjana is a surprising natural area on the outskirts of the city, a damp riverside area of 90 hectares, its microclimate has encouraged the growth of a luxuriant river forest and there is an abundance of birds, amphibians and reptiles.

Festivals

Lleida is also a very vibrant city with many traditional “fiestas” such as “Moros i Cristians” on the 12th of May. This festival dates from the 12th century and the inhabitants dress up in clothes of this era. The “Aplec del Caragol” (snail) is a festival that lasts 3 days during which 12 tons of snails are consumed.

Gastronomy

Lleida´s gastronomy is based on snails, grilled meat, casseroles and more recently fruit. Snails play a big part in Lleida´s traditional dishes and are prepared in a multitude of different ways. A visit to Lleida is also a good excuse to taste the dishes prepared with fresh or dried fruits.

Out and about

It is worth exploring the region around Lleida too, in the winter it boasts ski resorts and in the summer you can explore the countryside.The region around Lleida boasts an 800 km long itinerary that is perfect for mountain bike rides. The Cadí-Moixeró nature park and the Solsonés area are amongst the prettiest areas.