Lleida capital city

Despite its many charms and attractions, Lleida (el Segrià – Spain) remains a relatively unknown city. Visitors interested in history and art are sure to find an interesting variety of buildings that show how different cultures have left their mark on the city. These include Roman and Medieval ruins and much more recent constructions, such as La Paeria, El Palau de la Diputació. Other interesting structures include numerous Catalan Modernist (Art Nouveau) buildings, the new Enric Granados Municipal Auditorium and the old cathedral (known locally as La Seu Vella). La Seu Vella is an exceptional Romanesque-Gothic style building that towers over the city from its position on top of the hill of the same name and the Templar Castle of Gardeny

There are also a number of interesting parks: La Mitjana an area of parkland running along the banks of the river Segre, which offers various leisure facilities, the romantic Camps Elisis park... The irrigated area around the city also offers pleasant rural settings that are simply ideal for bicycle rides. 

Those who like to have fun and enjoy a good time will not be disappointed in Lleida, as this is a lively city both during the day and at night and one that offers an interesting range of traditional festivals and celebrations. Important local events include: Les Festes de Maig,or May festival; the Moros i Cristians, festival, in which battles between Moors and Christians are re-enacted; the Fira de Titelles, a puppet festival; the one and only Aplec del Caragol, which attracts thousands of local people and visitors who share an interest in eating snails and partying; and the Festes de Tardor, or Autumn Festival, which has a more cultural focus. Neither should we forget a number of other important festivities, including Carnival, Easter and La Processió dels Fanalets de Sant Jaume (a lantern procession).

It is impossible to complete this summary without mentioning the Monumental Route, the many museums in the city: the Jaume Morera Art Museum and Diocese and Local District Museum of Lleida. The amount of drama and cinema on offer of the city is quite remarkable, with the Mostra de Cinema Llatinoamericà de Lleida, which is usually held in January, Lleida puppet Theatre Festival, Conference and Congress of Lleida - La Llotja providing a good example of what is available. 

On the subject of reasons for visiting Lleida (el Segrià – Spain), visitors are also reminded of the city’s many interesting and attractive shops.

 

La Seu Vella

Contact information:

 

 

La Seu Vella

Turó de la Seu Vella
25002, Lleida
Web: http://www.turoseuvella.cat/
Email: turoseuvella@turoseuvella.cat
973 23 06 53

 

Share:

 
Comparteix a facebook
Comparteix a Twitter
Compartir a Whatsapp
Envia a un amic
 Imprimir

 

 

 



  • Construction of the Seu Vella (El Segrià - Spain) began in 1203 under the direction of the master builder Pere de Coma. According to historians, it was built on top of a former Muslim mosque. The temple, which was dedicated to Santa Maria, was consecrated for worship in 1278, but building work continued interrupted and in the 14th century the cloister was finally completed. During the 14th century, construction began on the bell tower and continued until 1431. The temple was originally designed as a three-aisled basilica with a Latin cross layout. Inside, the most outstanding features include the sculptures that decorate its naves and which reveal the influence of the workshops of Tuscany, Toulouse and Provence whose craftsmen worked on the building throughout the 13th century. There are also remains of murals belonging to the Gothic period.

    The doors

    Access to the architectural complex is through the Porta dels Fillols, (Fillols door), which is located in the south side of the building. The five monumental doors on this south wall provide a fine example of the sculpture and architecture associated with the late Romanesque period and known as the Escola de Lleida (the Lleida School). Work on the west door, or Apostles' Door, which provides easy access to the cloister from the exterior, began in the 14th century and was completed during the 15th century. This monumental Gothic-style door was originally presided over by the Mare de Déu del Blau (Virgin in Blue). 

    The bell tower

    The Seu Vella bell tower contains seven bells, two of which are Gothic in style and were made in the 15th century. The names of these historic bells are: Silvestra, which rings the hours, and Mònica, which rings the quarters. The other five bells, which date from the middle of the 20th century, are electrically operated and their purpose is essentially liturgical. Their names are Bàrbara, Puríssima, Crist, Marieta and Meuca. 

    The cloister

    Located in the western part of the cathedral, this is the most original cloister in Catalonia. The rectangular-shaped naves are divided into five parts with pointed vaults and large elegant openwork windows. The windows overlook the outer southern gallery and offer a magnificent view over the city and the surrounding irrigated area.