Pallars JussaLike many Pyrenean counties, Pallars Jussa is a great place to do all kinds of mountain sports. However, besides that, this county also offers the chance to do some interesting archeological, architectural, or even paleontological site seeing. In fact, this part of Lleida province is known as one of the best areas in Europe for studying the ecosystems from the end of the dinosaur era. Along with the tremendous paleontological wealth of Pallars Jussa, there are also a number of Romanesque style churches, and some important military architecture too. Including several medieval castles, and about 25 defensive tower, which line the Sierra of Montsec. The castle of Santa Maria de Mur, which sits atop a steep rocky hill, is one of the most important monuments in Pallars Jussa, and has been declared a Historical and Artistic Monument of Spain. The earliest documents related to the castle date back to the year 969, and in 1053 it became a strategic location for the re-conquest of the country from the Muslims. If you venture inside the ancient walled area, you'll also find the Collegiate(A church, other than a cathedral, having a chapter of canons), and the Santa Maria de Mur church, both in Romanesque style. Another interesting thing to do in Pallars Jussa, is to see a concert or show, with the backdrop of an ancient setting. Usually in summer, a series of concerts and performances take place in Medieval castles and buildings of various districts in the Catalonia Pyrenees. For the concert programme, consult the official web site: These traditions are revived every summer at the Baixada dels Raier (River Raft Descent Festival) in- La Pobla de Segur.
Location: Mur castle is located in the region of El Pallars Jussā, 3,5 km.from Guārdia de Noguera, 14 km from Tremp, capital of the region, 46 km from Artesa de Segre and 78 km from Lleida. How to get there: By car: at the C-13 crossroads, follow the LV-9124 which gets directly to the castle. By train: nearest train stations: Cellers (6 km) and Tremp (14 km) By bus: Regular line until Tremp (14 km). Hours: This castle, built in the 11th century, sits on top of a hill to the north of the village of Llordā. It's one of the most important examples of non-religious, residential architecture from the Middle Ages, and one of the best preserved in all of Catalonia. This castle sits on a hill that rises up behind the village of Orcau. It was built between the end of the 12th and 13th century. The castle has a unique square ground plan, which at one point had circular towers at each of its four corners. Some of the mural paintings that once decorated its apse can now be found in the National Art Museum of Catalonia, in Barcelona. Sitting halfway up the Noguera Pallaresa valley, is Tremp- the capital of the Pallars Jussa county. The territory of Tremp actually covers about thirty small rural towns, making it the largest municipality in Catalonia.
The untouched natural surroundings of this area make for many nice routes, and of course, the opportunity to do all kinds of outdoor activities. Especially hiking, mountaineering and even sailing on the Sant Antoni reservoir. Tremp has a pretty historic quarter which maintains its medieval layout, as well as several defensive towers, once belonging to the city's old wall.
· The Mur castle · Orcau Castle · Llordā Castle · La Conca Dellā They include the remains of dinosaur bones, eggs and footprints. * See above for address. · Basturs Poble One of the most important sites in the area, and in Europe. With a collection of over 500 different dinosaur and crocodile remains. · Orcau- Ichnological remains (fossil footprints) · La Posa (near Isona)
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