Lleida is the capital of a vast province in the northwest of Catalonia, stretching from the fertile plains of La Plana to the peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees. At the crossroads of cultures, the Catalan city has undergone various occupations throughout its history, including that of the Arabs between the 8th and 12th centuries, from which it inherited its great horticultural tradition. Surrounded by fields and orchards as far as the eye can see, this charming provincial town of nearly 140,000 inhabitants offers a very pleasant stopover for lovers of old stones, nature and local produce.
A city between two hills
Dominating the city from the top of its túro (promontory), the old cathedral - La Seu Vella - is the jewel of Lleida. Built from the 13th to the 15th century on the site of a former mosque, it is the last great temple of European Romanesque art. Below, the 14th-century Gothic cloister shows Islamic influences in the decoration of its capitals, which are remarkably carved. At the southwestern end of the church stands the bell tower, the city's landmark monument, reached by a staircase of 238 steps. At a height of 60 meters, the panorama extends over the whole city, up to the borders of the plain of the Segre River
On the highest part of the Turó rises the Castell del Rei or La Suda on the site of an ancient Arab fortress. Documented since the 9th century, the castle was the residence of the kings of Aragon and the counts of Barcelona. On another hill in the city, the monumental complex of Gardeny offers a fine example of the Templar architecture in 12th century Catalonia
An exceptional land
At the foot of these two hills, the historic center of Lleida has developed, nestled on the banks of the Segre. The heart of the city is full of good places to stay, from small cheap pensións to 5-star hotels, including a superb Parador that occupies a former 17th century convent. The city is known for its local products, and there are many food lovers. The fruits of the orchard, the typical cargols (snails) and the extra virgin olive oil of protected designation of origin "Les Garrigues" are magnified by an excellent regional cuisine. Renowned restaurants, such as Ferreruela, do not hesitate to claim a "cuisine of the earth", whose exquisite dishes are made from regional products. En Familia and El Celler del Roser pay homage to the Horta de Lleida, the vast market garden area that surrounds the city and provides them with fresh produce. To accompany these flavors, the wines of the Costers del Segre Denomination of Origin offer a tour through seven different regions of the region
The spring fiestas
Every year, at the end of May, food lovers gather in the beautiful Camps Elisis park to celebrate the Aplec del Caragol, Lleida's great gastronomic festival. For three days, no less than 12 tons of snails are grilled "a la llauna" in large aluminum containers, before being devoured by the 300,000 or so visitors who attend the event.
Another important date in the local calendar is the Festa Major, which is celebrated on May 11 on the occasion of Sant Anastasi, the patron saint of Lleida. All the Catalan folklore and traditions are honored, between the parades of giants, the correfocs (literally "fires that run") and the battles of flowers. Also in May, the Fira de Titelles is a much-anticipated event for young and old alike, with puppet shows in different parts of the city
A few days later, the traditional Festa de Moros i Cristians stages the confrontation between Muslims and Christians for the conquest of the city
A natural destination
Festive, but also contemplative, Lleida invites you to enjoy the surrounding nature and its many natural spaces. The Horta de Lleida - a green belt of five kilometers in all - offers magnificent landscapes, especially during the flowering season in March, when the fruit trees turn pink and then white. The owners of Granja Pifarré offer regular tours and experiences to explore Horta and its rich natural heritage
La Mitjana Park is the green lung of the city: on 90 hectares, this protected natural area unfolds a typical wetland ecosystem, where you can observe a wide variety of aquatic birds. From here, the Camí del riu runs like a ribbon along 17 kilometers of the Segre River, from where you can see the most beautiful buildings in the city. A visit in nature mode to be done on foot or by bike!
USEFUL INFORMATION
When to visit?
Summer and winter alike, Lleida offers a very pleasant stopover before heading to the peaks of the Catalan Pyrenees or exploring the rest of the region. In May, the city puts on its best clothes to celebrate different gastronomic, cultural and folkloric events: it is the best time to discover Lleida!
Duration
Two days are enough to explore Lleida. A weekend dedicated to discovering its heritage, its good food and its festivities. However, if you want to explore the region, you should plan a week. The city is an ideal starting point to discover the beautiful villages of Terres de Lleida and the magnificent landscapes of the Pyrenees
Public
Lovers of old stones and nature, gourmets and gourmets: everyone can enjoy a stay in Lleida, as long as they are bon vivants! Even the party people come here in May to take part in the great snail festival - the Aplec del Caragol - or in the joyful springtime Festa Major
The advantages
A city on a human scale, where nature is never far away
An excellent gastronomy, based on local products
An ideal starting point for exploring the Lleida region
The minuses
The typical "boira" (fog) of Lleida, which darkens the landscape
Useful
LLEIDA TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the website
Carrer Major, 31
Phone: +34 973 700 319
Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 7pm, Sundays and holidays from 10am to 1:30pm
You will find a wealth of information to explore the city. The tourist office also offers two gastronomic menus - "Caragolada a Lleida" and "Cuina de Lleida" - through about 20 restaurants. An excellent option to discover the local gastronomy
