Plan a trip to La Seu Durgell

La Seu d'Urgell, the capital of the Catalan Pyrenees, is situated at the convergence of two rivers, the Segre and Gran Valira, at the gateway to Andorra. Its strategic location made it an important commercial and cultural city in medieval Catalonia, and it was used in the Middle Ages as the seat of the Hegemon, the governor of the district. It was a joint principality of Spain and France until it gained parliamentary independence in 1993.

Some of the medieval architecture remains, as well as its rich cultural heritage. The 12th century Cathedral of Santa Maria, one of the city’s icons which was restored in the 20th century, was built in Romanesque style and is considered the most impressive of the Pyrenean cathedrals.

The 13th century cathedral courtyard has trees and grassy areas in the center and is surrounded by porticos with 50 granite columns. The column headers are beautifully carved and depict human and animal figures. The local museum, the Museo Diocesa D’Urgell, displays a fascinating collection of religious works of art from the 10th-18th centuries, and its most outstanding exhibit is an illustrated manuscript dealing with St. John’s vision of the end of the days.

The Calle Mayor, the old town’s main pedestrian street, had served as a protective moat in the 16th century. It is lined with many points of interest, including grand historic homes, colonnaded porticos with shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Espania Square is the street’s main square, and the central promenade separates the old city from the new. It is decorated with fountains and cafes which are shaded by thick trees.

La Seu d’Urgell remains a center of culture, hosting a large number of festivals and fairs throughout the year.