Guide to Lleida – Catalunya, Spain

Lleida, located halfway between the sea and the mountains, is a modern city which is culturally active, well communicated and situated in a unique natural environment.

Full of art, cultural events, gastronomy, shopping, and international festivals, it is a first rate tourist destination. In Lleida, you can enjoy yourself simply by strolling its streets, tasting its gastronomy or simply seeing the city from Seu Vella.

An amalgam of people and civilizations over centuries has provided Lleida with a rich and restless culture that can be found in the current modern city. Centuries of recession, war and disease left the city damaged and it was Felipe V who found Lleida in ruins. The appearance of the city, however, was to change and adapt to its role as the capital city of the province.

At the beginning of the 19th century Lleida endured an entirely new setback, the Napoleonic invasion and at the beginning of the 20th century, the Spanish Civil War arrived (1936 -1939) again destroying the city. With such few inhabitants left, it took a huge effort to restore and rebuild the city to its former glory.

In 1999 the old slaughterhouse became the Teatre de l’Escorxador. In the year 2000, inside night lighting of Seu Vella was installed and the restoration of Porta dels Fillols was finished

The opening of the Motoring Museum, Roda Roda, the recovery of the Templar castle of Gardeny, the AVE high-speed train and the Arts Centre in the historic building of La Panera are some of the most notable events to occur in Lleida this century.

Lleida has the privilege of beautiful natural areas such as the Camps Elisis, a public area containing exceptional buildings such as the Cafe Chalet, Templet de la Musica, the Aquarium or the gardens that highlight several important sculptures.

Things to see in Lleida

Seu Vella

A visit to the monumental complex of Seu Vella plateau is essential for any visitor. The castle is probably the most remarkable landmark of the city.

Devoted to Saint Mary, the temple was consecrated in 1278. The access to the architectural complex is by the Porta dels Fillols. Five monumental doors make up a clear example of late Romanesque architectural sculpture by the so-called School of Lleida. Seu Vella bell tower has 7 bells.

Mitjana Natural Park

An area spread around the outskirts of Lleida and declared an Area of Natural Interest in 1979.

Visitors can revel in the vast choice of activities on offer in this thriving city including Modern and traditional Theatre, Opera and Jazz to the more Cultural traditions of the local festivals; Autumn Local Festival, Carnival of Lleida, the pilgrimage of Saint James and Raiment’s grape harvest festival.

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