lleida (lErida)

Lleida is located halfway between the sea and the mountains; it is on the way that connects Spain with the rest of Europe and the Mediterranean. Lleida is a modern city, which is culturally active, well communicated and situated in a unique natural environment.

It is full of Art, cultural events, gastronomy, shopping, and international festivals, making it a first rate tourist destination. In Lleida you will discover a different way of enjoying yourself, simply strolling along its streets, tasting its gastronomy and seeing the city from Seu Vella.

Lleida has the privilege of being provided with natural areas such as the Camps Elisis; a public area containing exceptional buildings, such as Cafe Chalet, Templet de la Musica, the Aquarium, gardens highlighting several sculptures and Mitjana Natural Park; a surprising area that spreads on the outskirts of Leda. It was declared Area of Natural Interest in 1979.

An amalgam of people and civilizations has provided Lleida with a rich and restless culture that can be found in the current modern city. Following centuries bringing recession, wars and diseases left the city damaged and Felipe V found Lleida in ruins. The appearance of the city changed according to its role as the capital city of the province However at the beginning of the 19th century Lleida endured a new setback, the Napoleonic invasion. Once again the city had to recover. The beginning of the 20th century brought with it The Spanish Civil War (1936 -1939) which destroyed the city again. With little inhabitants left it took all their effort to restore and rebuild the city.

In 1999 the old slaughterhouse became Teatre de l'Escorxador. In the year 2000 the 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 so far this new century.

The visit to the monumental complex of Seu Vella plateau is an essential for any visitor. The castle -as it is lovingly called by the people from Lleida- is, from its privileged position, the most remarkable landmark of the city. According to some historians, the building commenced on the grounds of a former Muslim mosque. 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.

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

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