CITY - TOURIST GUIDE - Turisme de Lleida
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CITY
In January 1150 the Charter of the
Settlement of Lleida was drawn up,
the document founding the city af-
ter the conquest and marking the
start of a period in which a num-
ber of our key institutions came
into being: the Fair of Sant Miquel
(1232), the municipal government
of La Paeria (1264) and the Gene-
ral Study (1300), the first university
anywhere in the Kingdom of Ara-
gon and the genesis of today’s Uni-
versity of Lleida (UdL).
The first stone of the Seu Vella cat-
hedral was also laid in the 13th cen-
tury (1203), along with the develop-
ment of the irrigation channels, the
basis for Lleida’s agri-food system
still in existence today.
The Charter therefore symbolises
the political, cultural and socio-eco-
nomic leap forward that the city
successfully made 780 years ago,
and has been a constant source of
inspiration.
It is against this historical back-
SUNDAY
ground that in 2020 Lleida is invi-
ting one and all to visit a city that
arose in the 6th century BC, and to
dive into the vast legacy built up
ever since.
Its heritage of landmarks and mu-
LLEIDA
seums, cultural events, conventions,
trade, including one of the longest
pedestrianised shopping thorough-
fares anywhere in Europe, food and
drink, natural settings and tradi-
CITY TOUR
tional popular culture provide the
backbone of the city’s tourist at-
tractions, although Lleida’s appeal
relies above all on its greatest trea-
sure: the local people.
THE GUIDED VISIT
We wish you all the warmest of wel-
TO THE HEART OF THE CITY comes.
Kind regards,
EVERY SUNDAY
Miquel Pueyo París
www.turismedelleida.com Mayor of Lleida
34 / 973 700 319
INDEX
As the Chair of the Lleida Tourism
Board, and above all speaking as
a local, it is my pleasure to welco-
me you to our city.
Turisme de Lleida Information and Booking Centre 7 Lleida, considered the capital of
Basic data on Lleida 8 inland Catalonia and the gateway
to Europe, is founded on a cen-
History 10
turies-old legacy of peoples and
Sites of Special Interest 14 cultures who settled in this stra-
Seu Vella and The Suda 15 tegic location, on the banks of
Templar C astle of Gardeny 18 the Segre and at the foot of the
Paeria 20 hill topped by the Seu Vella, our
Former Hospital of Santa Maria 21
Chapel of Sant Jaume 21 ancient cathedral which is now
The Tanneries 22 a candidate for World Heritage
Secrets of Lleida 23 status.
L a Cuirassa , the jewish quarter of lleida 24
New C athedral 25 We invite you to revel in its histo-
Sant Llorenç 26
Sant Martí Churches / Marian Academy 27 rical heritage, with the landmark
Modernism 29 complex of El Turó de la Seu Ve-
Museum of Lleida 30 lla, the Templar Castle of Gardeny
L a Panera A rt Centre 32 and the Lleida Museum to the
Jaume Morera A rt Museum 34 fore, or delight in the colours and
Water Museum 36
The Giants house 38 flavours of this riverside city of
Roda Roda Museum 39 market gardens.
Festivals and Cultural Events 41 A visit enlivened by an extensive
Music: Enric Granados Auditorium /Orfeó Lleidatà 42 offering of culture and festivities,
Film Festivals:
A nimac and L atin A merican Film Festival 45 with everything from traditional
E aster and Holy Week 46 events to the avant-garde pro-
Theatre and Scenic A rts: ductions which dot the calendar
International Puppet Festival 48 all year round. Because Lleida
Escorxador and L a Llotja Theatres 49 is a city that has something for
Local Holiday 51
Moors and Christians Festival 52 everyone. In May it becomes the
A plec del C aragol / Snail Festival 54 ultimate family destination, with
Pilgrimage of Sant Jaume 57 the International Puppet Theatre
Autumn Festival 58 Festival, the City Fair, the Festival
Wine of Lleida’s Festival 59 of Moors and Christians and the
MUD / Musiquem Lleida / Jazz Tardor 61
Snail Gathering, along with film
Gastronomy 65 festivals, headed by Animac, and
musical performances, including
Business Tourism and services: Lleida Convention Bureau 69 Jazz Tardor in the autumn and
L a Llotja , Theatre and Conference Centre 70 the MUD: just some of the many
Leisure & Shopping 71 attractions for lovers of cultural
tourism.
Nature and Sports 75
Welcome to our city. We are de-
Quick Guide lighted to have you here.
Accommodation 79
Restaurants 80
Map 84 Paco Cerdà Esteve
President of Turisme de Lleida
EDITED BY:
DESIGN, LAYOUT AND EDITED BY: Missatges, Gestió de Comunicació
PHOTO COPYRIGHTS: ©The auhors: Turisme de Lleida, Albert Guerrero, Antonio
Benavente, Actel SCCL, Associació de Moros i Cristians, River Cafè, Centre de
Titelles, La Mañana, Federació de Colles de l’Aplec del Caragol, Raimat Golf Club,
Carmina H. Balà, David del Val, Defoto, Eade, Euro-Studio, IEI-Diputació de Lleida,
Museu de Lleida, Museu d’Art Jaume Morera, Fotodelux, Gómez Vidal, Hermínia
Sirvent, Jordi Clariana, Jordi V. Pou, Julià Escudé, Laurent Sansen, Llorenç Melgosa,
C/ Major, 31 bis - 25007 Lleida Llorenç Rosanes, Missatges, Oriol Rosell, Parèntesi, Rafa Ariño, Renfe, Susana
34/ 973 700 319 Martínez, Tomás Vargas, Toni Prim and 3imedia.
www.turismedelleida.com MAP OF LLEIDA: ©Josep M. Cazares
infoturisme@paeria.es TRANSLATION: Tradtec/ABBACongress
facebook.com/turismedelleida PRINTERS: Anfigraf
twitter/instagram: @turismedelleida Programmes valid at 2019/12/10 (verify before your visit)
4
TURISME DE LLEIDA
INFORMATION
CENTRE
The first time you visit Lleida, make sure you
go straight to the Turisme de Lleida Informa-
tion Centre at Carrer Major 31, where you’ll
find plenty of information on accommoda-
tion, restaurants, places of interest, shows,
etc.
Besides a wide range of documentation on
the places you want to visit, there is also a #
bookshop and a souvenir shop. for families
Activities
and services
for families!
SERVICES
• Information Office
Vision
Tourist Bus • Guided Tours:
in season
- Seu Vella
- Templar Castle of Gardeny
- La Cuirassa, the jewish quarter
- Secret Lleida
- Modernist Promenade
- Lleida Medieval
GUIDED VISITS - Charming corners
- Legend corners…
TEMPLAR Request about the schedule of guided tours
and ours proposals on demand for groups
and school
CASTLE OF Ticketing
of L a L lotja and
• Tourist Bus
• Store:
The Escorxador - Souvenirs
Gardeny theaters, and
also of the
Enric Granados
Municipal
• Bookshop
ANNUAL PROGRAMMING Auditorium Major, 31 bis. 25007 Lleida
00 - 34 / 973 700 319 34 / 973 700 319
infoturisme@paeria.es infoturisme@paeria.es
www.turismedelleida.com
www.turismedelleida.com (Map E5)
Hours:
- From Monday to Saturday
10am-2pm / 4-7pm
- Sundays and holidays
10am-1.30pm
7
USEFUL PHONES (34+)
Turisme de Lleida (Municipal) 973 70 03 19
Ara Lleida (Provincial) 973 24 54 08
Tourist Office of the
Catalan Government 973 24 88 40
973 23 84 46
ATM Lleida 900 10 68 48
www.atmlleida.cat
Lleida-Alguaire Airport 973 032 700
info@aeroportlleida.cat
www.aeroportlleida.cat
Renfe railways 902 32 03 20
Bus Station 973 26 85 00
Taxis 973 20 30 50
973 23 99 00
WELCOME
973 22 33 00
Post Office 973 23 64 49
Citizen Assistance 010
Municipal Police 092 Science and Technology
Emergencies 112 Park to take advantage of
Civil Protection 973 70 03 05
Hospitals: its international potential.
Arnau de Vilanova 973 24 81 00
Santa Maria 973 72 72 22
Come and savour the
mix that makes up our Lleida-Alguaire
attractive, interesting Airport
city. Get swept away by OPENING
its age-old history, its
Decentralized Lleida is the capital of “el
municipal Segrià”, a large county
impressive open spaces, HOURS
and fresh, natural fla-
institutions
on the western edge vours... and don’t forget URBAN SHOPS. Shopping is a
Raimat is situated 14 of Catalonia that takes to take a piece of it back real pleasure in Lleida. Its
kilometers northwest its name from the River
of Lleida. It has 500
home with you, because TRANSPORT many shops of all kinds
inhabitants and is Segre, which crosses the it’s there for you. are open morning and
known for its extensive county. Lleida is the eco-
vineyard plantations The ATM coordinates the afternoon from Monday
with a modernist nomic and demographic public transportation in to Saturday.
winery by Joan Rubió hub of inland Catalonia.
Bellver.
HOW the area of Lleida: bus,
city and intercity, and RESTAURANTS. Restau-
Following the road,
5 kilometers away,
The streets of Lleida, TO ARRIVE rail. It also manages the rants serve lunch from
we reach Sucs. In with their rich historical integrated fare system: 1.30pm to 3.30pm and
this agricultural and and monumental heri- There is an extensive
farming village we can with a single card you evening meals from 9
visit The Vilot Park and tage, also bear witness public and private trans- can move throughout pm to 11pm every day,
the archaeological to the business activities port network for trave-
remains of a Christian the area of Lleida (bus although they usually
village (12th century), and initiatives befitting a lling to Lleida. The AVE and train lines). At cer- close Sunday night and
which was possibly the ways
built on a Muslim
major modern city that high-speed train is a tain times of the year, Monday.
settlement. looks towards the future. good alternative (Lleida visitors can also see the Lleida is stage
is a member of the AVE of historical
sights on the Tourist Bus. BANKS. Banks and sa- pilgrimage routes:
Lleida is the capital of one Cities network). There is Lleida has also a large vings banks are normally
of the most fertile areas in also a modern road net- fleet of taxis. open to the public until saint james way
Europe and its agri-food work, including the AP2 2 pm from Monday to www.camidesantjaume.cat
industry is one of the main Northeast motorway, Fri
day. And there are
dri
vers of its economy. the A2 Lleida-Barcelona CLIMATE extensive network s of
ignatian way
www.caminoignaciano.org
Many benchmark compa- motorway and the C25 round-the-clock auto-
nies have their headquar motorway linking Lleida Lleida’s climate is con- matic teller machines.
ters in Lleida, including and Girona. Now, it is tinental, with hot sum-
a large number of R&D also possible to fly into mers and cold winters.
firms that have set up in Lleida-Alguaire airport.
Lleida-Pirineus the Gardeny Agri-Food
AVE station
8 9
Indíbil and Mandoni, Ilerget leaders
The city recovered in the end (Old Bridge), the Pont Nou (New
of the 18th century, when the Bridge), the Pont de la Universi-
first urban-restructuring pro- tat (University Bridge), the Pont
cesses took place under the de Pardinyes (Pardinyes Bridge)
Marquess of Blondel and the and the Príncep de Viana Bridge;
Baron of Maials, giving the city and the Liceo Escolar, Avenida
a new urban layout in keeping del Segre and Maristes pedes-
with its role as provincial capital. trian walkways.
THE ORIGINS… This was also the time of the En-
lightenment, and the city saw the The early 21st century has wit-
construction of its second cathe- nessed a significant level of
dral under the reign of Carlos III. urban expansion and the intro-
…of the city of Lleida can be gan on the construction of one duction of many different kinds
traced back some 2,500 years to of the city’s two cathedrals, the Lleida once again encountered of facilities. Important events on
the mid-6th century BC, when Seu Vella, a building that would hard times during the first part of the cultural live were La Llotja,
the Ilerget people, of Iberian ex- become one of its most emble- the 19th century and had to en- Theatre and Conference Centre;
traction, settled in the area and matic monuments. Construction dure further ravages of war, this the Museum of Lleida, which
established a small walled town was completed in 1431. time at the hands of Napoleon. incorporates the County and
on the Roca Sobirana (one of the Diocesan Museums, and the
three terraces of the ancient city). From the Low Middle Ages un- Despite this, the city began to opening of the Suda Castle and
This early settlement was known til the 15th century the city was recover during the second half Templar Castle of Gardeny. Other
as Iltirda or Iltirta, which with notable for being the only centre of the century, and the quality of sites of cultural interest include
the passing centuries gradually of higher learning in the King- life improved further for its inha- the Roda Roda Museum, La Pa-
evolved into the name by which dom of Aragon. The Estudi Ge- bitants during the ensuing years, nera Art Centre, the Jaume Mo-
the city is known today: Lleida. neral University was founded in thanks among other things to rera Art Museum, the Water Mu-
1300 by King Jaume II. Another the arrival of the railway (1860), seum and the Marian Academy.
The citizens of Ilerget led a more important development during the inauguration of the Camps
or less peaceful existence based Medieval times was the establis- Elisis Park (1864) and the intro- This broadening range of cultu-
around agriculture and livestock hment of the city government duction of the city’s first modern ral facilities further adds to the
farming until invaders began to in the former Sanaüja palace in development plan under the ar- city’s allure, making it an essen-
arrive. First to come were the 1382. From this moment on the chitect Josep Fontseré. tial destination for those who
Carthaginians, followed by the building would be known as the love art, culture, learning and
Romans. Both encountered re- Palau de la Paeria, and it remains Lleida began the 20th century history. Lleida is a must for anyo-
sistance from the Ilerget people, the seat of the City Council to as part of the Mancomunitat de ne who wants to see a city that
who fought fiercely for their in- this day. Another major event Catalunya, subsequently living combines its Iberian, Roman, Vi-
dependence under leaders such towards the end of this period through the turbulent events sigoth, Arabic and Christian past
as Indíbil and Mandoni. After fi- was the construction of one of of the first part of the century with a modern, innovative and
nally succumbing to the Romans, the city’s most beautiful buil- and suffering terrible damage cutting-edge present.
the Ilergets gradually became dings, the Former Hospital of during the Spanish Civil War
Romanized, and around AD 250 Santa Maria, which has been the (1936-1939). Reduced to 40,000
Iltirta became known as Ilerda. headquarters of the Institute of inhabitants, a great deal of re-
Lleidan Studies since the organi- construction work was required,
Following the fall of the Roman zation was created in 1942. though the difficult post-war
Empire, the city fell into the years gradually gave way to
hands of the Visigoths, who The Modern Age was largely a period of urban, commer-
called it Lerita. It was occupied marked by a period of reces- cial and demographic growth.
once again between 716 and sion. It was a time of disease
719, this time by the Arabs, who and wars such as the Segadors Today Lleida is a modern, well
remained in what they called Peasant Revolt, a popular upri- communicated city that has en-
Larida for four centuries until sing that lasted from 1640 to joyed high levels of growth and
October 1149, when Ramon Be- 1652. The city also lost its in- development over recent deca-
renguer IV conquered the city dependence, as the Decree of des and currently boasts a popu-
and brought it under Catalan Nueva Planta introduced by lation of about 140,000 people.
administration. The following Felipe V in 1714 stripped Lleida The city’s expansion on both
year, Leyda was granted a Town of its university and its city go- sides of the River Segre has led
Charter and became home to vernment, while its most distinc- to the emergence of a number
a great many people from the tive monument, the Seu Vella, of different districts, all of which
Pyrenean region of Pallars. Half was closed to worshippers and are connected to the city centre
a century later, in 1203, work be- turned into a military barracks. via a lot of bridges: the Pont Vell
Museum of Lleida
10 11
SEU
Lleida , the city of Seu Vella
UNESCO World Heritage C andidate
THE OLD CATHEDRAL
VELLA
The outstanding features of the inte-
rior include the stonework in the na
ves, which show the influence of the
artisans from Tuscany, Toulouse and
Provence who worked on the cathe-
dral throughout the 13th century, as
well as the remains of Gothic mural
pain tings. After the conse
cration of
the temple, work continued into the
14th century, when the cloister was
The Seu Vella old cathedral, also known as “Lleida
completed and construction work be
Castle”, is definitely the city’s most emblematic
gan on the bell tower and lasted until
monument.
1431.
This unique cathedral sits on top of the hill over-
The Seu Vella is a site of the 1714 Rou-
looking the city and affords magnificent views of
te, the War of the Spanish Succession.
Lleida and the surrounding countryside of Segrià
county. Construction of the cathedral began in
1203, but the bell tower was not completed until
1431. The first master builder was Pere de Coma.
According to historians, the cathedral was built
on top of a former Muslim mosque. The temple
was the first building to be completed and was
consecrated for worship in 1278 and dedicated
to the Virgin Mary. It has a Latin cross floor plan
with a nave and two aisles.
Admission: Ask for the price.
First Tuesday of each month: Free
Turó de la Seu Vella. Lleida
34 / 973 230 653
www.turoseuvella.cat
(Map E4 nº48)
14 15
THE CANONJA THE CASTLE OF
The entrance to the Seu Vella is
through the Canonja, the name
given to the set of buildings that
housed the priests and canons
THE KING LA SUDA
who made up the Chapter at the
cathedral. These buildings date
from the second half of the 12th
century to the 16th century, and
include the remains of the old
church of Santa Maria l’Antiga,
different chapels, the Pia Almoï
na (canon’s house), the Chapter
room, the archive, and the Deca
nóa or Vault House.
THE DOORWAYS
Besides the current entrance
doorway in La Canonja, there
are other doorways of great cul L ast
tural interest, such as the Anun C aliph of
ciata doorway (13th century), Cordoba ref uge,
the “Fillols” doorway (13th-14th venue of the A ragon’s
centuries), the Sant Berenguer Crown origin or witness
of the loyalty oath of the
doorway (12th century), and the electric bells from the mid-20th catalan and aragonese nobles
Apostles’ doorway (14th-15th century that have an essentia- to Infante James (later James I the
centuries), as well as the three lly liturgical function. They are Conqueror). These are some of the
doors from the cloister (13th called Bàrbara, Puríssima, Crist, histor ic al facts that the Suda C astle
or K ing C astle has lived within the walls
century), which provide a clear Marieta and Meuc.
during its existence.
example of the style of ar chi
tectural sculpture known as the
Lleida School. THE CLOISTER So outstanding episodes in the history of Llei
da, Catalonia and, of course, of Spain have been
developed in this building situated at the top of
This 14th-century rectangular
THE BELL TOWER cloister is a unique, open clois
the Seu Vella’s hill, crowning the Sovereign Rock.
ter, located on the west side of
A privileged and a strategic site that holds a castle
The oldest bells are from the the cathedral. It has a gallery
of Muslim origin that dates from the year 882 where
15th century: They are called Sil- with five ogival arches and ele
Lleida has opened an Interpretation Centre.
vestra, which rings on the hours, gant tracery windows that provi
and Mònica, which rings on the de breathtaking views of the city
This Centre, located in the royal hall of the Castle, has a
quarter hours. The other five are and the countryside beyon.
museum area with information panels and an audiovisual
that shows the history of the building.
The cultural equi pment is com pleted with a viewpo
int
terrace where you could observe the landscape. It is the
highest accessible point of the city.
Admission: Ask for the price.
First Tuesday of each month:
Free
Turó de la Seu Vella. Lleida
34 / 973 230 653
www.turoseuvella.cat
(Map E4 nº48)
16 17
THE TEMPLAR CASTLE
The C astle of the Templar
K nights of Gardeny is a
unique space that offers vi -
sitors the chance to take an
exciting journey into the past
and learn more about one
of the most inter esting and
controversial communities in
Lleida’s history.
In the second half of the
12th century, the Order of
the Knights Templar built a
monastery complex on Gar-
deny Hill, a strategic raised
outcrop that had fre quen
tly been used as a military
camp, probably since Roman
times.
In the 17th and 18th centu-
ries the old Medieval com
plex was ex pan ded and
GARDENY
transformed into a new mi-
litary fort, designed in res
ponse to the new defensive
needs resulting from the in
troduction of artillery: walls
flanked with bas tio
ns and
surrounded by open spaces,
moat s and contention walls.
TEMPLAR HOUSE THE HISTORICAL COMPLEX
OF GARDENY The historical complex at Gardeny is one of the most impressive exam-
ples of Knights Templar architecture in Catalonia during the second
(12th-14th centuries). After the con- half of the 12th century.
quest of the city of Lleida in 1149, the
Knights Templar were given several Though extensive modification during the 17th and 18th centuries
properties, including Gardeny Hill, in changed the layout of the former Medieval complex, many elements
payment for the help provided during of the original structure still survive. Perimeter walls flanked by towers
the siege. The first reference to the surround an inner space housing a number of buildings arranged
What can be seen today of command post at Gardeny dates from around a central courtyard.
this historical complex are 1156 and the first com man der was
the remains of the imposing Brother Pere de Cartellà, who played The s e buil
dings include the living quar ters, a solid two-storey
castle which, together with an active role during the siege of the tower with sev eral rooms, storag e buildings, residential quarters
the castles in Miravet, Mon- cit y. Thanks to many contributions and the Homage Tower. To one sid e is the Rom an esque Churc h of
zón, Peníscola and the city made lar gely by the landed gen try, Santa Maria de Gard eny, a sing ular building of great dev otional
of Tortos a, form part of the the Templar House of Gardeny amas significance in its day.
Domus Templi Knights Tem- sed considerable wealth. In order to
plar Do mi nions Route. This manage the different organizations
trip back into the past gives that had been established, it became
visitors a chan ce to get to necessary to create new administra-
know much of the Templar tive positions and set up new com
heritage in the old Kingdom mand posts, such as those at Corbins Admission: Ask for the price
of Aragon. and Barbens. As a result of this expan Turó de Gardeny
sion, in the 13th century the Templar Lleida
34 / 973 700 319
2020/3/1 House of Gardeny became one of the gardeny@paeria.es
Knights Templars’ main administrative (Map A6 nº3)
XIV The Templar GPS Latitude: N 41 36.727
Athtletic R ace bases in the Kingdom of Aragon. Longitude: E 0 36.531
18 19CHAPEL
OF SANT
THE PAERIA JAUME.
PALACE EL PEU DEL
ROMEU
The Palau de la Paeria is the seat of the city ’s
Cultural Property This tiny chapel, which was ori ginally
of National Interest
government. (Generalitat de Catalunya). dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows,
dates back to the time of the Muslim oc-
The building has two main façades; one of cupation and stands in what was then a
Medieval style looks out over Plaça Paeria, Christian district. It is now dedicated to
while the other, a 1929 neo-Medieval remo St. James the Apostle. Inside the chapel,
delling of the neoclassical struc ture, over which stands on the route taken by pil-
looks the River Segre. Built in the 13th cen- grims travelling to Santiago de Compos
tury, it was given to the city by the Sanaüja tela, you could admire the sculpture of
family in 1383. The Paeria is the name given St. James by Jaume Gort which is carried
to Lleida City Council and it derives from the every year in procession throughout the
Cavallers/Major
term paer (from the Latin patiari or man of Lleida streets on the eve of 24 July, St. Jame’s
peace), an honour conferred in 1264 by King (Map D5 nº33) day (see page 57).
Jaume I.
OUR LADY OF THE PAERS THE
The Paeria’s grand chamber houses a 15th ANCIENT
century Gothic altarpiece (1451 to 1454)
which originally adorned the altar in the old
chapel. It shows Mary flanked by Archangels
HOSPITAL
Gabriel and Michael and surrounded by four
“paers”. (Room closed to the public, visitable OF SANTA
MARÍA
with arranged visits).
THE DUNGEON Built in the Gothic-Plateresque style of
the 15th and 16th centuries and used
The city’s jail was housed in the basement in for many years as a hospital, this buil-
1486, with separate cells for men and wo ding faces the New Cathedral and looks
men. La Morra was the name given to the out over the main street. One of its most
chamber used to house prisoners who had stri
k ing fea
tu
res is the main faça de,
been condemned to death, and graffiti car- along with the array of shields emblazo
ved by inmates during the 16th and 17th cen- ned with Lleida’s coat s of arms.
turies can still be seen on the walls.
A particular feature of this magnificent
THE CITY ARCHIVE building is its beau tiful central court-
yard, where an imposing stone staircase
leads to a splendid gallery of pointed
The treasures held in the City Archive include arches.
a 14th-century Usage Book, the Cabinet of
Pri
vileges (a magnificent Ba ro
que cabinet) This historic building is cu rren
tly the
and, of particular interest, the Carta Pobla or headquarters of the Institute of Lleidan
Plaça Catedral s/n
Plaça Paeria, 1 People’s Charter, the first constitution for the Lleida Studies, and its rooms and court yard are
Lleida citizens of Lleida, dating from 1150. 34 / 973 271 500 used for a variety of temporary exhibi
34 / 973 700 300 www.fpiei.es
(Plan E5 nº39) http://arxiu.paeria.cat (Map D5 nº21) tions.
20 21SECRET LLEIDA.
THE TANNERIES ARCHEOLOGICAL TOUR
The Tanneries, located at number
9 on the R ambla de Ferran ave-
nue, are the most ancient and the
best conserved in Spain.
Composed by two wor k s
hops,
now restored as a part of six
tanneries of the 13th century.
Both who have been recovered
contain the canalization used
in the Middle Ages, which gives
the visitor a clear idea of the use
of this essential element during
the trans formation process of
the skin.
A dry or salt skin came to the
work shop and became transfor Secret Lleida is a tour designed by Turisme de Lleida to show visitors
med into a soft, supple leather Roman and Medieval traces in the city. Remains of walls or even the
city ’s M edieval prison that have surv iv ed the passage of time in forgotten
ready to be used to make glo- corners: sec ret spaces that await disc ov ery by those who want to get to
ves, hats… know L leida through its arch aeol ogical rem ains.
The visit also shows an ancient A visit to the archaeological site at the Pa-
water mine. lau de la Paeria reveals the remains of a
building dating back to Roman times whe-
re numerous objects from the 5th century
AD were discovered.
In the ba se
ment of the Enric Gra na
dos
Municipal Auditorium, are the remains of
a Roman domus.
Oving on to No. 47 Anselm Clavé Street,
vi
si
tors can see the re mains of the city
walls from both the Arab (9th and 10th
centuries) and feudal (12th-14th centuries)
Arranged visits for groups
periods. 34 / 973 700 319
infoturisme@paeria.es
www.turismedelleida.com
Free admission
Ask for visits
Rambla de Ferran, 9
Lleida
34 / 973 225 428
THE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
Visitas concertadas
arqueologiaciutatdelleida.blogspot.com Avda. Fontanet, 26
(Map F4 nº67) Lleida
22
CITY ARCHIVE 23
34 / 973 222 641
vinearxiuarqueologic@paeria.esTHE NEW CATHEDRAL
LA CUIRASSA The New Cathedral was built between 1761 and 1781
with endowments from the people of Lleida, King
JEWISH QUARTER OF LLEIDA Carlos III and Bishop Joaquín Sánchez. Built in the
baro
que style with hints of Fren ch academic
classicism, the main entrance is topped with
A fter being forgotten for more than 500 years, the the coat of arms of the Borbon family.
former home of L leida’s Jewish populace now opens its
doors. Step inside and explore the streets of its history!
A staircase leads to three ar ched
doorways fitted with iron gates and
flanked on each side by towers. In-
side, the nave and two aisles are li-
ned with slim Corinthian columns
supporting rounded arches. The
choir, created in the Baroque
style by Lluís Bo nifas Massó,
was destroyed du ring the
Spanish Civil War (1936).
The Cathedral houses a
sculptu
re by Josep Obiols
of Our Lady of Montserrat,
the patron of Ca talonia,
whom pilgrims visit on 27
April each year. Also cele
During the mediaeval era –from the Christi- brated on 2 Februar y each
an conquest of the city in the middle of the year is the feast of the
12TH century, down to the final expulsion of Verge del Blau (or Bruised
the Jews at the end of the 15TH century– the Virgin), named because of
jewish quarter of Lleida (La Cuirassa) was not the damage done when
a walled neighbourhood, but it did have en- its sculptor, finding that
trance gateways. Living side-by-side made his appren tice had com-
it easier for the Jews to maintain their tra- pleted the work to a higher
ditions, and protected them from popular artistic standard than his
uprisings. own, threw a ha m mer at
the finished work.
The Cuirassa became one of the most im-
portant Jewish communities of the Crown The New Cathedral is also
of Aragon, and was the site of the Western home to the Chapter Archive,
Collective, the institution that administered re
garded as the richest ec cle
the affairs of the Jewish community in this siastical ar chive in Catalonia,
part of the Principality. It is estimated that in with a co llec
tion of more than
the middle of the 14TH century around five 13,000 books, 16,000 parchments
hundred Jews lived in Lleida, some 13% of and a huge number of codices and
the city’s total population. early manuscripts. One of the jewels
in the collection is the Lleida Bible, an
The quarter linked to the former Coiraça of historic illuminated codex and the largest
the Moorish era, a protrusion from the city of the ancient Spanish bibles in existence.
wall heading down the hill which houses the There is also a periodicals library, a music ar-
Old Cathedral; and from which it took its chive and a collection of maps and photographs.
name. Today, the archaeological excavations
reveal the remains of the Pogrom House, the
parchment workshop or the remains of se-
veral streets that bring us close to a way of
Guided Tour every life that you can listen following the “Voices
3rd Sunday of the month:
Turisme de Lleida of La Cuirassa” (the QR/audio with the story Plaça Catedral s/n. Lleida
34 / 973 700 319 of the different characters that lived in the 34 / 973 269 470
www.turismedelleida.com www.bisbatlleida.org
(Map E5) jewish quartier). (Map D5 nº19)
24 25SANT LLORENÇ SANT MARTÍ Sant Martí
Lleida
(Map D3 nº30)
This church, which acted as the dioce- Dating originally from the 12th century, this
san seat on two separate occasions, Romanesque church became the chapel of the
was originally built in the Romanesque
Estudi General University in 1300 and the pla-
style, though it includes later Gothic
additions and ornamentation.
ce where the most important academic events
were held. It was converted into a barracks in
Regarded as the most important re- 1648, during the Segadors Peasant Revolt, and
ligious building after the Seu Vella, it was used as a municipal prison in the 19th cen-
has a nave and two aisles, all of the tury. In 1893, Bishop Messeguer Costa ordered
same heig ht, and three ap ses. The its restoration as a church. Now, several cultu-
Romanesque central nave is the ol- ral activities are celebrated.
dest, while the two aisles, along with
the side chapels and octagonal bell
tower, which was restored in 2002,
are in the Gothic style (15th century).
Work on the original building, which
began at the end of the 12th century,
was carried out by sculptors and cra-
ftsmen who had worked with master
architect Pere de Coma on the Seu
MARIAN
Vella. The church houses some im-
portant Gothic al tarpieces, the lar-
gest dedicated to Sant Llorenç him-
self. Others are de di
ca
ted to Santa
ACADEMY
Ursula (attributed to Jaume Cascalls),
Sant Pere and Santa Llúcia. Other im
portant works of art include a statue
of the Verge dels Fillols that originally
stood in the Seu Vella, and Santa Ma-
ria de la Can dele
ra, a 15th century
Gothic pie ce showing Sant Blas at- Ever since it was founded in 1862, the Marian Academy
tributed to the painter Mateu Ferrer. has been a powerful symbol for the city. The large buil-
The church also houses the tomb of ding itself is of extraordinary size and value, with its
Ramon de Tàrrega and the figure of Neoclassical façade on which six crests stand out. Inside
Sant Crist Trobat restored by Jaume the building there are artistic treasures everywhere you
Perelló. The Gothic door overlooking look: the Noucentiste vestibule decorated with Greek
the Plaza Sant Josep carries the coat marble, the imperial stairway, the theatre and, natura-
of arms of Berenguer de Gallart. lly, the chapel.
The chapel has been nick named the Sistine
Plaça Sant Llorenç Chapel of Marian Art owing to the 300 m2
Lleida
(Map C5 nº13) of frescos dating from 1871 that decorate
the chapel. They are uniques, not only for
their artistic value, but also because this is
the only place in the world where the whole
life of the Virgin Mary is presented in artistic
form. The chapel, in Florentine Gothic style,
is presided over by the figure of the White
Virgin. The white statue was sculpted from
the wood of a linden tree, and its colour was
the origin of the name of the Patron Saint
of Lleida. Another important feature of this
small sanctuary is its collection of wrought
Acadèmia,17
Lleida iron. Besides being the most complete co
Arranged visits llection in the city, it is unique for being the
34 / 973 266 161
www.bisbatlleida.org work of Antoni Guerra, considered the best
(Map B6 nº66) 20th-century artist in his field.
26 27THE
MODERNIST TOUR
ESCORXADOR CASES DE BALASCH
MUNICIPAL THEATRE Map C5 No. 5 (Rbla. Aragó, 31)
Map B5 No. 2 A group of three buildings desig
(Lluís Companys) ned by Morera in 1914, with ga
The old abattoir, designed by lleried windows extending over
Francesc de Paula Morera Gate two floors. Particularly outstan
ll, is the city’s most im portant ding are the use of marble, the
example of Modernist architec stucco flowers and the carpentry
ture. It underwent a number of details.
modifications and finally closed
for business in 1984. It has now CASA BERGÓS
been converted into a first-class Map F4 No. 50 (Pl. de la Sal
cultural facility. /Clot de les Monges)
This early 20th-century building
CASA MELCIOR is notable for its balconies, art
Map E5 No. 38 nouveau moul dings, wrought
(Pl. Sant Francesc) ironwork and the use of both
A double-fronted building desig floral and geometric designs.
ned by Francesc de Paula More
ra Gatell that stands out for its CASA XAM-MAR
stained-glass galleried windo Map D5 No. 24 (Blondel, 9)
ws, sto nework, carpentry and This house (Francesc de Pau-
wrought iron and tiling detail. la Mo re
ra Gatell 1920-1950) is
nota
ble for its large galleried
CASA MORERA. DE LA LIRA windows and ornamental sto
Map D5 No. 15 (Blondel) nework. The main entrance was
Built in 1922 with a decorated large enough to allow carriages
façade that draws its inspiration to drive into the courtyard.
from the sha pe of a lyre, this
house is an original and unique CASA BARÓ. LA VINÍCOLA
example of Catalan Modernism. Map C6 No. 11 (Blondel, 100)
Known popularly as “La Viníco-
CASA MAGÍ LLORENS la” after the wine business that
Map D5 No. 27 operated for many years on the
(Major, 74-76) ground floor, this house dates
An artistic façade with wrought- from 1921. Its façade on an an-
iron balconies and stone flower gle with balconies is finished in a
motifs on the ground floor. rich range of colours.
29LLEIDA
MUSEUM
The Museum of Lleida, which incorporates Cathedral Treasure. Among the 974 works of
the Lleida County and Diocesan Museums, art and archaeological pieces on permanent
opened its doors in November 2007 as the display at the museum are items from the
flagship of Lleida’s museums. A tour around Bronze Age (from the Genó site in Aitona),
its more than 7000 square metres of exhi the Iberian Era (the Gebut site in Soses) and
bition space provides a great introduction the Roman period (a Roman villa from Rome
to the city’s history, starting with prehistoric ral, in Albesa).
times and continuing right through to the
present day. There are also items from the Visigoth sett
lement at El Bovalar, including the outstan-
The works displayed at the museum come ding baptismal font. Other interesting items
from the merger of two century-old collec- include rock-crystal chess pieces from Ager
tions and a desire to unite the items that re- (dating from the Fatimite period, 9th cen-
present the heritage of the city and its area tury), Romanesque altarpieces, stone sculp
of influence under one roof. One of these is tures from Seu Vella, the mural paintings of
the collection of sacred art from the Dioce- Pia Almoina, Gothic panel paintings from the
san Museum, the most re cent incarnation Herrero studio, 14th century sculpture from
of the museum created in 1893 by Bishop what is known as the School of Lleida, and
Messeguer. The other is the archaeological Flemish tapestries and clothes worn by Pope
collection of the Institute of Lleidan Studies Calixtus III.
(IEI), which traces its origins back to the Mu
seum of Antiquities founded in the mid-19th
century, who se co llection passed into the Ask for hours, prices and visits
hands of the IEI in 1942. The museum also First Tuesday of each month: Free
Sant Crist, 1. Lleida
houses the coin collection from the Pro- 34 / 973 283 075
vincial Council’s Numismatic Depar tment, museu@museudelleida.cat
www.museudelleida.cat
along with some pieces from the so-called (Map C5 nº65)
30 31ART CENTRE
The A rt Centre of L a Panera At the same time, the Cen tre is
is a cult ur al fac il ity that designed as a pla t form for the
offers an opp ort un it y to keep creation and exhibition of the vi-
up with the most rec ent
LA PANERA
el op m
de v ents in art through a sual arts in Spain, with a view to
ser ies of exh ib it ion s and building bridges bet ween visual
iv it y prog
ac t ramm es. crea
tivity and the creativity ori
gi
nating from other cultural fields.
A commitment to support
and promote contemporary
art is backed up with guided
visits for everybody and
free access to a specialized
reference librar y housed in
the Document Centre.
The Centre’s work is founded
on the conviction that
contemporary art represents
an essential key to
understanding the world we THE OLD CORN
live in and the problems and
issues that affect it, not only EXCHANGE
in terms of artistic creation
but also throughout society AND MARKET
at large.
The building that houses the Art
Centre of La Panera dates back to
the Con su late period of the 12th
and 13th centuries, one of the most
pros perous episodes in Me dieval
Lleida. El Almodí, as the building
was then known, was the city’s
trading house and the place where
many goods were traded, such as
cereals, oil and grapes. The origi-
nal colonnade from the Medieval
building, a line of 21 stone columns
rising to a height of 5.7 metres, still
survives. In 1606, El Almodí was
acquired by the Cathedral Canons,
who enclosed it within a perimeter
wall and built another floor abo-
ve the ori ginal colonnade, giving
the building the form it has today.
It was used to store and sell the
pro duce co llected by the Canons,
hence its present name, La Panera
dels Canonges (The Canons’ Pan
try). With the seizure of the mo
nasteries in 1835 it passed into the
hands of the Paeria, or local go
vernment, which offered it to the
army. In 1860 it became the caval
ry barracks, and was sub se
quen
tly used as a police station before
being returned to the Paeria at the
end of the 1980s. The decision was
Panera Square, 2
Lleida taken to turn it into an art centre,
Free admission and recent refurbishment work has
34 / 973 262 185
www.lapanera.cat revealed the Medieval colonnade in
(Plan D4 nº29) all its glor y.
32 33MUSEO DE ARTE
JAUME MORERA The Jaume Morera Art Museum of Llei-
da is a public museum, whose mission
is to bring together a collection of mo-
dern and contemporary art within whe-
re the contributions of Lleida’s artists are
appropriately contextualised. It also aims
to conserve, study, interpret and exhibit
this art as a way of explaining the history
of mo dern and contemporary artistic
manifestations and, through the deplo-
yment of a range of cul tu
ral services,
to encourage and facilitate its visitors’
understanding and critical appreciation
in the contemplation and enjoyment of
art. This mission is embodied in the re-
solute preservation and conservation of
its collections, which span the whole of
the twentieth century and are projected
towards the twenty-first century, espe-
cially in the Museum’s programme of
temporary exhibitions and a wide rea-
ching educative programme that is ad-
dressed at different public sectors.
The Museum is owned by the local
Council but also benefits from the as-
sistance of the Deputation of Lleida and
the Ministry of Culture of the Generalitat
de Catalunya.
EXHIBITIONS
One of the key research and dis
semination activities of Jau me Morera
Art Museum is the organization of tem-
porary ex hibitions of its own design,
in coordination with other mu seums
and as the site of exhibitions that travel
throughout Spain. The museum specia-
lizes mainly in exhibitions designed to
provide a historical review of the main
artistic tendencies of the 20th century
and retrospective shows on well-known
artists, particularly those con nected
with the city of Lleida.
Major, 31 (Edificio Casino).
Lleida
Free admission
34 / 973 700 419
www.paeria.cat/mmorera
(Plan E5 nº34)
34 35Free admission
Ask for visits
34 / 973 211 992
www.museudelaiguadelleida.cat
La Canadiense Camp
Av. Miquel Batllori, 52. Lleida
Pla de l’Aigua
Underground Reservoir
C/ Múrcia, 10. Lleida
(Map D4 No.12)
MAIN BUILDING: PLA DE L’AIGUA
LA CANADIENSE CAMP UNDERGROUND
Barcelona Traction, Light & RESERVOIR
Power Co. Ltd., informally
Lleida’s drinking-water museum.
known as “La Canadiense”, built
It is a large underground reser
this camp in 1914 to house the
voir in the heart of Lleida that
labourers who came to the area
WATER
was built in 1784 to supply the
to construct the Seròs Canal. La
city with drinking water as a way
THE Canadiense set up in different
parts of Catalonia to lay out the
of overcoming the deficiencies
of Medieval installations and
power grid in the region.
fighting epidemics. The large re
servoir has 25 stone pillars and
Since 2004, the newly restored
a capacity of 9 million litres (C/
building has been used as the
Múrcia 10 - Plaça del Dipòsit).
Lleida Water Mu seum hea d
MUSEUM quar ters.
On display here is the permanent ICE WELLS
exhibition “The Force of Water.
Water has traditionally played an important role in Lleida, owing to Located in the northen and col
Dr. Pearson and the Cons truc
its geographic location beside the River Segre. An extensive network dest part of the Seu Vella’s hill,
tion Work on La Canadiense in
of canals and waterways has been developed since the city was foun ideal for ice conservation. Built
Lleida”, which reflects the basic
ded, mak ing Lleida the centre of one of the largest irrigated areas in in the 17th century, the biggest
role played by Lleida in the pro
Spain. In fact, the Seròs Canal, a major source of hydroelectric power, has a capacity of 842 m3 and
duction of hydroelectric power,
passes through the city, which receives its drinking-water supply from 500 m3 the small one. They
thanks to the work done by engi
the Pinyana Canal, the oldest canal still in use in Catalonia. This is a were restored in 1994.
neer Dr. Pearson and the hydro
territory museum with different points of interest around the region. electric power company known
as La Canadiense.
WATER ROUTES
Long walks around the city and
the market gardens that offer us
a vision of the water architecture
throughout history.
• Monumental Fountains
• Pinyana Canal
• Seròs Canal
• Fontanet Irrigation ditc
EXHIBITION:
“WATERS OF THE
WORLD”
(Canadiense Camp)
Collection of more than 2,000
bottles from around the world
grouped by countries.
36 37RODA
# RODA MUSEUM
for
Lleida’s Roda Roda Museum is loc ated in
families an old mechanical wor k shop that has been
THE rest ored to respect the original struc ture as
closely as possible.
GIANTS HOUSE It houses a collection of vintage automobiles, mo
torbikes and engines, as well as a number of scale
models that illustrate the history and de velo
pment
The Museum of Popular Culture, the House of the Giants, is a of the automotive industry. A visit to the Roda Roda
vist to the festive troupe of traditional and popular culture of the Museum will take you back in time and invite you to
city of L leida .
reflect on technological progress and the social chan
ges it has brought.
A trip to the identity of the city of Lleida through 12 giants that form the
current group of Giants of Lleida (the most valuable group in Catalonia), The items in the museum collection remind us
the Bigheads of the local troupe, the Dancing Horses, “the Marraquets” of the fundamental need of human transport
of Lleida and a graphic collection about the Marraco, the dance of “Basto- since time immemorial.
nets”, the dance of the Moors and Christians or the “Moixiganga”.
Free admission
Free admission Ask for visits
Ask for visits Santa Cecília, 22. Lleida
Av. Blondel, 64. Lleida 34 / 973 212 635
34 / 973 700 393 www.museudelautomociodelleida.cat
www.paeria.cat (Plan G6 nº63)
38 392020
41
CULTURE CUSTOMS FESTIVALSMUSI JULIÀ CARBONELL
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Lleida symphony orchestra offers a sta-
ble cycle as part of the regular Auditorium
programme.
Pl. Josep de Prenafeta s /n MUNICIPAL BAND
34 / 973 700 639 The Municipal Band accounts for part of the
plano F3 nº56 annual programme.
ENRIC
FAMILY CONCERTS
In this combination of narration and music,
the Auditorium offers an in teresting pro-
GRANADOS gramme for families.
MUNICIPAL THE BUILDING
The modern Enric Granados Municipal Au-
ditorium was designed by Lleidan architects
AUDITORIUM Ramon Artigues and Ramon Sanabria. Many
other professionals also participated in the
construction process, including Higini Arau,
REGULAR SEASON PROGRAMME who holds a PhD in Acoustic Physics. Of note
FROM JANUARY TO MAY is the prismatic shape of the triple façade and
AND FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER the way the roof becomes a fourth façade
The Enric Granados Municipal Auditorium’s when viewed from the Seu Vella. Built with
regular season programme caters to the va- slabs of natural stone to create an austere
ried tastes of a large, diverse group of peo- effect, the air chamber has rigid insulation
ple. to protect the building’s excellent acoustics.
Don’t miss a visit to the archaeological re-
CONCERTS mains in the basement.
Orchestras and soloists perform in a wide va-
riety of concerts, with current musical trends SYMPHONY HALL
from all over the world. The Symphony Hall is located on the ground
floor and is the larger of the two audito-
riums, with an area of 880 m2 and seating
for 803 people. The spectacular vaulted cei-
ling is covered with varnished cedar panels.
Tickets sale
Ticket office CHAMBER MUSIC HALL
Monday-Friday The second hall of the auditorium is located
from 17.30 to 20.30 h in the first basement and is used mainly for
fine and weekends festivos
chamber music. It has an area of 360 m2 and
2 hours before concert
seats 245.
On line 24h
www.latemporadalleida .cat
ORFEÓ LLEIDATÀ
Programming of the Orfeó Lleidatà, organi-
zation founded in 1861.
C/ Sant Martí 60-62
Lleida
34 / 973 233 554
www.orfeolleidata .cat
42 432020/2/27 - 3/1
ANIMAC
24th ANIMAC INTERNATIONAL
ANIMATED FILM FESTIVAL
IN
Animac is an international festival speciali-
zing in creative film-making, new techniques
and new creative forms. It is a non-com-
petitive festival that is open to everyone in
the world of animated filmmaking. It puts
emphasis on works that combine animation
with other art forms.
34 / 973 700 325
info @animac.cat
www. animac.cat
LA
MOSTRA
26th LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
The Latin American Film Festival of Lleida is
an important annual opportunity to bring
together La tin American directors and ac
tors. Besides the films shown in the Official
Competitive Section, the festival also fea-
tures short films, advertisements, exhibits,
children’s matinees and a wide range of pa-
rallel activities. One of the awards given du-
ring this event is the Ángel Fernández Santos
Prize, which is awarded to programmes and
personalities that promote film culture..
34 / 973 238 017
mostra@mostradelleida .com
www.mostradelleida .com
45Lleida Bishopric
34 / 973 268 628
mcs@bisbatlleida .org
www.bisbatlleida .org
2020/4/10 - 13 OLY WEEK
EASTER GIFTS OF LLEIDA
HOLIDAYS
Holy Week in Lleida has traditionally been characterized by the
penitential processions which began in the 14th century and
reached the height of their splendour four centuries later. Two
processions are considered the highlight of Holy Week in Lleida. C/ MAJOR 31 BIS
The procession of the Virgin of Sorrows, which dates from
25007 LLEIDA
1753, leaves at 8 pm on Palm Sunday from the Oratory of the
Virgin of Sorrows in Carrer Cavallers, seat of the Congregation
of Sorrows. The spectacular religious parade, headed by the
Armats (Roman squadrons), features floats that represent the
seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary, the robes of the different
brotherhoods, the popular Sant Llorenç float bearers and the
tabernacle of the Virgin of Sorrows. WWW.TURISMEDELLEIDA.COM
On the night of Good Friday, the solemn and penitential pro- 34 / 973 700 319
cession of the Holy Burial, organized by the Congregation of
the Holy Blood, leaves from the Church of the Holy Blood. The
procession, headed by the Armats de la Sang, is an overwhel
ming display of imagery on the passion and death of Christ,
including the statue of the Prostrate Christ and the tabernacle
of the Virgin of Solitude..
46 47ARTS Lleida has a regular theatre season. The Llotja, the
Escorxador Municipal Theatre, the Teatre Principal
and the former Convent of Santa Te resa offer a
wide range of performances all the year.
LA LLOTJA
CENICS La Llotja theater stands out for its wide and diverse bill-
board shows –theater, dance, concerts, monologues,
opera, musical theater…– for all kind of audiences.
Av. Tortosa , 6-8. Lleida
34 / 973 239 698
Ticketing:
Ticket office and www.latemporadalleida .cat
General /amic de la llotja tickets:
Turisme de Lleida (Major, 31. Lleid a)
34 / 973 270 249 ESCORXADOR THEATRE
centre@ titelleslleida .com
www.firatitelles.com The Escorxador Theatre’s main auditorium has seating for
310. There is also a smaller stage for experimental and
multidisciplinar y arts, and a multipurpose Café-Theatre.
The impressive panel presiding over the theatre lobby is
the work of artist Frederic Amat.
Lluís Companys s /n. Lleida
34 / 973 279 356
re@paeria .cat
teat
2020/5/1 - 3
Ticketing: Ticket office
and www.latemporadalleida .cat
PUPPETS MUNICIPAL THEATRE SCHOOL
The Escorxador Theatre is also the site of the Municipal
XXXI INTERNATIONAL PUPPET THEATRE FESTIVAL Theatre School, where drama classes, acting symposia
and monographic courses are held.
The Puppet Festival fills the most emblematic parts of Lleida’s main
pedestrian thoroughfare (Plaça Paeria, Plaça Sant Francesc, the cour-
tyard of the IEI and Plaça de l’Hort de Santa Teresa) and the city’s
theatres with puppet shows for children and adults.
JULIETA AGUSTÍ THEATRE
Held right before the Summer Festival, this unique event attracts pu
ppet companies and cultural programmers from all over the world. The Convent of Santa Teresa (originally occupied by dis
The people of Lleida and visitors will enjoy over 25 shows and 70 calced Carmelite nuns) dates from 1704 and is currently
performances in dif ferent spaces around the city. Companies from all transformed into the Julieta Agustí Theatre. In fact, its
over the world offer a complete programme for all ages, with some Baroque church is now a theatre with seating for 185
performances free of charge and others at low prices. people. The engravings and paintings on the cupola of the
church are of special interest, as are the coats of arms of
The festival organizers have also arranged dif ferent cultural activities old Lleidan families. The convent has fulfilled many roles,
such as exhibitions, a photography competition, puppet work shops including a hospital during the War of the Spanish Suc-
and much more. All these features make the festival a one-of-a-kind cession and a sanctuary for refugees during the Spanish
activity in Spain. Civil War.
48 49You can also read
