The Surroundings:

Set between the foothills of the Montsec Mountains and the flatlands of Lleida where the Segre and Noguera Ribagorçana rivers meet, the Noguera area is full of contrasts. Lovers of art and architecture will find in the Noguera many examples of its rich history such as monasteries, churches, paintings, sculptures, crypts, castles etc. You can visit examples of the Romanesque era (church of Sant Pere de Ponts or the Monastery of las Franqesas), of Islamic architecture (Alcabassa de Balaguer and the castle of los Condes de Urgell) and of Catalan Gothic (Monastery of Collegiata de Santa Maria de Balaguer). Particular recommendations are the Baronia de Sant Oïsme and Maria de Bellpuig de Avellanes as well as the villages of Camarasa, Cubells and Àger.

With the peaceful waters of its lakes and reservoirs, the mountains and the plain, the Noguera offers endless opportunities for sport and adventure sport in the middle of nature.

Camarasa:

Camarasa lies on the left bank of the Segre River and holds within its boundaries important prehistoric excavation sites as well as the ruins of a roman bridge and part of an Arabic castle. Camarasa’s mediaeval history can be seen in the narrow streets, old buildings and town gates in the village centre and in the church of Sant Miguel. A visit to the ‘living crib’ in the church at Christmas time is not to be missed.

In the immediate vicinity the reservoir next to the village of Sant Llorenc de Montgai offers opportunities for canoeing and provides a home to a wide variety of water birds.

Os de Balaguer :

An ancient town dominated by the castle of Os, a large ruined fortification of which a 12th century cylindrical tower remains. The church of Sant Miguel is baroque and has a beautiful façade. Every year a popular farmers’ festival is held here. It retains its narrow streets and ancient gates and facades as well as a monumental stone fountain. In the area there are local producers of honey and nougat and a covered sports centre with swimming pool.

Monastery of Bellpuig de les Avellanes:

An ancient monastery which was declared a historic monument in 1931. It contains a gothic cathedral begun in the 14th century and recently restored and a pretty Romanesque cloister from the end of the 12th century. Around the cloister are grouped the refectory, library and dormitories.

Les avellanes:

A wide-ranging district which includes many villages: the Romanesque church of Santa Maria; the salt mines of Vilanova which were already used in the 11th century by the Moors; Santa Linya with its restored Romanesque church and chapels; and the village of Tartareu which boasts the Romanesque church of Sant Miguel as well as an important mountain-bike course which hosts many international races.

Àger:

In the middle-ages the town of Àger was the seat of the Viscounts of Àger, part of the County of Urgell, and its favourable position allowed its development. In the highest part of the town are the ruins of the church of Collegiata de Sant Pere, a basilica with three naves, which shows the transition from Romanesque to gothic. It contains a gothic cloister and the remains of ancient walls. A Roman marble sarcophagus from the third century can be seen in the church of Sant Vicenç, outside the town.

The Valley of Àger:

The valley lies at the foot of the Montsec d’Ares range of mountains and is so well-suited for hang-gliding and paragliding that national and international competitions take place here. There are many opportunities for visits, such as the chapel of our Lady at Pedra, the Pertursa chapel, the towers of Cas, the chapel of Colobor etc. You should not miss the impressive gorge of Mont-Rebei which is the best-preserved of the region’s many gorges. Outside Àger itself there are many beautiful villages to visit, including Règola, Agulló, Millà, and Corçà. An area to enjoy as much for its nature and adventure as for its rich architecture and gastronomy.

The Lake of Camarasa:

In the last century a dam was constructed which created this 20km long lake which stretches from the ridge of the Montsec range to the junction of the Noguera Pallaresa and Segre rivers. Amongst the curving road and the landscape of mountains and lake there are two villages which are particularly recommended: Baronia de Sant Oïsme with a small Romanesque church and a castle which has retained a wonderful cylindrical tower; and the village of Fontllonga with its Romanesque church of Sant Miguel. The calm waters of the lake provide opportunities for many water sports.