A Journey to the Romanesque Churches
On Saturday 28 September, Urgelia Sacra, an initiative linked to Catalonia Sacra, presents a unique opportunity to explore one of the treasures of the Catalan religious cultural heritage: the churches of the Vall de Boí. This activity offers a special focus on bell towers, which will be the central theme of the 2024 programming.
Expert Guide to Heritage
The visits will be led by Cristina Castellà, coordinator of the Romanesque Center in Vall de Boí. Participants will be able to access the interior of three churches and admire the majesty of the tower bells, which have not only been fundamental elements in religious life, but also in the communication and vigilance of the community throughout the centuries.
Details of the Activity
The visit will start at 11 am, with a cost of 8 euros for registration, which can be done online. Attendees will stop at three emblematic churches: Sant Climent de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí and Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, where the architectural singularities of each will be revealed, as well as the importance of their bell towers in the historical context.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Romanesque churches of the Boí Valley, including a group of eight churches and a hermitage, were recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO in 2000. Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, these architectural masterpieces reflect the ‘Lombard Romanesque style, characterized by efficient construction techniques and a meticulous cut stone.
Catalonia Sacra: A Unique Initiative
Catalonia Sacra is a unique project in Europe, promoted by the 10 dioceses of Catalonia. Each year, the cultural agenda of this initiative proposes thirty activities that allow you to discover the cultural and religious heritage of the region. In the 2024 edition, the common thread will be the bell towers, with guided tours, itineraries and conferences distributed by twenty-two Catalan counties and one in the Valencian Country.
Expansion in Andorra
For the first time, the agenda will include an activity in Andorra, which is part of the diocese of Urgell. In this territory, Catalonia Sacra is presented under the name Urgelia Sacra, while in the Valencian Country it is implemented as Dertosa Sacra. This expansion reflects the growing interest in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural heritage.
