Romanesque art in the Boí Valley

This is one of Europe's most valuable artistic treasures. It is in the Region of Catalonia, northeastern Spain, in stunning natural surroundings: the Pyrenees Mountains. The Romanesque churches of the Boí Valley have the UNESCO World Heritage designation and are just the first of many wonderful experiences you can live in this exceptional destination.

In inland Catalonia there is an amazing destination where enjoying art also means enjoying nature, countryside and much more. This is the Boí Valley, in the province of Lleida. This area is sheltered by the stunning peaks of the Pyrenees and is home to some of Europe's best Romanesque art and architecture. It comprises nine churches built in the 11th and 12th centuries. Their artistic value is such that they have received the UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Why visit these monuments? Because they are an excellent example of unadulterated Romanesque architecture. Although they are located in different towns and villages, you will notice that these buildings have a series of common traits: their simple structure, the delicate exterior stonework, their slender bell towers and the wonderful mural decorations to be found inside. The paintings you can see inside the churches today are faithful reproductions of the originals, which are on display at the Catalonia National Art Museum. Of these, special mention should be made of paintings from San Juan de Boí, San Clemente and Santa María de Taüll.

You will also notice that the area around the churches makes them even more attractive. The high-mountain landscape, the small country villages, cottages built in slate, wood and stone... All this helps to create a charming, traditional setting. To plan things well, we would recommend you contact the Boí Valley Romanesque Centre (tel. +34 973696715, info@centreromanic.com), in the village of Erill la Vall, where you can get information on the area, its heritage and guided visits to the churches.

Nevertheless, Romanesque art is just one of the things that makes the Boí Valley a good option for your next getaway. If you like nature, then you will be interested to know that the region is a gateway to the Aigüestortes National Park, a fascinating area with more than 200 lakes and a host of rivers, gorges and waterfalls. You can also ski at the Boí Taüll Resort, 3 kilometres from the village of Taüll, which has the highest ski slopes in the Pyrenees (reaching 2,751 metres). Afterwards, what better than relaxing with the thermal waters and treatments available at the Caldas de Boí Spa Resort, 5 kilometres from Erill la Vall.

What would you like to do on your holidays? Art, sport, nature, wellbeing... All this in one place, the Boí Valley in the Pyrenees. A place to discover.