Discover Alguaire: Nature, History and Trails

Nature

The Plans de la Unilla are a small natural area with steppe characteristics on the Almenar-Alguaire plateau and include a drainage-free depression of great botanical interest. Riu d’Alguaire is a recreational area of natural interest. Every year, the Festa per la Pau takes place at Riu d’Alguaire, featuring a communal meal, Sardana dancing and other sociocultural events. The Sagrat Cor Trail passes through irrigated areas with aromatic plants and an area that could be described as steppe-like, offers views of the area around the Canal de Pinyana, and finally reaches a flat spot.

History and Culture

The Hospitaller monastery of Alguaire was founded in 1250 by Marquesa de Guàrdia. The Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Merli dates back to a Visigothic church that is older than the settlement of Alguaire and was restored in 1264. The Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Merli contains 16th-century wall paintings. The Ermita de la Mare de Déu del Merli is protected as a BCIL and classified in the municipal protection catalogue with protection level B. From 1186, Castell d’Alguaire was home to a significant Hospitaller commandery.

The Nekropole de les Roques de So Roig near Alguaire consists of six graves with rounded ends. It may be connected with the Andalusian settlement of Roques de Vimpèlec; the two sites are about 400 metres apart. The surviving remains of Castell d’Alguaire castle crown a hill west of Alguaire and can be reached after approximately 2 km. The personal archive and personal library of Josep Lladonosa were donated to the municipality of Alguaire and have been accessible for consultation by historians and researchers since their opening in 1990. The Figa-Foc festival figure takes part in the Festa Major d’Alguaire and the Fira de la Figa d’Alguaire. In 2024, the Fira de la Figa in Alguaire reached at least its 14th edition; its 13th edition had been announced previously.

Hiking and Trails

A viewpoint is located on the Penya del Sagrat Cor, where the monument of the same name stands. The Sagrat Cor monument is a concrete figure created in 1966 in a workshop for sculptural works in Olot. The summit of the Penya del Sagrat Cor can be reached by car or via the stairs from Carrer Calvari. The Ruta del Agua de Alguaire begins in the town centre and passes through the landscape of Huerta de Pinyana. Mata de Pinyana is part of the water route along the Canal de Pinyana. The Sagrat Cor Trail is held in Alguaire year after year with logistical and organisational support from the municipality. The Ruta saludable de Alguaire comprises low-difficulty interurban routes במסגרת the Catalan PAFES programme for physical activity, sport and health.

Other Places

Other places: Talarn, Ager, Vielha, Belianes, Betrén, Ciutadilla, Vilamolat de Mur, Civís

For the higher-level travel overview: Lleida.