Arbeca: Fortalesa dels Vilars, Sant Jaume and landscapes

The Fortalesa dels Vilars d’Arbeca forms an exceptional archaeological complex. It is one of the best-preserved Iberian archaeological sites in Europe. In 1998, the Generalitat de Catalunya declared the Fortalesa dels Vilars d’Arbeca a “Bé d’Interès Nacional” (National Heritage Site).

Culture

The Església de Sant Jaume is a large Neoclassical church dating from 1683. It is the largest religious building in Les Garrigues. Its floor plan is unusual: the building is wider than it is long.

A guided tour of Arbeca’s historic and artistic ensemble includes the castle palace and the Vila closa. The tour also includes the Sant Jaume church. From the top of its bell tower, there are views over the historic centre and the Garrigues urgellenques.

Arbeca’s Vila closa is a well-preserved historic centre. Its streets and arcaded squares offer an insight into the town’s medieval past.

The building of the Cooperativa Arbequina, which houses Arbeca’s tourist office, was designed by Cèsar Martinell in 1919. The building of the Cooperativa Arbequina is included in the Ruta del Modernisme de les Garrigues.

History

The Cooperativa Arbequina’s oleotourism offering includes a visit to the old Molí de l’Argilés and its historic oil presses. The Molí d’oli de l’Argilés oil mill dates from the early 19th century and has large stone millstones.

The Molins de l’Ambò heritage complex consists of two grain mills. These include the Molí de Baix and the Molí de Dalt, as well as their associated water-management structures.

The first documents mentioning the Ermita de Santa Caterina date from the late 15th century. The Ermita de Santa Caterina offers panoramic views over the Urgell plain. When visiting the Ermita de Santa Caterina, it is recommended that you leave your vehicle at the foot of the hill and walk up the steep section.

Landscape

The Oliveres, pedra seca i alzines carrasques route passes through a landscape of olive and almond groves, broad plateaus, rocky areas, dry-stone structures, scrubland and holm oaks.

The Fondo de la Coma, also known as Fondo del Soldevila or Fondo del Trull, is the longest valley and has the broadest valley floor in the municipality of Arbeca.

Other places

Other places in this selection include Montmagastre, Ribera de Montardit, Abella De La Conca, Cubells, Soriguera, Burg, La Noguera and Linyola.

Nature

The Secans de Belianes–Preixana nature area is designated as a ZEPA special protection area. It lies in the southwest of the Urgell comarca. Near Arbeca, it extends slightly into the Les Garrigues comarca.

The area is a breeding ground for more than 30 bird species. The Secans de Belianes–Preixana nature area can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

To the main travel overview: Lleida.