Cardet: Romanesque Architecture, Trails and Reservoir in the Vall de Boí
Accommodation in Cardet
Cardet combines Santa Maria de Cardet with viewpoints and the Cardet Reservoir. Santa Maria de Cardet is the smallest church in the Vall de Boí and has the only small crypt in the valley’s Romanesque church ensemble.
Santa Maria de Cardet and its special details
Santa Maria de Cardet dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. Instead of a conventional church tower, the building has a bell gable in the form of an espadaña, dating from Baroque alterations. The door still features a medieval wrought-iron bolt with geometric decorations and an artistically crafted head at the end. The last restoration is also part of the history of the site: its aim was to preserve the church interior in the condition it had at the beginning of the 20th century. Architectural forms, craftsmanship and the history of the church interior can be examined in this building through several details.
Reservoir, valley views and natural surroundings
In the wider area around Cardet lies the Salencar de Barruera (Pantà de Cardet), a reservoir that collects the water of the Noguera de Tor and lies below Barruera. The Cardet Reservoir lies at the foot of the hill below Cardet. Viewpoints such as the Presa de Cardet offer the opportunity to sit down and take in the view across the landscape. Cardet offers panoramic views of the Cardet Reservoir, the Salencar area, the valley and the peaks of the Vall de Boí. From the Mirador de Santa Maria de Cardet, the view extends across the plain of Barruera and the natural surroundings of the Salencar.
Trails with different points of focus
The Barruera–Cardet route is 2.20 km long, has an elevation difference of 90 m and takes 50 minutes. The 50 minutes and 90 metres of elevation gain provide a time and topographical framework for planning the day on this specific section of trail between Barruera and Cardet in the valley. After crossing the L-500, the trail runs along the mountain slope and reaches the church of Santa Maria de Cardet directly. Another route is offered by the Ruta circular del Románico - 2 circular trail: it runs directly below Santa Maria de Cardet and then continues along the southern edge of the village.
The Mirador de Santa Maria de Cardet leads beneath the imposing apse of Santa Maria de Cardet, which is considered one of the most impressive apses in the valley. To access it, leave the car at the entrance to Cardet and follow the signposts behind the church of Santa Maria; access is indicated as taking 3 minutes. Cardet can be reached from a turn-off on the L-500 road; the trail then climbs for approximately 1 km. Cardet is the smallest locality in its municipality.
More places for your planning
More places: Erill La Vall, Taüll, El Pla De L'ermita and Barruera.
