Granyena de Segarra: Nature and Medieval Heritage

The protected natural area of Granyena comprises a mosaic of habitats made up of agricultural land and natural vegetation. Managed areas and natural landscape elements are therefore among the clearly identified features of this natural area. The woodland, which accounts for just under ten percent of the area, makes the proportion of forest measurable; at the same time, Granyena has the largest forest area among the protected areas of the Plana de Lleida.

Nature

The protected natural area of Granyena has just under ten percent woodland. Among the protected areas of the Plana de Lleida, it has the largest forest area, making the regional importance of the woodland visible alongside the mosaic of habitats.

The Secà de Granyena route is a circular route and begins in the municipality of Granyena de Segarra. Its route format and the stated starting point are the complete details given here about the course of this excursion.

Culture

The parish church of Santa Maria in Granyena de Segarra has three naves. The three naves and the octagonal bell tower are two distinct named features of the same church.

The octagonal bell tower of the parish church of Santa Maria shapes the silhouette of Granyena de Segarra. In addition to belonging to the church, its geometric form is explicitly part of the townscape.

The Capella del Cementiri Vell dates from 1832 and is registered as a cultural asset of local interest. Its name, the year of construction and this classification are the chapel's principal named features.

The Santuari Santa Maria del Camí is a church and is listed in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia. The full name of the church retains its dedication to Santa Maria.

The Santuari Santa Maria del Camí is located on the old road from Cervera, 1 km northeast of Granyena de Segarra. Its location is therefore defined by the historical road connection, the direction and the stated distance. The location details link the name of the road to a clearly defined position in relation to the town.

The first written mention of the Santuari Santa Maria del Camí dates from 1297. The sanctuary was also a centre of popular devotion, an explicitly stated historical function. With its church, road connection and early mention, the description of the sanctuary has both architectural and chronological reference points.

Other places in the travel overview are Claverol, Baix Pallars, Biosca, Sanaüja, La Granja d'Escarp, Lladorre, La Tallada and Bescaran.

History

Granyena de Segarra lies at an altitude of 636 m on a hill crowned by the former castle. The former castle thus serves as the historical reference point on the hill, without making any claim about its present-day condition.

Medieval gates and other medieval corners mark the boundary of the former fortified old town of Granyena de Segarra. Both forms of medieval town features are part of the description of this former fortification boundary.

The altitude, the hill and the traces of the former fortifications describe the town through its topographical setting and historical character.

The Font del Cavallera dates from 1750 and is listed in the Inventory of the Architectural Heritage of Catalonia. Thus, the chronological classification of the named architectural and town features extends from the sanctuary's first mention in 1297 to the spring dating from 1750.

To the overarching travel overview: Lleida.