Since January 1 of this year, the municipalities of Catalonia Durro, Arties and Garòs, located in the province of Lleida, have been incorporated into the prestigious list of the most picturesque villages in Spain. This inclusion marks a milestone, since Catalonia only had two representatives in this select group until then: Bagergue (Lérida) and Beget (Gerona).
These three Catalan municipalities, along with Castrojeriz (Burgos), El Burgo de Osma (Soria) and Trevélez (Granada), have joined the association “The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain” after meeting the rigorous requirements established by the organization.
Municipalities of Catalonia: Cultural heritage, natural beauty and serenity
Durro, with only 100 inhabitants, stands out for its rich history and stunning beauty. This small medieval village, located in the Vall de Bohí, is characterized by its quiet cobbled streets. Among its unmissable attractions are the church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (12th century), part of the Romanesque churches of the region, and the hermitage of Sant Quirc on the top of a mountain, which offers panoramic views of the valley.
For its part, Arties is at an altitude of 1,143 meters and is located at the junction of the rivers Valarties and Garona, in a charming expansion of the Vall de Bohí. Its charms include the Romanesque parish church (11th-12th centuries) with its two bell towers and magnificent frescoes, the Gothic church (14th century), and the remains of the castle of Arties or Entresaigües, among other interesting sites.
Just 2.5 kilometers from Arties is Garòs, a small enclave with only 100 inhabitants and an altitude of 1,115 meters on the right side of the Garonne River. The low population density of Garòs is an attraction in itself, as it provides a heritage and natural tourist experience for those looking to get away from the crowds.
The parish church (12th century, renovated in the 15th century) is a point of interest, as are the valuable relics it houses, such as a carving of Christ, an image of the Virgin in Gothic style and a large silver cross. It is also less than three kilometers from the famous ski resort of Baqueira, a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
It is worth mentioning that the president of the association, Francisco Mestre, in announcing the inclusion of these municipalities, praised the commitment of their residents and authorities, who have preserved and enhanced the cultural heritage, traditions and natural environment of these localities over generations. The brand “The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain”, created in 2011, has added to its list a total of 105 towns that stand out for their charm and uniqueness.
Do you already know any of these incredible Catalan villages?
