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Transcript of Lets Get to Know
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LET’S GET TO KNOW TERRASSA and CATALONIA
This touristic guide is made by the students of 2nd ESO (year 8)
of
El Cim school in Terrassa
With the support of the European Commission for
the Lifelong learning programme Comenius
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Edited by Escola El Cim
First published in Terrassa 2010
Cover photography by Marc Piquer
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SUMARI Escola El Cim
Educational project ........................................................ 9
School Identity Features ................................................ 9
Why Is Our School Considered An Open School? ........ 11
Terrassa ........................................................................ 13
Medieval Route
La Seu d’Ègara ................................................. 15
Castell Cartoixa ............................................... 16
Torre del Palau ................................................. 17
Modernist Route
Mercat de la Independència ........................... 18
Albinyana Pharmacy ....................................... 19
Masia Freixa ................................................... 20
Casa Alegre ...................................................... 21
Festivals in Terrassa .................................................... 23
Sant Llorenç del Munt i Serra de l’Obac ...................... 25
Barcelona
Medieval route
El Barri Gòtic .................................................... 26
Cathedral of Barcelona ................................... 27
Santa Maria del Mar ....................................... 29
Gaudí modernist route
Parc Güell ........................................................ 31
Sagrada Família Church ................................... 32
Casa Milà “La Pedrera” .................................. 33
Casa Batllò ....................................................... 34
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Others
Plaça de Catalunya ........................................... 35
Liceu. Opera House and Theatre ..................... 37
Mercat de la Boqueria ..................................... 38
Columbus Monument ...................................... 39
Catalonia
Costa Brava ................................................................... 41
Santa Clotilde Garden of Lloret ....................... 42
Medes Islands .................................................. 43
Churches of Taüll .......................................................... 45
Lake of Banyoles ........................................................... 46
Garrotxa Volcanic Natural park .................................... 47
Delta de l’Ebre .............................................................. 48
Skiing in Catalonia ......................................................... 49
Matagalls ...................................................................... 50
Pedraforca .................................................................... 51
Montserrat .................................................................... 53
Maps ................................................................ 55
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PRESENTATION
The following travel guide is the result of the work made by the
students of 2nd ESO (year 8) of El Cim School in Terrassa. This activity
is part of The Comenius Project “Let’s get to know each other
through photography”, in which schools from Germany, Greece,
Poland, Portugal and United Kingdom take part.
As photography is one of the means of work in this project, we
would like to highlight that almost all the photographies which
appear in this guide have been taken by the participant students, as
well as all the explanatory texts about the recommended places.
Thanks to the European Commission, which promotes this kind of
associating projects between schools from around Europe, we can
give to all of those boys and girls the opportunity to grow up in
mutual comprehension, educating them in order to foster respect
and an open mind towards Europe and the world in general.
We sincerely believe that this publication will help to promote the
places and landscapes which are part of our cultural legacy, and our
school feels proud of protecting and spreading it. We hope that you
enjoy the views and find our task helpful and useful.
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ESCOLA EL CIM
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ESCOLA EL CIM
EDUCATIONAL PROJECT El Cim School is a private centre. It has nursery, primary and
secondary education.
The school was founded in 1962, but the current building was built in
1993 on the foundations of an old convent. It is a cooperative of
teachers, whose work is carried out in order to help the students at
all times.
The school aims are based on respect, freedom and dedication,
supported by an active methodology of diverse pedagogical
activities.
SCHOOL IDENTITY FEATURES -Pluralism and democratic values.
-Laicity
-Coeducation.
-Interculturality. -Environment conservation.
-Catalan, language and culture.
-Foreign languages.
-Information, communication and collaborative learning,
technologies.
Address: 22 Frederic Soler, 08224 Terrassa, Barcelona www.escolaelcim.cat
PHOTO: Main façade of El Cim school. Sílvia Samaniego
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ESCOLA EL CIM
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WHY IS OUR SCHOOL CONSIDERED AN OPEN
SCHOOL?
Our school keeps the spirit of teaching students to appreciate and
respect diversity in every culture, without exceptions. Therefore, we
make projects to improve our knowledge about the world and the
many different cultures in it.
During their studies, all the students of El Cim School work in mixed
groups. English and French language learning is a priority, in our dual
competence language and multicultural approach.
LEFT PHOTO: Inside the school. Sílvia Samaniego
PHOTO BELOW: 2nd ESO (year 8) ICT students. Sílvia Samaniego
ESCOLA EL CIM
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TERRASSA
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TERRASSA
TERRASSA
In Terrassa there are 210.941 inhabitants and it covers an area of
74.650 square Kilometres. This town is famous because hockey is a
very popular sport there. In the Olympic Games of Barcelona 1992,
hockey competitions were held in Terrassa. Terrassa has got a
newspaper, a radio station and a local television.
Terrassa is a university and industrial town. Terrassa is situated 20
minutes far from Barcelona.
Just ten minutes far from the city centre, Sant Llorenç del Munt i
l’Obac Natural Park dominates Terrassa’s landscape. In the heart of
Terrassa we have got a big park (Parc de Vallparadís).
Terrassa is one of the greatest Catalan and Spanish capitals of jazz.
Address: 14, Raval de Montserrat, 08221 Terrassa
www.terrassa.cat
LEFT PHOTO: Main square
of Terrassa, Plaça Vella, in
the city centre. Roger
Llonch.
RIGHT PHOTO: City hall.
Sandra Campos.
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TERRASSA
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LA SEU D’ÈGARA
The three churches were built close to the site of the old village of
Ègara, which was founded about the year 450 and existed until the
8th century. The episcopal group follows the Byzantine model of
antiquity, with two churches (Sant Pere and Santa Maria) and a
mausoleum (Sant Miquel). After a long period of construction, the
churches were finished in the current manner about the 11th and
12th centuries and in Romanesque style, on the site of the pre-
Romanesque buildings of the Visigothic period. The church of Santa
Maria contains outstanding works of art, and there are murals dating
from the Romanesque period to the Gothic. There is also an altar
stone dating from the 10th century and medieval and Romanesque
tombstones. In the transept there are three Gothic altarpieces of
great value.
Address: Plaça del Rector Homs, 08221 Terrassa www.seudegara.cat
LEFT PHOTO: Santa Maria Church. Oriol López.
PHOTO BELOW: Sant Pere, Sant Miquel i Santa Maria. Mireia Sánchez
TERRASSA
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CASTELL CARTOIXA
Castell Cartoixa of Vallparadís (“Carthusian Castle”) is an old building
in Terrassa . The family Berenguer lived there until 1344. Blanca de
Centelles gave the castle to the monks of Escaladei. The castle was
given a new function then, working as a monastery.
In 1413, the community moved to Tiana. Then, it was given to the
Carmelitans de Santa Creus of Barcelona. After that, the castle,
passed to the jurisdiction of the municipality of Terrassa, and was
given a new function, as a house for the Maurí family. Eventually, it
was given to the town council.
Later, there have been renovations, and the castle has become a
museum.
Address: 17, Salmerón, 08222, Terrassa
www2.terrassa.cat/ajuntament/imcet/cultura/museus/
museudeterrassa/castell-cartoixa/exposicio-permanent.html
PHOTO: General view of the castle. Bern Bascó.
TERRASSA
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TERRASSA
TORRE DEL PALAU
The Palace Tower is the only vestige of the castle palace which was
located in the town of Terrassa, Barcelona. It is a cylindrical building
built with river pebbles and cereus stone, of 26.70 metres high and a
diameter of 7.5 m at the base.
It is located between Plaça Vella and Gavatxons street. As it was
hidden from the view, in 1991, the houses around the tower were
demolished and the tower was opened to the public. A square was
built around it. In this same square, on the ground floor of the house
of Antoni J. Torrella i Mauro, there is also the Centre of Medieval
Interpretation of Terrassa.
Address: 9, Gavatxons, 08221 Terrassa www.terrassa.cat
PHOTO: General view of the tower. Jordi Torres
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MERCAT DE LA INDEPENDÈNCIA
There is evidence of an open market in Terrassa in the year 1207, but
it was not until 1896 when the town council decided to build a new
market. The current Mercat de la Independència was designed by
local architects Antoni Pascual i Carretero and Melcior Vinyals i
Muñoz, and it was built in Modernist style. It has a surface of 3175
square metres.
It originally was given the name of Mercat de la LLibertat (“Market of
Freedom”), but it was eventually given the name of Mercat de la
Independència (“Market of Independence”) in order to
commemorate the Independence War of 1808 in Catalonia.
Address: 41,Raval de Montserrat, 08221 Terrassa
www.mercatdelaindependencia.cat
PHOTO: Main facade. Marc Piquer
TERRASSA
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ALBINYANA PHARMACY
Albinyana Pharmacy is located on 48 Raval de Montserrat Street.
This building was designed by the Modernist architect Lluís Muncunill
in 1901, being the former ‘Confitería de la Viuda Carné’. It is
decorated with Modernist paintings by Joaquim Vancells. The facade
is decorated with glazed ceramics. This decoration is repeated in the
interior. The works of some of its murals and wrought iron are also of
great importance.
Address: 48, Raval de
Montserrat , 08221 Terrassa
RIGHT PHOTO:
The Modernist Albinyana
Pharmacy.
Màxim Roenick
TERRASSA
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MASIA FREIXA Masia Freixa is a Modernist building located in Sant Jordi’s Park in
Terrassa. Built in 1896, it originally was a textile factory and it was
restored between 1907 and 1914 by Lluis Muncunill, disciple of
Antoni Gaudí.
The architect turned the building into one of the jewels of
Modernism in Terrassa. The structure has an arched vault and
inspirations of Gaudí, and the walls are painted white, which stand a
modern tower.
TERRASSA
Address: Plaça Freixa i Argemí, Parc de Sant Jordi, 08224 Terrassa
www.ajterrassa.es/terrassaalmon/patrimoni/masia.htm
PHOTO: Masia Freixa. Paula Codina
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TERRASSA
Address: 29, Font Vella, 08221 Terrassa
CASA ALEGRE Casa Alegre is a building located on 29 Font Vella Street, Terrassa.
During the 18th and 19th century, it was the residence of a famous
textile businessman. It was built in Modernist style. At present, it is a
section of Terrassa’s Museum.
PHOTO: Casa Alegre Gardens. Sergi Guix
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TERRASSA
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FESTIVALS IN TERRASSA
1. Jazz festival
2. Diada de bastoners (“Bastoners Day”)
3. Modernist Fair of Terrassa
4. Diada dels Diables (“Devils Day”)
5. Diada de Geganters (“Giants Day”)
6. Welcoming and Kings Parade (5th of January)
7. Local festival of Terrassa (First Sunday after Saint Peter’s
Day, in July)
8. Diada de la colla dels Castellers (“Human Towers Day”)
9. Diada de la colla de Minyons (“Minyons Day”)
10. Saint Llucia’s Fair
LEFT PHOTO: Human tower by Minyons de Terrassa. Xavi Gil.
PHOTO BELOW: Diables performance. Ismael Fernandez.
www.terrassa.org/turisme
TERRASSA
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TERRASSA
Parc de Vallparadís
PHOTO: Roger Llonch
Working Woman monument by Alfaro
PHOTO: Elisabet Morell
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TERRASSA
TERRASSA
SANT LLORENÇ DEL MUNT I LA SERRA DE
L’OBAC The Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac is formed by a
natural park mountains of Sant Llorenç de Munt i Serra de l'Obac.
The park was declared a nature reserve in July 1972.
There are 12 municipalities that are part of the township
It lies between the regions of Bages, Vallès Occidental and Vallès
Oriental
Address: Road of Terrassa to Navarcles, km 14,8, 08230 Matadepera
www.diba.es/parcsn/parcs/index.asp?parc=4
PHOTO: Mireia Sánchez.
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EL BARRI GÒTIC
Barri Gòtic, also known as the Gothic Quarter, is the centre of the
Ciutat Vella (Old City) of Barcelona. It stretches from La Rambla to
Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant
Pere. Many of the buildings located there date from Medieval times,
although we can also find some Roman remains, such as the Roman
Walls around the Cathedral.
The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small
streets opening out into squares. Most of the quarter is closed to
regular traffic.
Inside the Barri Gòtic, we can find important landmarks such as:
• Basilica of La Mercè
• Church of Santa Maria del Pi
• Plaça Sant Jaume, including Casa de la Ciutat (city hall) and
Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya (presidential palace).
• Plaça Reial
• Plaça del Rei
• Remains of the temple of Augustus
www.bcn.cat/turisme/catala/turisme/welcome.htm
BARCELONA
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CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA
Santa Eulàlia
The Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, best known as the Cathedral of
Barcelona, is the Gothic cathedral seat of the Archbishop of
Barcelona. The cathedral was constructed throughout the 13th to
15th centuries. The cloisters were completed about 1450. The neo-
Gothic façade was constructed in the 19th century.
The cathedral was constructed over the crypt of a former Visigothic
chapel, dedicated to Saint James. It is a hall church, vaulted over five
aisles, the outer two divided into chapels. The transept is truncated.
The aisles are almost as high as the nave.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, co-patron saint of
Barcelona. The body of Saint Eulalia is entombed in the cathedral's
crypt.
Address: 4, Av. de la Catedral, 08002 Barcelona www.website.es/catedralbcn
BARCELONA
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BARCELONA
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PHOTO: Main facade. Laia Delgado
SANTA MARIA DEL MAR
The first mention about the church of Santa Maria del Mar dates
from 998. The construction of the present building was promoted
Bernat Llull, who was appointed archdean of Santa Maria in 1324.
Construction works started on 25th March 1329. The chapels and the
facades were finished by 1350. In 1379 there was a fire that
damaged important parts of the works. Finally, on 3 November 1383
the last stone was added.
From the outside, Santa Maria gives an impression of massive
severity that belies the interior.
In contrast with the exterior, the interior gives an impression of light
and spaciousness. It is of the basilica type, with its three aisles
forming a single space with no transepts and no architectural
boundary between nave and presbytery. It has exceptional acoustic
conditions and there are usually music concerts held in it.
Address: 1, Plaça de Santa Maria, 08003 Barcelona.
www.santamariadelmar.cat www.bcn.cat/turisme/catala/turisme/wellcome.htm
BARCELONA
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BARCELONA
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BARCELONA
PARC GÜELL
Park Güell is a garden complex with architectural elements situated
on the hill of Gràcia district in Barcelona. It was designed by the
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and built between the years 1900
and 1914. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Eusebi Güell was who gave the park its name because his house was
there. This rich Catalan businessman, member of an influential
middle-class family in the city, was a true patron, because it allowed
Gaudí to carry out many of his works including Park Güell, without
interfering in his artistic decisions.
After the death of Güell, the city bought the remaining land to make
a public park.
Address: Carrer d'Olot, 08024 Barcelona www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins
PHOTO: Columns below the main square. David Corral
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SAGRADA FAMÍLIA
The Sagrada Família is a very interesting monument. It was designed
by Antoni Gaudí, a famous architect. He started its construction in
1883. Unfortunately a streetcar hit him and he died before the
Sagrada Família was finished. Today, the council of Barcelona is
working to finish it, but it is very difficult and it is necessary a lot of
money. People from Barcelona can donate money to help to rebuild
the Sagrada Família.
It is very tall, it has four towers and a lot of columns inside. It is very
big, with a lot of light, because it has a lot of windows.
Address: 450, Mallorca, 08034 Barcelona
www.sagradafamilia.org
PHOTO: Bern Bascó
BARCELONA
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PHOTO: Mireia Morata
Address: 261, Provença , Barcelona
www.bcn.cat/turisme/catala/turisme/welcome.htm
CASA MILÀ, also known as LA PEDRERA
La Pedrera is a very interesting Modernist monument. It was built by
the architect, Antoni Gaudi, 100 years ago. The monument was
considered a good piece art for its modern architecture.
The important monument was built for a rich family, The Milà family,
who used to live there.
In 1984, La Pedrera was considered a Human Heritage site by the
UNESCO.
The building has a very interesting decoration. The decoration of its
chimney consists of an impressive sculpture of a head, and the
balconies have impressive railings and very high columns.
BARCELONA
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CASA BATLLÓ It is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí and Josep Maria Jujol, built
in the year 1877 and rebuilt in the years 1904–1906. It is located on
43, Passeig de Gràcia, forming part of the Illa de la Discòrdia in the
Eixample district of Barcelona. It was originally designed for a
middle-class family and situated in a prosperous district of Barcelona.
The building looks very remarkable, identifiable as Modernist. The
ground floor is astonishing, with tracery, irregular oval windows and
flowing sculpted stone works.
Much of the facade is decorated with a mosaic made of broken
ceramic tiles. The roof is arched and it is like the back of a dragon or
a dinosaur.
Address: 43, Passeig de
Gràcia. Barcelona
www.casabatllo.es
PHOTO: Gemma Tirón
BARCELONA
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PHOTO: Laia Delgado
PLAÇA CATALUNYA
Plaça de Catalunya is the most central and largest of the squares of
Barcelona, since Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes and Plaça of Europe
are the largest squares in Spain. It has an area of approximately 5
acres and it is the junction between the old city core and the
Eixample. Important avenues of the city such as the Ramblas, Passeig
de Gràcia, or Ronda Universitat start there, as well as the great
commercial streets of the city and the ancient gates of the old city
walls.
Public transport: L1,L3, RENFE and FFCC
BARCELONA
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BARCELONA
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LICEU
The Gran Teatre del Liceu of Barcelona, known as 'The Lyceum' is the
oldest active and most prestigious theatre of Barcelona, especially as
an opera house, among which it is considered one of the most
important in the world.
Located on La Rambla in Barcelona, it has been the scene, for over
150 years, of the most famous works, performed by the best singers
in the world. For decades, it has been a symbol and a meeting place
of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie in Catalonia.
Address: 51-59 La Rambla, Barcelona www.liceubarcelona.cat
PHOTO LEFT: Bern Bascó
BARCELONA
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Address: 89, Ramblas, 08001 - Barcelona. http://www.boqueria.info/Eng/index.php
PHOTO: Pedro Briones
MERCAT DE LA BOQUERIA
The Boqueria Market, as it is known today, has been through many
phases during its long life. Where this market comes from is
uncertain. What we are sure of, is that it was born as a travelling
market, placed in the Ramblas of Barcelona. La Rambla acquired
importance as a pedestrian lane, and the market was set in the best
place to attract the large numbers of passers-by and local
inhabitants.
BARCELONA
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Address:
Portal de la Pau
Barcelona
COLUMBUS MONUMENT
Columbus Monument is one of the most famous statues in the city of
Barcelona. Built in honour of the explorer Christopher Columbus, it is
erected in the square next to Portal de la Pau junction, between the
south of the Ramblas and Passeig de Colom, opposite the port of
Barcelona.
Inside the column there is a lift which goes up to a semi floor
beneath the feet of the statue, where it is possible to have a nice
view of the city.
PHOTO: Pedro Briones
BARCELONA
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CATALONIA
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COSTA BRAVA
The Costa Brava is the name given to the coastal area of Catalonia
that begins at the mouth of the river La Tordera in Blanes and ends
at the border with France in Portbou.
The coastal strip has an area of 214 km and it is covered by the
Catalan regions of Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà and La Selva. It is
situated in the province of Girona.
There are a lot of picturesque villages that you can visit on the Costa
Brava: Roses, Cadaqués, L’Escala, Lloret de Mar, Llançà.
http://es.costabrava.org/main/home.aspx
LEFT PHOTO: Elisabet Morell
CATALONIA CATALONIA
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Address: Santa Clotilde, 17310 Lloret de Mar http//www.lloretdemar.org
SANTA CLOTILDE GARDEN OF LLORET
The best time to visit this garden is in spring, but it is an appropriate
visit at any time of the year. It is a fine specimen of the spirit that
animated the Noucentista movement in Catalonia - an early
twentieth-century movement for intellectual and aesthetic renewal
that found the distinguished writer Eugeni d'Ors.
The gardens were designed in the manner of the Italian Renaissance
by Nicolau Rubió i Tuduri. Along the routes in the gardens we can
find ornamental items such as statues and neoclassic mermaids. The
most impressive is the enormous staircase covered by tall trees.
The most impressive is the enormous staircase covered by tall trees.
Water is also an abundant element.
PHOTO: Joel Vidal
CATALONIA CATALONIA
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MEDES ISLANDS
The Medes Islands are an archipelago of 21.5 acres located on the
Costa Brava, just over a mile of the coast of Estartit. This is composed
of seven islets. Shipwrecks were found to show that the islands were
used by man for a long time, often being a pirate base for raids on
the coast. It is considered an area of special biological submarine
interest. In Estartit and Torroella there are regular exhibitions and
lectures about the natural environment.
The biggest island is Meda Gran. So far, 1350 marine plants and
animals including coral, red corvallo, Bede, groper and lobster have
been cataloged in the Medes Islands.
Office of the Medes Islands Protected Area.
Passeig maritim s/n. 17258 L'Estartit
www.baixemporda-costabrava.org/en/recommendations/426
PHOTO: Joan Munill
CATALONIA
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CATALONIA
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CHURCHES OF TAÜLL
St. Clement and Sta. Maria of Taüll churches are Romanesque
buildings in the village of Taüll. The village of Taüll stands in the Boí
Valley, in the Pyrenees.
Both churches of Sant Climent and Santa Maria, are from the 12th
century, and were declared Humanity Heritage from UNESCO in the
2000. Sant Climent is a prototype for basilical plan, with three naves
separated by columns, three apses and a bell-tower.
The Pantocrator of Sant Climent has been the most frequently used
emblematic image to represent Catalan Romanesque art. The
original is kept in the National Museum of Catalan Art but the church
contains a copy, together with other fragments from the original
painting. Three Romanesque carvings complete the furnishings inside
the church.
The church of Santa Maria was consecrated on the 11th of December
1123, one day after Sant Climent. Most of the mural paintings inside
the church were removed and taken to Barcelona between 1919 and
1923. The church was renovated in the 18th century.
Address: 25527 Barruera, Vall de Boí (Lleida)
www.centreromanic.com
PHOTO: Dani Mullor
CATALONIA
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LAKE OF BANYOLES
Lake of Banyoles (or Estany de Banyoles) is a natural lake located in
the comarca "Pla de l'Estany", in northeastern Catalonia, Spain. It is
named after the nearby town of Banyoles. The lake is approximately
2,000 m long and 700 m wide, with an average depth of 15 m, that in
several points gets down to almost 40 m. It is located in a natural
tectonic depression.
This lake became famous as the rowing location for the Barcelona
Olympics 1992 and the World Rowing Championships in 2004. It is
also a popular training location for many foreign rowers, particularly
English rowers.
It is possible to go on a one-hour trip on a boat around the lake.
Address: Plaça dels Estudis, 2 17820 - Banyoles (Girona) www.estanyespainatural.net
PHOTO: Paula Codina
CATALONIA CATALONIA
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GARROTXA VOLCANIC ZONE NATURAL PARK
The Fageda d'en Jordà. The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park
(Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa) is a natural park
area covering a Holocene volcanic field (also known as the Olot
volcanic field) in Catalonia, north eastern Spain. The volcanoes, of
which there are about forty within the park, are no longer active,
with the last eruption of the Croscat occurring about 11,000 years
ago. However, the region is still seismically active.
The park covers 12,093.02 hectares, and includes territory from
eleven municipalities in the comarca of Garrotxa. The areas of Olot,
Sant Pau, Sant Joan de les Fonts and Castellfollit de la Roca are
completely surrounded by the park. Some area of the park, including
the best preserved volcanic cones, is fully protected as a natural
reserve.
Address: Casal dels Volcans
- Av. Santa Coloma, s/n -
17800 Olot
www.creaf.uab.es
PHOTO: Nerea Martin
CATALONIA
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DELTA DE L’EBRE
The nature of the Delta de l’Ebre is located at the mouth of the Ebre
River in the province of Tarragona, between the regions of Baix Ebre
and Montsiá, in the southern part of Catalonia. It was declared a
natural park in August 1983 and expanded in 1986. It currently has a
total area of 7736 hectares.
The Delta de l’Ebre is the largest wetland in Catalonia and one of the
largest in Western Europe.
The lands of this Delta have a significant salinity gradient ranging
from the salty soils to fertile lands, suitable for growing crops, and
generating a very interesting variety of vegetation.
The rice fields cover about 20,000 ha. It also maintains an important
fishing activity.
Parc Natural del Delte de l’Ebre
http://ebre.info/delta/cat/index2.htm
PHOTO: Nerea Martín
CATALONIA
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CATALONIA
SKIING IN CATALONIA
At the very beginning of the 20th century skiing started to become a
recreational and sports activity.
There are other places where you can practise skiing in Catalonia:
Baqueira Beret, La Molina, Masella, Port del Comte, la Vall de Núria.
La Molina has been one of the main protagonists over this period of
one hundred years and, as one of the country’s leading ski resorts,
over the last 100 years it has been committed to renovation, to
maintaining its position at the forefront of skiing and to providing
skiers with new and restructured services, as well as giving an added
value to tourism.
At La Molina you can find all the services of a great resort in
unbeatable natural surroundings.
www.baqueira.es www.lamolina.cat
www.masella.com www.portdelcomte.net
PHOTO: Xènia Abad
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MATAGALLS
The Matagalls is a peak of 1698 metres in the Montseny area.
Montseny is a mountain that forms part of the Catalan pre-coastal
mountain range. Montseny roughly occupies a triangle. It contains
the highest mountains in the southern area of the Pyrenees and
dominates the south valley of Girona. It occupies an area of 30.120
ha.
Situated on the edge of the counties of Vallés Oriental, la Selva and
Osona, UNESCO designated Montseny a biosphere reserve in 1978.
The regional government designed it Natural Park in 1987.
The park is home to a wide variety of fauna from the Mediterranean.
There are also a large number of megalithic structures in the park.
www.montsenyrural.net/matagalls.htm
CATALONIA
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CATALONIA
PEDRAFORCA
Pedraforca is one of the most famous mountains of Catalonia, which
has a height of 2.497 meters and is located in Berguedà, specifically
among the municipalities of Saldes and Gósol, within the Natural
Park of Cadi-Moixeró.
It was formed about 25 million years ago by Alpine folding that
originated the Pyrenees. It has very peculiar ridge formed by two
parallel peaks connected by a neck.
The surroundings have been declared of natural national interest.
It is strongly recommended to visit the viewpoint Gresolet.
www.elbergueda.cat/eng/ini.html
PHOTO: Gemma Pérez
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CATALONIA
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MONTSERRAT
Montserrat is a mountain, a sanctuary and a monastery.
The mountain of Montserrat is a massif that towers over the right
bank of the Llobregat River. This massif is one of the highest and
rockiest sections in the Prelitoral Catalan mountain chain. The
Monastery of Montserrat perches 725 metres above sea level, whilst,
at an altitude of 1,236 metres, Sant Jeroni is the highest point in the
massif. Montserrat was declared a nature park in 1987. This measure
was aimed at protecting the massif, whose geological characteristics
make it unique in the world.
The Monastery of Montserrat has a sanctuary on it that houses
the image of Our Lady of Montserrat, popularly known as La
Moreneta, (the Dark One), is a 12th-century Romanesque
polychrome carving. The Montserrat religious community is
formed by around 80 monks who live according to the Rule of
Saint Benedict. The Pastoral Coordination Centre coordinates
religious services and devotes special attention to welcoming
pilgrims and visitors. Montserrat’s Boys’Choir, l’Escolania de
Montserrat, which serves the sanctuary, is one of the oldest in
Europe.
PHOTO ABOVE: Oriol López PHOTO BELOW: Sílvia Quintero
CATALONIA
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55
MAPS
Catalunya in Europe
Barcelona
Terrassa is in the Vallès
Occidental county
Terrassa Terrassa communications
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The writings and photos of this turistic guide have been made by the
following students: Marc Botifoll, David Brunet, Iryna Burlak, Sandra
Campos, Cristian Ciampone, Paula Codina, Laia Delgado, José Miguel
Doménech, Xavi Gil, Helena Ginesta, David Girbau, Jihan Hedioued,
Oriol López, Nerea Martín, Elisabet Morell, Adrià Nistal, Randy
Ortega, Marc Pastor, Miquel Perelló, Gemma Pérez, Guillem Pérez,
Ariadna Rigol, Enric Rivera, Maxime Roenick, Marc Samper, Oriol
Sánchez, Adrià Sánchez, Mireia Sánchez, Carla Sevillano, Minerva
Tabares, Jordi Torres, Xènia Abad, Berta Aguilar, Pau Aguilera, Kaio
Akkari, Bern Bascó, Pedro Briones, Ivan Callado, Marta Carbonell,
David Corral, Marina Escudé, Ismael Fernández, Ignasi Garcia, Sergi
Guix, Loubna Lalouch, Roger Llonch, Sergio Martínez, Martí Martínez,
Marcel Martínez, Mireia Morata, Dani Mullor, Joan Munill, Xavi
Navajas, Cristina Pérez, Marc Piquer, Arnau Portero, Sílvia Quintero,
Yeray Ruiz, Natalia Salvador, Gemma Tirón, Guillem Travila i Joel
Vidal; and the teachers: Roser Badia, Jordina Parrot, José Alberto
Romero, Sílvia Samaniego and Olympia Villalba.
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