Balaguer

Balaguer is the capital of the La Noguera region, which in turn is the largest region in all of Catalonia.

Balaguer has its origins in the entry of the Arabs into the peninsula, becoming one of the main cities in the area in the s. XI under Andalusian rule, to later become a historic city of Urgell County. Its historical and monumental character is the result of its geographical location, since Balaguer is an open door to the Pre-Pyrenees and dominates the Segre River. In addition, the use of fertile land and the construction of basic infrastructure networks for life, such as ditches or roads, were essential for the development of the area.

From its history, a series of witnesses have remained that allow us to know what the city of Balaguer has experienced. Thus, we highlight the church of Santa Maria, which has become the identifying symbol of Balaguer, since it dominates the city from its highest peak and which was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument. We also find the Pla d' Almatà, which is a large area of land where the first Arabs of the area settled and which today shows us, as a site, its urban framework and the daily life of its inhabitants. This site was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 2006. Near Pla d' Almatà we find the current Sant Crist Sanctuary, which was the old Aljama mosque, and was later converted into the Romanesque church of Santa María de Almatà. This architectural complex includes the church, the convent of Clarisas nuns, the rectory, an inn and a restaurant. Right in front of this architectural ensemble we find the remains of the Castillo Formós or Palacio de la Suda, which was not only a place of defense, but was also a stately residence.

The current historic center was developed from the s. IX, with successive extensions that we see reflected in the walls that surround it. In this way, the Mercadal square, which is considered the largest porticoed medieval square in Catalonia, remains configured from the 14th century. Near this square we will also discover other interior squares and the old public laundry, known as " La Reguereta ". On the other side of the Mercadal, the old Jewish quarter was formed, where the Museo de la Noguera is currently located, one of the most important Islamic art museums in Catalonia. Also noteworthy on the other side of the Segre River is the monumental complex of Sant Domènec, which is made up of the church, the cloister and the old rooms of the monks, which are currently a geriatric residence.

Places of interest

• Noguera Museum
• Segre Gold Interpretation Center
• St. Mary's Church
• Portola Space
• Basilica of Sant Crist de Balaguer
• Pla de Almatà Archaeological Park
• Cloister of Sant Domènec
• ramparts
• Formós Castle
• Church of the Frenchies