Pardines

Pardines is a charming town located in the Ripollès region, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees. With an altitude of approximately 1,226 metres above sea level, this small town offers a privileged natural environment, surrounded by mountains and valleys that invite you to relax and enjoy nature.

History of Pardines

The name Pardines has its origin in the Latin word parietinas, which means "runes of a building", although other theories relate it to pratum, which means "pradina, pardina, place where grass is made".

The first documentary references to Pardines date back to the 10th century. Specifically, in the will of a nun of San Juan de las Abadesas, dated April 18, 938, this place is already mentioned. Over the centuries, Pardines has been under various jurisdictions, including the Viscounts of Cerdanya, the Lords of Sales, the Monastery of Sant Martí de Canigó and the Counts of Barcelona.

During the Middle Ages, the Ribes valley, where Pardines is located, was a strategic natural crossing point towards Cerdanya. From the time of Guifré el Pilós, it was administered as part of the County of Cerdanya. Between 1117 and 1118, after the death of Count Bernat Guillem I, Cerdanya and therefore also the Ribes valley, were incorporated into the territories of the Count of Barcelona, Ramon Berenguer III.

In the 13th century, due to the conflicts between the Catalan-Aragonese Crown and the Kingdom of Majorca, Pardines was fortified. Taking advantage of the Romanesque apse of the church, a defence tower was built and the surroundings of the temple were fortified. Even today, remains of the old wall with loopholes are preserved in the Plaza del Pedró and along Calle Major, silent testimonies of a past full of history.

Positions of Interest

Pardines stands out for its architectural and natural heritage, offering various points of interest for visitors:

St. Stephen's Church

This Romanesque temple, renovated during the 18th century, has an unusual north-south orientation. One of its peculiarities is the semicircular tower, which in the past served as a defence tower.

Hermitage of Santa Magdalena de Puigsac

Built in the 12th century, this hermitage is located in the Puigsac neighbourhood, about 2 kilometres from Pardines. It stands out for its Romanesque architecture and its porch added in the 20th century, which imitates the porches of medieval times.

Hermitage of the Rosary

Located in a natural setting, this hermitage is surrounded by local legends. According to tradition, it was built to fulfill a promise made to the Virgin of the Rosary. The hermitage was restored in 2008, and the image of the Virgin Mary is once again on display after more than 30 years.

Ice Well

At the foot of the Sierra Cavallera, in the place known as Pla de l'Estany or Estany d'en Roca, lies this 16th-century ice well. It was used to preserve food by taking advantage of the natural cold. It is a circular building with a cylindrical structure, dug into the subsoil between 5 and 7 metres deep.

Can Roca Lake and Tarter Lake

These ponds are important for the reproduction of mountain amphibians and serve as watering points for local wildlife. They are areas of high environmental interest that must be preserved.

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