Tiurana

Tiurana is a town and municipality in the mountain area of the La Noguera region. Officially inaugurated in 2007, the town inherits the name of the ancient town of Tiurana, which had to be abandoned in 1999 to allow the flooding of the Rialb reservoir.

The history of Tiurana is very old, dating back to Iberian times and finding remains from the Roman era in archaeological excavations. Legend even says that Hannibal and his elephants passed by on the way to Rome. Later dispersed into farmhouses, until the year 1171, at which time, due to vandalism attacks on the farmhouses and the insecurity of the time, it was decided, with the main role of the canonical of Urgell and the nobleman Bertran de Vallferosa, to form a closed town to protect itself and obtain the desired security through a type of settlement letter.

But the most momentous events in the history of Tiurana were yet to come: the people of Tiurana and Tiurana were forced to rewrite their history. The construction of the Rialb reservoir, inaugurated in 2000, meant that both Tiurana and the added town of Miralpeix, as well as three towns in the neighboring municipality of Bassella, were denied water, being erased from any map. Thus, in 2007 the new town was inaugurated, built around the Romanesque hermitage of the Virgen de Solés, which allowed it to continue writing its own history, this time unique.

A rural, agricultural and livestock town disappeared and a new one was born seeking tourism. Tiurana has six houses that offer accommodation for tourist use and has the Gastrobar Solés restaurant with a terrace overlooking the reservoir.

Likewise, the Tourist Office of the City Council, under its own tourist brand ' Tiurana Place of emotions ', offers guided tours 'Tiurana Monumental' where you can discover the past (with the architectural elements transferred from the old town such as the arcades on Calle Mayor, the covered well and the spectacular façade of the Sant Pere church converted into a viewpoint) and the present with the new sculptures. One of them, the 'Sol aigua' fountain, is a kinetic sculpture created by the artist Christian Tobin as a symbol of the effort and tenacity of a people to rise from the water, building a new town so as not to lose their roots, preserve their name and continue making your own story. Also mention the sculpture of the 'Pilgrim's Fire', a sculpture created to continue giving a good and warm welcome to the visitors and pilgrims who visit us, since the ancient Tiurana, being a town on the way to the Pyrenees and the plain of Lérida, I had these intentions. To remember the town's disappeared past, you can visit the photographic exhibition of ancient Tiurana in the plenary hall of the Town Hall.

And a must-see: the Romanesque hermitage of the Virgen de Solés. With three well-differentiated stages of life: the first in Romanesque style from the 16th century. XI, the second from the s. XVI rebuilt and modified with important baroque paintings in the barrel vault, presbytery and dressing room. And the third stage: surely the only Catalan hermitage with parish functions and which is also the architect of the new town being built around it.

Tiurana, in the La Noguera region, is an ideal place for a getaway. Whether cultural, as a couple, as a family or to do sports. You can visit the open-air Crafts Museum or the botanical garden, with about ninety species from all over the world. The town has swimming pools and a water jet area for children, an indoor paddle tennis court, an outdoor sports court to play soccer or basketball, and picnic areas.

Tiurana is a Starlight Tourist Destination as it is located in the area of influence of the Montsec Astronomical Observatory reference point, which is why it organizes the Starlight Tiurana astronomical festival in August. Also in August it celebrates the Storytelling Festival for the little ones.

Places of interest

Romanesque hermitage of the Virgin of Solés and baroque paintings

The Romanesque hermitage of the Virgen de Solés in Tiurana, dating from the 12th century, stands out for its medieval architecture and location in an impressive natural environment. Its thick stone walls and semicircular arches capture the Romanesque essence, while the internal wall paintings, both Romanesque and Baroque, narrate the religious and artistic history of the building over the centuries. It is a place of great cultural and spiritual value, fusing architectural and artistic elements that invite contemplation and reflection.

Romanesque hermitage of San Ermengol

The Romanesque hermitage of San Ermengol in Tiurana, from the 11th century, stands out for its architectural simplicity and location surrounded by nature. Dedicated to Sant Ermengol, patron saint of the Seu d'Urgell, it is a religious landmark in Catalonia. Its 12th century Romanesque wall paintings illustrate its rich history and spirituality. The hermitage is a place of peace and meditation, a testimony of the past and a source of inspiration for visitors.

Astronomical viewpoint of San Ermengol

The Astronomical Viewpoint of San Ermengol de Tiurana, located near the hermitage of San Ermengol in Tiurana, Catalonia, is an astronomical observation point in a privileged natural environment. With panoramic views of the Noguera Pallaresa Valley and the Pyrenees, it offers a night sky without light pollution ideal for stargazing. Equipped with telescopes and other instruments, it is a perfect place for nature and science lovers who wish to explore the universe.

Fountain sculpture 'Sol aigua'

The " Just Water " fountain sculpture in Tiurana, Catalonia, is a work created by Ferran Espluga that combines water and the sun in a unique artistic representation. Functionally it is a public fountain, but it also enriches the urban environment as a piece of art, offering a place of meeting and contemplation. This work exemplifies how contemporary art can enhance public spaces, providing a visual and practical experience for the community.

Sculpture 'Pilgrim's Fire'

The sculpture " El Fuego del Peregrino ", in Tiurana, Catalonia, is a work of the artist Ferran Espluga. Captures the strength and determination of the pilgrims with a symbolic representation of fire in motion. This work communicates a profound message about perseverance and faith in life's journeys, enriching the urban environment and offering a contemplative experience to visitors.

Viewpoint façade of the church of Sant Pere

The viewpoint on the façade of the Sant Pere church in Tiurana offers a privileged view of the natural environment and the town. It is a popular place to capture photographs and enjoy panoramic views of the Noguera Pallaresa Valley and the Pyrenees mountains. This viewpoint is a quiet and picturesque observation point, ideal for tourists and nature lovers who wish to contemplate the beauty of the region.

Exhibition of photographs of ancient Tiurana

The exhibition of photographs of ancient Tiurana offers a fascinating look at the history and evolution of the town over time. With ancient images, visitors can explore past life and customs, as well as the evolution of urban architecture. This exhibition allows you to connect with local roots and culture, offering an enriching experience for all those interested in the history and heritage of Tiurana.

Relevant cultural activities

• Starlight Tiurana Astronomical Festival
• Tiurana Storytelling Festival
• Tiurimoto – Biker solidarity meeting
• Tiuranatura hiking trails