Culture of Baqueira-Beret. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The picturesque Catalan town is appreciated not only for its natural beauty and active entertainment opportunities but also for the amazing monuments of the past. Medieval churches that can be found in the immediate vicinity of the city are one of the main symbols of the region. Fans of historic locations will enjoy exciting tours of the Valle de Bohi where they can visit several historic villages. An old church has been preserved in each of them. All religious buildings are Romanesque-style monuments.

In total, 9 incredibly beautiful ancient churches have survived in the region. All of them were built in the 12th century and have survived to this day virtually unchanged. Several years ago, it was decided to unite the churches into a single architectural ensemble called Iglesias romanicas del Valle de Bohi. This complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main value of the churches is ancient frescoes created in the first half of the 12th century. The frescoes look absolutely stunning after a complete restoration. During the tour, you will also have a chance to see ancient religious artifacts. It is also worth noting that all churches are located in incredibly picturesque areas, so the tour will definitely leave a lasting impression.

One of the most visited churches is Esglesia de Santa Maria d'Arties in the village of Arties, which is just about five kilometers from Baqueira Beret. The church stands on a small hill. A large castle was located next to it in medieval times. It has almost completely collapsed over the centuries, so now you can only see one of the surviving towers. The church is distinguished by skillful decoration. Beautiful arches and stone columns have been preserved in its main hall and ancient frescoes are still clearly visible on the ceiling and walls. An outstanding feature of the temple is its original stone finishing. On its facade, you can notice interesting stone elements on which human faces and various medieval symbols are carved. An old cemetery that has been preserved near the church is now of great historical value as well. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Iglesia De Santa Eulalia is another famous historical monument. Inside, you can see not only beautiful old frescoes but also interesting religious items made of stone. The church has preserved artistic wall decoration, wood finishes, and other interesting attributes. The church rises on a small hill and has some great viewing platforms on its adjacent territory.

Be sure to visit Sant Andreu de Salardu, another beautiful church, which is an outstanding Romanesque monument. The church was built at the turn of the 12th-13th centuries. Like many other churches in the region, this one is notable for its well-preserved decoration. This church has preserved magnificent wood carvings, as well as wall paintings dating back to the 16th century. You will have the opportunity to climb to the top of the old bell tower, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and hills. The church has a large adjacent territory where several ancient 13th-century burial sites have been preserved.

The town of Salardu is of great historical interest in itself. Here you can admire beautiful stone buildings erected more than 500 years ago. Modern buildings are almost completely absent in this town, so you will have the opportunity to stroll along the charming historic streets and enjoy the traditional Catalan architecture. One of the region's most amazing cultural centers, PyrenMuseu, is also located here.

The exposition of this specialized museum is dedicated to mountaineering and skiing. Its visitors will get acquainted with the history of conquering the most famous mountain peaks in the region. Among its exhibits, you can see old climbing and sports equipment. The museum also houses an interesting collection of old photographs and newspaper clippings. The museum is not limited to just standard tours - in the warm season, it is a permanent venue for music concerts. PyrenMuseu has a hall with a stage where concerts are held all year round, and in summer, events usually take place in the open air at the entrance to the museum. Thematic lectures and meet-and-greets with famous athletes are regularly held here too. The museum is ready to offer a rich entertainment program at any time of the year.