Exploring Lleida: A Cultural Journey with Friends

Spiritual and Culinary Delights in Lleida

Today was a day of exploring the spiritual and culinary heart of Lleida. From the awe-inspiring New Cathedral of Lleida, to the charming Church of Sant Llorenç, and the delightful local cuisine, every moment was filled with discovery and wonder. It’s days like these that remind me why I love traveling – the chance to immerse myself in a new culture, appreciate its history, and savor its flavors.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant Click Menú | Lleida. Lena and I were both eager to start the day, and this spot seemed perfect from the reviews I had read. The restaurant was cozy, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I opted for a traditional Spanish breakfast of tostada con tomate y jamón, while Lena chose the croissant with butter and jam. The coffee was strong and flavorful, just the way I like it, and the tostada was simple yet satisfying. It was a great start to what promised to be a day of exploration. The staff was friendly, making us feel welcome and ready to take on the day's adventures. I made a mental note to try their escargots, monkfish, or cheese pies if we were to return.


Experience the rich flavors of Mediterranean and Catalonian cuisine at Restaurant Click Menú in Lleida - A culinary gem for all food lovers.

Fueled up, our first stop was the New Cathedral of Lleida, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assumpta. As we approached, its Baroque facade dominated the skyline, a testament to its historical significance. Built between 1761 and 1781, it replaced the old cathedral, La Seu Vella, after it was repurposed as a military stronghold. Carlos III of Spain funded its construction, under the condition that the city would abandon its efforts to reclaim the Seu Vella as the bishop's seat. The cathedral's architecture blends Baroque style with French academic classicism.


Explore the New Cathedral of Lleida, a stunning Gothic architectural masterpiece steeped in history and spirituality, a must-see for every traveler.

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the nave, lined with Corinthian columns supporting rounded arches. The interior was bathed in soft light filtering through the stained-glass windows, creating a serene atmosphere. Although the choir, originally crafted in the Baroque style by Lluís Bonifas Massó, was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, the cathedral still houses remarkable sculptures. We admired the sculpture by Josep Obiols of Our Lady of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia. I learned that pilgrims visit this sculpture every year on April 27th. There is also a celebration every February 2nd for the Verge del Blau (Bruised Virgin), named so because the sculptor damaged it with a hammer when he found his apprentice had surpassed him.

Wandering through the cathedral, I discovered the Chapter Archive, considered the richest ecclesiastical archive in Catalonia. It holds over 13,000 books, 16,000 parchments, and numerous codices and early manuscripts. The Lleida Bible, an illuminated codex and the largest of the ancient Spanish bibles, is one of the collection's jewels. The archive also includes a periodicals library, a music archive, and a collection of maps and photographs.

Visiting sacred spaces allows us to reflect on our place in the world and connect with something larger than ourselves.

Next, we visited the Church of Sant Llorenç, a short walk from the cathedral. This church is one of Lleida's architectural gems, showcasing a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Documented as early as 1168, it features a single nave with a pointed vault, a circular apse, and a crypt beneath the main altar. Over the centuries, the church expanded, with additional naves and a bell tower constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Gallart family, whose coat of arms features a rooster, sponsored much of this work.


Explore the stunning Church of Sant Llorenç in Lleida, a gem of Romanesque architecture and a key part of Catalonia's rich cultural history.

Inside, we marveled at the four Gothic altarpieces: Saint Lawrence, Saint Ursula (attributed to Jaume Cascalls), Saint Peter, and Saint Lucy. The church also houses works of art from the Diocesan Museum of Lleida, including the sculpture of the Mare de Déu dels Fillols, originally from the Seu Vella. The church has served as Lleida's episcopal see twice in its history. The interior was peaceful, and I took a moment to appreciate the intricate details of the sculptures and the serene atmosphere. Lena, who appreciates history as much as I do, was fascinated by the blend of architectural styles and the stories behind each piece of art.

After our morning of spiritual and historical exploration, we were ready for lunch. We decided to try Nou Can José, a restaurant known for its Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines. The restaurant was bustling, filled with locals and tourists alike. We were lucky to get a table without a reservation, though I'd recommend making one if you plan to visit during peak hours. The ambiance was lively, and the aroma of seafood filled the air. Nou Can José was founded in 1963 by Antonia Abelló and offers a wide variety of homemade dishes.


Experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Nou Can José in Lleida – where fresh seafood meets traditional Spanish flavors.

I ordered the monkfish, while Lena opted for the octopus. Both dishes were expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the traditional Spanish recipes were executed perfectly. We also shared a plate of cockles, which were a delightful local specialty. To complement our meal, we ordered a bottle of local white wine, which paired perfectly with the seafood. For dessert, we indulged in the baked custard and tiramisu, both of which were heavenly. I can certainly see why Nou Can José is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to do some shopping. We stumbled upon Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a store known for its quirky and affordable items. Lena and I always enjoy browsing through these types of shops, as they offer a unique selection of fun and practical items. I picked up a few small gifts for our friends back in Berlin, while Lena found some colorful stationery. The store was filled with interesting gadgets and creative designs, making it a fun and lighthearted experience.


Explore the vibrant and whimsical world of Flying Tiger Copenhagen, where creativity meets affordability in delightful gifts and unique finds.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Restaurant Vegetarià Summum | Lleida for dinner. Knowing that this restaurant offers vegetarian food with vegan options, I was curious to see what they had to offer. The restaurant had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was incredibly friendly. They offered a salad bar where you could create your own salad, warm main courses, and desserts.


Discover exquisite vegetarian delights at Restaurant Vegetarià Summum in Lleida - where Mediterranean flavors come alive!

I decided to try the salad bar, which had a wide variety of fresh and healthy options. Lena chose one of the warm main courses, a tofu dish that was both flavorful and satisfying. For dessert, we shared a slice of chocolate pie, which was the perfect ending to our meal. The restaurant was budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those looking for affordable dining options. I was impressed by the quality of the food and the friendly service, and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for vegetarian or vegan options in Lleida.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Pont Vell and Plaça de Sant Joan [SANT_JOAN_LLEIDA] | Lleida , and I’m already looking forward to discovering more of what Lleida has to offer. Perhaps we’ll stop by the Louisiana American Tavern | Lleida for a drink in the evening, a perfect way to unwind after another day of exploration.

As I reflect on today, I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience the spiritual and culinary delights of Lleida. Each moment, from the grandeur of the New Cathedral to the simplicity of a well-prepared meal, has added to the richness of our journey. I am reminded of the importance of embracing new experiences and appreciating the beauty that can be found in every corner of the world. It’s these moments that make travel so rewarding and create memories that will last a lifetime. And who knows what adventures tomorrow will bring?