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La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral: A Romanesque Masterpiece

Discover Catalonia's Romanesque gem: La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral, a symbol of history, art, and the power of the Bishopric of Urgell.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria d'Urgell, or La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral, stands as a remarkable example of Catalan Romanesque architecture with Italianate influences. Construction began in 1116, and it has been the episcopal seat, giving the city its name.

A brief summary to La Seu d'Urgell

  • La Seu d'Urgell, Lleida, ES

Local tips

  • Visit the Diocesan Museum to see exceptional medieval paintings and sculptures, including the Beatus of Liébana and the Beatus of Urgell.
  • Explore the historic quarter around the cathedral, with its arcaded streets and old mansions, for a taste of local culture.
  • Arrive early on Tuesdays or Saturdays to experience the local market near the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the La Seu d'Urgell Bus Station, the cathedral is approximately a 3-minute walk. Exit the station and walk straight along Carrer de Josep Calvet. Turn right onto Plaça del Deganat. The Cathedral will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    La Seu d'Urgell is well-connected by bus to major cities like Lleida and Barcelona. From Barcelona, buses run approximately 11 times daily, with an average journey time of 2 hours 38 minutes. Alsa is the primary bus operator. Once at the La Seu d'Urgell Bus Station, follow the walking directions to reach the cathedral. Bus tickets from Barcelona average around £27 if booked on the day, but can be found for as low as £9 if booked in advance. A local bus route, L0699, connects various points to the Estació D'Autobusos De La Seu D'Urgell.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking in the center of La Seu d'Urgell can be challenging. Limited street parking is available in blue zones, with regulated hours and fees. Consider using the ElParking app to pay for parking. Several parking options are available, including Parking Público la Seu d'Urgell. Car rentals are available in La Seu d'Urgell.

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Discover more about La Seu d'Urgell

La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria d'Urgell, is located in the heart of La Seu d'Urgell, Spain, and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Urgell. The cathedral's origins trace back to the early 6th century, with the consecration of the first cathedral, which amplified the importance of the city. The current building, however, is the fourth to stand on the site, a reconstruction initiated by Bishop Ot in 1090 and completed in the late 12th century. The cathedral is considered unique within Catalan Romanesque architecture, due to the Italianate-style features on its west front. Master mason Ramon Llambard began construction in 1116, making it one of Catalonia's oldest cathedrals. The name 'La Seu d'Urgell' itself reflects the cathedral's significance, 'Seu' deriving from the Latin 'Sedes,' meaning seat. The interior features a 13th-century polychrome carving of the Mare de Déu d'Urgell (Virgin Mary of Urgell), the city's patron saint. The cathedral also houses a copy of the Beatus of Urgell, displayed at the Diocesan Museum. The cloister showcases over 50 capitals adorned with vegetative elements, human figures, and common beasts. Throughout its history, the cathedral has undergone several restorations, including efforts to restore its original Romanesque appearance. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's rich religious and political past, drawing visitors with its architectural beauty and historical importance.

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