Lleida is a city located in Catalonia, Spain. It is the largest city in that province, having a population of around 136,000. There was a settlement here in pre-Roman times of the Ilergetes, which was an ancient Iberian race.
The architecture of Lleida is varied and reflects the many different cultures who have ruled over it at some time in its history. One of the most notable examples of this is the 13th century Seu Vella, which was built in a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Its layout conflicted with the ideas of the clergy at the time by placing the cloisters at the front instead of the centre.
The cathedral square is surrounded by many other attractions including the Ilerdenses Institute which has a research centre open to the public, the Archaeological museum and the Chapter House Museum. Also nearby is the Castillo de Gardeny, a fortress built between the 12th and 13th centuries and used by the Knights Templar.
Just a short distance from the cathedral are found the ruins of the old city walls which once completely circled the city together with parts of the Zuda, the remains of a 9th century Arab fortress.
Lleida has a strong cultural tradition particularly in music. The famous Spanish composer, Enric Granados, was born here and the city’s concert hall and leading music institution is situated in the Auditori Enric Granados.
The university of Lleida is the third oldest in Spain having been founded in 1297.
There are many festivals during the year and one of them is probably the oddest in Spain. This is the Festival Aplec del Cargol, during which huge quantities of snails are consumed. The visitor might be forgiven for thinking that he/she is in France and not Spain, as snails appear in many of Lleida’s local dishes.
