Itineraries
Transforming the land
To discover L’Estany is to witness human’s ability to transform the territory according to their needs and existing technology. Winding paths reflected in L’Estany that shape its cultural landscape.
The appearance of the nucleus of L’Estany cannot be understood without the presence of the monastery and the social, economic and political influence it wielded over local life, with an urban design characterised by narrow streets that respect the orography of the land.
The need for more land to grow crops transformed the landscape. Although it is hard to believe today, surrounding woodlands were destroyed and dry stone constructions like walls and huts dominated the landscape. The hillside terraces served to increase local agricultural production considerably.
The annual transhumance movements have also left their mark on the village, and some of the trails that circled around the former lake still exist and are still in use.
Download the track here
The history of L’Estany is very much alive and this itinerary enables you to enjoy it to its full. Be sure to visit the following points of interest:
The monastery of Santa Maria de l’Estany
The monastery is synonymous with the origin of the village of L’Estany and one of the jewels of Catalan Romanesque architecture. You can visit its cloister and immerse yourself in its almost 1000 years of history by visiting the museum.
The old centre of the village
The first inhabitants of L’Estany had a very direct relationship with the monastery. The first houses shaped the village’s oldest streets, which trace the orography of the land. Why not take a stroll and lose yourself a while in these narrow streets!
Sant Pere del Coll de la Crosa
Visit the ruins of the small church that Pere Tarròs, a monk from the monastery, had built in 1485, on the pass of the rural property of La Crosa on the road to Oló.
The viewpoint of Puig de la Caritat
This is the highest and most-strategic point in the area: in fact, the Iberians had established a settlement there to control the surrounding area. It’s well worth the climb! Its heights provide splendid views of the landscape, both near and far, to the four points of the compass.
Serrat dels Lliris
Irises bloom here in May and June, making this ridge a special place for the locals.
El Serrat del Gaig
Here, the dry stone landscape comes into its own. The terraces meant that small and medium-sized flat terrains could be created for cultivation. In the past, the landscape around L’Estany was dominated by these terraces, which are now hidden under woodland. Keep an eye out for them!
Elements patrimonals d'interés