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Vilaller (Home village, the first settlement in the Upper Valleys), which is located in the Barravés valley (L’Alta Ribagorça - Pyrenees), borders on the Val d’Aran and Aragon via the river Noguera Ribagorça. History and ArtOne of its most outstanding features is the baroque-style, octagonal bell-tower of the Church of Sant Climent, which dates from the end of the 18th century. Other interesting features include the Romanesque style bridge over the river Noguera Ribagorçana, the 11th century wall and arcades, and the remains of the old prison. The upper part of the village has maintained its own historic charm and contains the house where the priest Mossèn Anton Navarro was born on 12th September 1867. He won numerous prizes in the literary competitions of the Jocs Florals. At Vilaller, there are also several hermitages including those dedicated to Sant Antoni, the Virgin of Riupedrós and Sant Mamés. A curious anecdote is that the municipal cemetery, which is of relatively recent construction, is the only example of a covered cemetery in the whole of Spain. The settlement of Senet, which stands at an altitude of 1,309 m on the right bank of the river Noguera Ribagorçana, has its own Romanesque church, dedicated to Santa Cecília. This was built between the 11th and 12th centuries Fauna routeThe fauna route begins at Senet (Alta Ribagorça – Pyrenees) and follows the foot of the mountains, tracing the course of an old path that led from the Gelada pass. It takes trekkers through countryside in which the mark of man is very evident. There are a wide range of traditional crops and grassy meadows which are separated by small divisions and dry-stone walls. This is an area rich in fauna, where it is easy to find trails left by foxes or wild boars. Up on the crest of the hill are the extensive sub-alpine meadows on which the local livestock feed in summer. If walkers are alert, they may see groups of chamois pasturing on the higher levels, or perhaps surprise a roe deer on the edge of the meadows or the woods. From here, it is also possible to see the Esbornada gully, which is one of the most important geological features in the Barravés valley. Finally, in amongst the groves of Scots pine, the route approaches the Estarredono vantage point, from where it is possible to enjoy a privileged panoramic view of the valley and the spurs of the Maladeta massif. The whole route is sign-posted with wooden posts that carry the mark of a chamois footprint. There are also notice-boards along the way that provide extra information about the fauna of each habitat as well as replicas of animal footprints and excrement. From time to time, visitors will come across isolated shelters. These are exclusively for the use of shepherds, but it is possible to shelter in their porches when it rains. Characteristics: Starting and finishing at the settlement of Senet Length: 6.5 km. Senet CentreInformation Centre of the Aigüestortes National Park“La Serradora” at Senet This centre organizes:
Itineraries
For more information: info.aiguestortes@oapn.mma.es - www.parcsdecatalunya.net Festivals and traditionsThe Fira de Tots Sants (All Saints Fair) which is held on 2nd November, and is the oldest such event in the local district, focuses on agriculture and livestock farming. The Festa del Cep (Penny Bun Mushroom Fair) is held on the first Sunday in November and includes a mushroom-picking competition, a tasting of typical dishes made with Penny Bun mushrooms (Boletus edulis), a mushroom exhibition, and an autumn market of traditionally made products. The traditional dance is the “tatero”: it is held on 15th August, at the Festa Major (Main Festival), and is performed by three single “majordoms” (stewards) and three girls. Where to eat?Restaurants
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Vilaller