Arsèguel

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Arsèguel

Turisme Alt Urgell - Passeig Joan Brudieu, 15
25700, La Seu d''Urgell
Web: http://www.alturgell.cat/turisme
Email: turisme@alturgell.ddl.net
973353112

 

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  • Welcome to the accordion capital! Arsèguel is considered Catalonia’s accordion capital. Every year, since 1976, it has hosted the Trobada amb els Acordionistes del Pirineu (Gathering of the Accordion Players of the Pyrenees), the oldest folk music festival celebrated in the Catalan-speaking world. Arsèguel lies in the north-east of the comarca (local district) of L'Alt Urgell, in the very heart of the Pyrenees. It can be found on the lower spurs of the Serra del Cadí (Cadí Ridge), between the river Segre and the slopes of the Puig del Grau. Other points of interest to highlight are the Romanesque-style church of Santa Coloma and the Fàbrica de llanes (wool factory), and of course the marvellous views of the Pyrenees!
     

    What to visit

     

    Museums

     

    • Accordion Museum
      This museum explains the history of the accordion and its evolution around the world, but with particular reference to its links with the traditional folk culture of the Lleida Pyrenees. The instruments exhibited date from 1840 to the present day and include: melodeons, concertinas, bandoneons, and diatonic, semi-diatonic and chromatic accordions.
      For more information: Tel. 699 64 94 74
    • Wool Factory
      In Pont d'Arsèguel, it is possible to visit the Fábrica de Lanas (wool factory), which is a traditional family-run company that uses water power and, amongst other interesting machines, boasts a spectacular 18th century spinning jenny that is still in working condition. This factory currently makes traditional bed socks, mufflers and shepherd’s blankets.
      For more information: Tel. 973 38 40 09

     

    Romanesque heritage

     

    The church of Santa Coloma has original Romanesque elements that were later modified. The medieval origins of Arsèguel are still evident in the architecture of its historic centre, which is one of the best conserved in all the Pyrenees, with its stone houses, Arabic tiles and wooden balconies. It is still possible to see remains of the 12th and 13th century Cadell Castle in some of the villages walls and houses.
     

    Fairs and Festivals

     

    Gathering of the accordion players of Arsèguel: The first edition of the Trobada amb els Acordionistes del Pirineu was held in 1976. This is the oldest traditional music festival held in Catalonia and is currently regarded as the most important diatonic accordion festival in Europe. In 1999, this “Trobada” was officially included as part of the European Traditional Music Festival Route, which is recognised by the European Union.
    The organisers have now firmly consolidated the “Trobada” as a reference point for all styles and genres of accordion music in Europe.
    The gathering takes place on the last weekend in July.
     
    Festa major (main local festival): The “festa major” of Arsèguel always begins on the first Sunday in August.