How to visit and what to see in La Seu Vella (Lleida): schedules, prices

I had been interested in visit the cathedral of Lleida, which I had seen from a distance on the numerous trips made between Madrid and Barcelona.

Both from the highway and on the route of the eTA what happens near Lleida, this majestic building can be distinguished very clearly culminating in the hill that rises above this city in the interior of Catalonia.

Now recently I have had the opportunity to travel to Lleida y visit the Seu Vella, which is what the old city cathedral.

And the first thing I discovered (I didn't know) is that it is a building that stopped being a cathedral no less than three centuries ago.

This huge building is located in what is known as Seu Vella Hill (Turó de la Seu Vella in Catalan), where you can see the remains of a monumental complex that, in addition to the old cathedral, included a Royal Palace ass and walls.

Curiosities history of the Seu Vella of Lleida

We must remember that already in the time of the Iberians and the Romans the enclave where the current city is located city ​​of Lleida It was already populated.

It was also a Muslim city for 400 years with the name of Larida, and it was in 1203 when the cathedral began to be built on the site that is thought to have been occupied by the Major Mosque.

The works continued until the 1431th century when the imposing central cloister was completed, and when work on the bell tower began, which was not completed until XNUMX.

During that time this hill was the seat of the most noble population of the city because, as I have mentioned, there was also what was known as King's castle (o The Sweat).

But a defining moment in the history of the enclave was when, in 1749, during a war, the building stopped fulfilling the function of a cathedral and began to house a military barracks.

Since then the Seu Vella HillSince it is a strategic place in this area that was border land, it suffered numerous attacks, which is why the building of the old cathedral suffered a lot of deterioration.

It was not until 1948, already after the Civil WarWhen Your Vella It stopped fulfilling its function as a military barracks.

Since then, a long recovery process has been carried out in the building, which is still being carried out.

What to see when visiting the Seu Vella in Lleida

When you go up the hill to visit the old cathedral You will find a large parking lot where you can leave your car without problem.

Before entering the interior of the building, it is worth taking a complete tour of it during which you can enjoy the best panoramic views of Lleida.

On the east façade of the building you will see five of its seven doors, starting with the one known as Gate of the Godchildren or the Annunciation Gate; All of them are built in the late Romanesque style of the so-called Lleida School.

On the west façade you can see the monumental Gate of the Apostles that overlooks the great cathedral cloister, Gothic style and completed in the 15th century, where the sculpture of the Virgin of the Blau.

Now for the visit you will access through the room of the old Canonical, where was the Pia of Almoina, a charitable institution that fed the poor and pilgrims.

All the paintings that decorated its walls you can see them in the Lleida museum.

The church has a floor Latin cross with three naves, and is currently completely empty.

This allows you to see the anchors of the two-story construction that for centuries was inside to house the different rooms of the military barracks.

With structure of Gothic style and with some corners that preserve the Romanesque style, in the void interior of the Seu Vella It is worth noting a corner where a canvas of mural paintings, a sample of those that covered the entire church in the 14th century.

Also noteworthy is a tomb from the 15th century.

Without a doubt the corner that stands out the most in the Your Vella It is his imposing cloister, it seems to be the tallest Gothic style preserved in Europe.

Rectangular in plan, the cloister has large windows that on the east façade open towards the central patio and towards the exterior.

How to climb the Seu Vella tower in Lleida

From the cloister you can climb the bell tower of La Seu Vella.

I can tell you that it is not an easy climb, and not at all suitable for all audiences.

60 meters high, its 238 steps have an unusual height between them, and also the last section of the climb is really narrow, so going up involves a very demanding physical effort.

In this last section you will pass next to the large Sylvester bell, which continues to ring to tell the time in the city of Lleida.

From the 4.600th century, this imposing campaign weighs XNUMX kilos.

At the end of the ascent to the Seu Vella tower On the upper roof you will have the prize of enjoying spectacular views. panoramic views of Lleida.

In short, a visit that is very worthwhile.

Visit schedules for Seu Vella in Lleida

The Visiting hours of the Seu Vella of Lleida They are, from May to September, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m. and from 16,30:19,30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays, from XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

In winter, from October to April, Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 13,30:15 p.m. and from 17,30:10 p.m. to 17,30:10 p.m.; Saturdays, from 15 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.; and on Sundays and holidays, from XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

Seu Vella de Lleida ticket prices

The ticket prices to visit the Seu Vella The general price is 7 euros, and you can access both the Your Vella like the enclosure of King's castle.

El reduced ticket price is 5 euros, from which seniors +65, pensioners and young people from 7 to 18 years old benefit, with free entrance for children under 7 years old, disabled and unemployed, among other groups.

We can all visit La Seu Vella for free the first Tuesday of each month, as well as at local festivals.