This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in La Seu d'Urgell.
La Seu d'Urgell, the capital city of the comarca (county) of Alt Urgell, Catalonia, is located between the confluence of the Segre River and Gran Virala River. The original meaning of the name of La Seu d'Urgell has to do with water. Because of its position and location as one of the main junctions of communication and crossroads of transportation on the Catalonia side of the Pyrenees, La Seu d'Urgell serves as the center of commerce and culture of Alt Urgell.
La Seu d'Urgell is the seat of the historic region of Urgell (one of the regions that comprise the Catalan country). Counts of Urgell were appointed by Carolingians, the House of Barcelona, and the House of Cabrera. Because of the strong historical significance of the city, throughout the year, the people of La Seu d'Urgell participate in various festivals, fairs, and feasts. They celebrate the folk festivals that are now highly mixed with Christian tradition.
La Seu d'Urgell has a strong Christian history, being the seat of the Bishop of Urgell. Most of the architectural attractions of the city of La Seu d'Urgell are old churches that are connected with the history of the bishops. The most famous of these is the Cathedral of Urgell. Built in the twelfth century, it is sometimes called Cathedral of la Seu d'Urgell or Cathedral of Santa Maria d'Urgell, a Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Mary; it is the seat of Diocese of Urgell.
Other attractions that are connected with Cathedral and the Christian Church are the monasteries of Cathedral of Urgell, the Episcopal Palace of Seu d'Urgell, and the Urgell Musem, where the illuminated manuscript of Urgell Beatus can be found. Most of the other old churches are Gothic, Romanesque, and medieval.
The medieval history of La Seu d'Urgell is also present everywhere. In the Old Town of Urgell, old buildings go back to the ninth century; the old center, main streets, courtyards, and squares are still visible. Through the years, newer buildings have been added and some have been converted into hostels in La Seu d'Urgell that reflect the rich history of the town.
Aside from history, people can walk around town or experience nature in the nearby Cadi-Moixero Natural Park. The natural park protects the mountain borders of Catalonia and Andorra.
Written by local enthusiast for La Seu d'Urgell hostels
Angelica Burrage
