La Cortinada: Nature and Church History

La Cortinada offers three distinct themes: immersive nature experiences at the Centre de Natura de la Cortinada, the church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada and the Les Claus de la Cortinada walking tour. This lets you explore the area according to your interests—whether nature, a specific aspect of church history, or the history and former way of life in the valleys.

Experience nature with all your senses

At the Centre de Natura de la Cortinada, interactive exhibits offer an immersive experience of nature. They include birdsong and scents, while also exploring the diversity of fauna, vegetation and flora. Sound, smell and biological diversity each provide a different focus. If you consider both nature and culture when choosing a destination, this variety offers a distinctive way to discover La Cortinada.

Sant Martí and the history of the area

The church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada brings together two distinct historical periods: in the 16th century, it was reoriented to face north, and its new high altar was adorned with a polychrome wooden altarpiece from the 17th century. The altarpiece is dedicated to the church’s patron saint. “Polychrome” means multicoloured and here describes the design of the wooden altarpiece.

For a broader look at local history, take the Les Claus de la Cortinada walking tour. It connects Cal Pal, the church of Sant Martí de la Cortinada, and the mill and sawmill with other local facilities and points of interest. Its theme is the history and former way of life in the valleys. A single church architectural or decorative detail and a walking tour with several historical stops thus offer different ways to explore the area.

In the wider destination of Ordino

The wider destination of Ordino also offers cultural, nature and winter sports experiences. Every year on the evening of 28 June, Ordino celebrates the start of summer and the parish festival of Sant Pere. Traditions include lighting the Falles and burning the Mai de Sant Pere.

In Sorteny Nature Park, two self-guided trails lead to the botanical garden. The Camí de la marta is 500 metres long and runs from the park’s information hut to the botanical garden, passing ten interpretive stops. Check local conditions before your trip. The Camí del Grau de la Llosa is 400 metres long and follows the Sorteny River from the forest track to the botanical garden, also passing ten interpretive stops. Both routes therefore have the same number of stops and the same endpoint; they differ in length and in their stated starting points.

Another attraction in Ordino is the Bosc Viu walk in the forest of l’Esquella d’Ordino. Featuring trees with themed decorations, it introduces children aged three and older to the legend of the Tió de Nadal.

For winter sports, Ordino Arcalís offers several figures describing its facilities: more than 30 kilometres of skiable terrain, with slopes for all levels, from beginner to expert. In addition, five marked ski touring circuits totalling 11 kilometres are designated within the ski area. The offering may change depending on the season; check current operating information before your trip. For ski touring, also check the resort’s applicable rules and conditions.

For information about Ordino, the tourist information office is located at Casa de la Muntanya, C/ Major 20. You can reach it by phone at +376 878 173 or by email at ot@ordino.ad. As office and contact details may change, check them before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Ansalonga, Llorts, El Serrat, Ordino.

Return to the wider travel overview: Ordino.