Pia: Churches, a Chapel and Medieval Traces

If you are considering Pia as a place to stay, its buildings and local features offer concrete points of interest: its history stretches from its first mention in 991 to a chapel restoration in 1986. Sacred architecture, surviving medieval traces and the Véloroute through the village each add a distinct dimension. You can also plan your journey using specific landmarks.

Churches and Religious Art

The church of Saint-Cyr and Sainte-Julitte is first mentioned in 991. It was later completely rebuilt and consecrated in 1879. These are two dates marking distinct milestones: the early mention and the consecration of the renewed church building. Five named altarpieces are kept in the church. These altar paintings are dedicated to Saint-Grégoire, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Joseph, Sainte-Germaine and Sainte-Catherine. Their names help distinguish the individual altarpieces rather than viewing them as a single collection.

Notre-Dame de la Salut also connects local history with architecture. It was the parish church of the former hamlet of Ortolanes; the hamlet disappeared, but the chapel remains. In 1986, it was restored and set up as a recreational space open to all residents of Pia. Before visiting, it is advisable to check the current facilities on site.

The chapel consists of a single nave with a rounded apse set into a straight wall. The door jambs are thought to date from the 12th century. The building’s design and the cautious dating add architectural details to the history of the former hamlet.

Medieval Traces and Local Features

Pia Castle was rebuilt in 1242; a stone fortified gate dating from 1249 is all that remains of it. The dates refer to different details: the castle’s reconstruction and the surviving gate. Beneath the niche at the Oratoire Sainte-Anne is the date 1869. The oratory is located at 1 rue Sainte-Anne, on the corner of avenue de Bompas, and was renovated around 2013.

Another local feature is the municipal washhouse on rue du Lavoir in the town centre. The chapel, gate, oratory and washhouse each represent a different aspect of local history: a vanished settlement, a medieval structure, a dated oratory and a municipal facility. As you explore Pia, these different features can help you distinguish the places and their histories.

Getting There and Local Agriculture

You can reach Pia via the A9 “La Catalane”; exit 41, “Perpignan centre – Aéroport de Rivesaltes – Le Barcarès,” is 2 km from Pia. As road routes may change, check the access route before setting off. For cyclists, the Véloroute du Piémont Pyrénéen runs from the D1 at Claira through the village of Pia and on towards Perpignan. Routes and signage can also change, so check the route in advance. The directions given refer to different points of reference: the road journey is described via the motorway exit, while the cycle route is described by its course through Pia.

Local farms include Maraîchage Fillols – Chez Bernard et Mado at 17 rue Saint-Michel. The farm produces seasonal fruit and vegetables, including artichokes, apricots, melons and plums. Which produce is currently grown depends on the season and the farm. If you are interested in fruit and vegetable farming in Pia, these products are specific examples; check in advance which produce is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Marie-la-Mer, Felluns, Villeneuve-La-Rivière, Elne, Nohèdes, Molitg-Les-Bains, Millas, Baillestavy.

For the main travel guide: Pyrénées-Orientales.