Bescaran: Romanesque Tower and Megalithic History
Accommodation in Bescaran
Bescaran is a destination for anyone weighing up architectural history, archaeology, scenery and hiking when planning a trip. Highlights include the Romanesque bell tower of Sant MartĂ, megalithic remains, Muntanya de Bescaran as part of a Natura 2000 site, and a circular hiking route between Estamariu and Bescaran. These themes offer different points of focus: you can explore Bescaran primarily for its cultural history or include the landscape and a hike in your plans. The Festa Major de Bescaran is also relevant when choosing when to travel.
Romanesque Bell Tower and Monastic History
The bell tower of Sant MartĂ de Bescaran dates from the 11th century, has a square floor plan and is Romanesque. It is a remnant of a former monastery. Its design and Romanesque classification give you a specific architectural point of reference; its monastic connection adds a historical dimension. This clearly distinguishes the tower, both chronologically and thematically, from the megalithic sites: the tower represents medieval architectural history, while the sites are prehistoric remains. If you like connecting specific architectural forms with history when choosing a destination, this tower provides a clear focus.
Dolmens and Archaeological Remains
The Dolmen de coll Jovell is part of the locally protected megalithic complex in the former municipal area of Bescaran. As a megalithic structure, it is classified as a Pyrenean burial chamber and dated to the 3rd to 2nd millennium BC. The Cabana del Moro de Bescaran is one of the best-preserved dolmens in northern Alt Urgell; Bronze Age remains were found there. The two names represent different archaeological points of reference: Coll Jovell is characterized by its burial-chamber form, date and protected status, while the Cabana is notable for its preservation and Bronze Age finds. This allows you to distinguish Bescaran’s prehistoric themes without combining them into a single story.
Scenery and Hiking
Muntanya de Bescaran is part of the Tossa Plana-PuigpedrĂłs Natura 2000 site. This protected-area designation gives the mountain its own place in your travel plans, alongside the architectural and archaeological sites. For hiking, the circular route between Estamariu and Bescaran is described in specific terms: it is about 9 km long, involves 460 metres of elevation gain and takes at least two and a half hours. The route can be walked in either direction and is part of a trail restored by the Camina-Pirineus trail network. The distance indicates the length of the route, the elevation gain indicates the amount of climbing, and the time indicates a minimum duration. Allow more than this minimum for breaks and trail conditions; check conditions before setting out.
Festa Major de Bescaran
The Festa Major de Bescaran takes place on the weekend closest to the feast day of Sant MartĂ. Its date therefore depends on the feast day each year and should be checked for your travel year. Check the dates for the relevant year before travelling if you would like to plan your stay around the festival. It is a specific point of reference for planning your dates, while the architectural and megalithic history and the hike offer different thematic focuses for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Corbins, Fondarella, Torrefarrera, Almatret, Montoliu de Segarra, Les Borges Blanques, Esterri De Aneu, Belianes
Go to the main travel overview: Lleida.
