Juncosa: Parish Church, Porxo del mig and Circular Routes

Juncosa offers specific points of interest for a stay: the parish church, historic stone buildings and two circular routes that differ in length and vehicle recommendations. Before your trip, you can decide whether to focus on church architecture, historical traces or one of the routes.

Parish Church and Historic Buildings

The Església Parroquial de la Nativitat de Nostra Senyora was built outside the castle complex in 1468 and extended in the 18th century. Its façade and tower are neoclassical, while the interior is Baroque. It comprises three naves, a transept and a dome with a drum. Details include a mosaic floor, polychrome-painted walls and a dome painted with a starry sky. Medallions depict the four Evangelists. The church thus juxtaposes neoclassical exterior forms with a varied Baroque interior.

The Porxo del mig is a natural-stone arcade with a slightly flattened round arch. Its inscription gives the date 21 April 1598; historically, the Porxo was one of two entrances to the former castle complex of Juncosa. Plaça del Mig del Món is also home to a stone monument weighing 5,000 kg, inaugurated on 2 March 1997. The arcade and monument make different impressions: the former is notable for its historic function as an entrance, while the latter stands out for its material, weight and inauguration date.

About 1 km from Juncosa, the Ermita de Sant Joan is set in a large rock alcove. Its first documented mention dates to the late 16th century. According to local tradition, water emerging from a drip point beside the chapel is said to cure eye ailments; people traditionally wash their eyes there for protection.

Historical Traces and Circular Routes

The abandoned settlement of La Sisquella lies about 6 km north of Juncosa and was first mentioned in a document in 1152. Today, it is home to the Mas de la Sisquella farmhouse, dating from 1786, and a freestanding pointed arch from the 12th century; the foundations of a defensive tower also remain. The dates refer to different historical points: the settlement’s first documentary mention and the dating of two architectural remains.

Two circular routes start and end in Juncosa. The route, about 6 km long, has steep climbs and leads to Masia del Nogueret, as well as walled rock alcoves and vaulted huts. The use of vehicles is discouraged because of the significant elevation changes. The other circular route is about 12 km long and runs mostly along the LV-7011 road. It leads to vaulted huts, walled rock alcoves, cisterns and the abandoned settlement of La Sisquella, with its freestanding pointed arch from the 12th century; a vehicle is recommended for this route. Your choice therefore depends not only on the approximate distance, but also on the different vehicle recommendations.

Cova de Juncosa is a destination for boulderers; the climbing routes are highly challenging. If you plan to go bouldering, check the conditions on site.

Guided Experiences and Getting There

The guided Tour de les Cabanes begins at the Agrícola Sant Isidre olive mill in Juncosa, with a visit and olive oil tasting. Check current availability before your trip. The guided experience Vive el mundo de las abejas takes you to a farm and an apiary in Juncosa. It includes tastings of honey and olive-leaf infusions. Advance reservations are required for this experience, and visits to the apiary are seasonal. It is also advisable to check availability in advance.

Travelling by private vehicle is the best option; there is no regular public transport in Juncosa. Check connections before your trip. This allows you to take both your journey there and the different vehicle recommendations for the two circular routes into account.

Discover more destinations: Sant Llorenç De Morunys, Claverol, Guils del Cantó, Ventolà, Talavera, Coll De Nargó, Abella De La Conca, Arsèguel.

Return to the regional travel overview: Lleida.