Stay in an vacation rentals in Puigcerdà
Set on the plateau of the region, specifically more than 1000 meters above sea level, Puigcerdà and its municipality have many corners that you cannot leave without visiting: the lake of Puigcerdà, its old town, the square and the tower of Santa Maria and the surrounding municipalities.
Puigcerdà: history through its rural houses
In 1178, during the reign of Alfonso II of Aragon, a town began to be built at the top of the hill of Mont Cerdà: what we now know as Puigcerdà. The Catalan-Aragonese crown had bought the land a few years ago from the previous owner, the monastery of Sant Miquel de Cuixà.
The development of the city was evidentduring the following years, mainly thanks to its royal privileges for being the capital of Cerdanya. The economic sector that strongly predominated during that time was the leather tanning and textile industries. The paraires washed the wool, the first material, so that the women, who were at home, with the help of the needles could produce all kinds of clothes annually, as is the case with the stockings.
Agriculture and livestock has been losing economic weight. Although much of the geographical territory is plowed land and pastures for cows and sheep, Puigcerdà and Cerdanya no longer stand out for the primary sector.
Currently, the main economic activities have become tourism and commerce: a large part of the population of the area is dedicated to the tertiary sector. The demand for tourists to stay in the area through rural tourism houses and tourist accommodation is evident. At the beginning of the 2000s, the town consisted of seven hotels, some hostels and a campsite. Nowadays, however, we find many more options. However, the geographical appeal and all the services offered by the area mean that, even now, demand exceeds supply.
What can you do in Puigcerdà through its rural houses?
Stroll along the Puigcerdà lake
We find
Puigcerdà lake just 5 minutes' walk from the center. It is located in a completely idyllic location, for
both children and adults: there is no one who leaves without being totally blown away.
Although its natural origin dates back to the 13th century, Puigcerdà Pond is currently an artificial lake that takes water from
the Querol River. Nowadays it has become a clear attraction for the population, since its simple and flat route allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the background. During the spring and summer months, hopefully you will be able to play with the ducks, swans and fish. And, during the winter, some days it gets completely frozen due to the low temperatures in the area.
Enjoy the tranquility of Parc Schierbeck
Right next to Puigcerdà Lake we find
Schierbeck Park, which was created at the end of the 19th century by an initiative of the Danish consul in
Barcelona called German Schierbeck. In the 9,000 m² that the park occupies, you can find a botanical garden, a bar and kiosk, a central square and a children's play area for family enjoyment.
Take a flight through the old town of Puigcerdà
The old town of Puigcerdà is an ideal place to get lost. Although most of the city's services are concentrated in the Plaça de Santa Maria, the Plaça dethe Town Hall, Carrer Mayor and Passeig 10 d'Abril, we find other very interesting places.
In the Plaça de Santa Maria is the most emblematic building of Puigcerdà: the Church of Santa Maria. Today, however, we only find its bell tower, since the rest were destroyed during the Civil War, in 1936.
You can also visit the current parish church of Puigcerdà, the Church of Sant Domènec. Gothic style from the end of the 15th century, the convent stands out for its impressive stone and marble Gothic facade, which is in a perfect state of preservation.
Go to the weekly market in Puigcerdà
From early in the morning every Sunday, the population can attend the weekly market in Puigcerdà. Specifically, in Puigcerdà's Passeig 10 d'Abril, we can find all kinds of fresh food and, as you would expect, the most typical sausages and cheeses of the Pyrenees.
Take a day trip to neighboring towns
Alp, Fontanals de Cerdanya, Bolvir and Guils de Cerdanya are the border municipalities with Puigcerdà. All of them enjoy their own totally unique rural centers, which makes it essential to visit them. The Espai Ceretània museum in Bolvir, the Alp ski resorts and the Romanesque church of Sant Cosme and Sant Damià de Queixans are some of the most recommended options.