An opportunity to take a closer look at the architecture of the villages of the Ordino valley area. Be sure to see its Romanesque churches, such as the Lombard church of San Martín in La Cortinada, living examples of the valley's past.
This 12 th -century Lombard Romanesque church was altered and extended in the baroque period (17 th and 18 th centuries). It has an interesting series of pictures on its walls, dating from the late 12 th century and dedicated to the advocacy of San Martín de Tours, which feature sacred and profane characters, and zoomorphic and geometric representations. The church is also home to furniture from the 12 th and 13 th centuries, plus four baroque altarpieces from the same period.
The church is divided into two parts, the first of which consists of the main altar and still features 12 th -century frescos. A part was subsequently extended in the 13 th century, following baroque criteria.
The church retains some of the characteristics features of the era, including a small, wheel-shaped carillon, which was formerly used during Easter for communions and weddings. Among its other elements of interest are four handmade wooden benches from the 12 th century, one of which has the peculiarity of including a drawer in which missals were kept, plus a mobile canopy. The position of the canopy changed when the parishioners knelt and when village meetings were held, so that all those present could be face to face.
Visitors to the millstone and sawmill of Cal Pal and the millstone of Mas d'en Solé can discover the industry of days gone by and enjoy a demonstration.
A clear example of the valley's working past, the millstone and sawmill date from the late 11 th and early 12 th centuries, and ceased operating around the 60s. Once restored, they were inaugurated on 21 July 1996.
During visits, there is a demonstration of how a hydraulic sawmill cuts wood, in which it is possible to see the roller and all the sawmill's components. There is also a demonstration of the transformation of wheat into flour, which takes place at the millstone. In order to make the sawmill operative again, the parts were reproduced by hand and the mill's entire water channel and carriage were remade. The logs used measure approximately 2.20 to 2.30 metres and are cut into planks or beams. The demonstration is accompanied by an explanatory video.
Guided tours and demonstration from the 1st of July to the 15th of September.
From Tuesday to Saturday, from 09:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Sunday, from 09:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Prices: Adults €2, children (up to 12) €1.
Reservations: tel. (+376) 737080.
Phone: +376 737080
