Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Boí
Boí is one of the eight villages that make up La Vall de Boí, a municipality in the comarca of Alta Ribagorça, located in the Lleida Pyrenees. It is located between Caldes de Boí, Erill la Vall and Taüll.
In Boí, which was a crossroads during the Roman Empire – a status it retained in subsequent centuries – stands the Romanesque church of Sant Joan, the town’s landmark. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the church that preserves more 11th century architectural features than any church, marking the beginning of Romanesque architecture in the area.
It has a basilica-style layout, in keeping with other churches in the region, and alongside its architectural beauty, the murals discovered there are particularly noteworthy; they depict scenes featuring minstrels, others from the Bestiary, and the stoning of Sant Esteve.
The castle, the ramparts and the medieval bridge over the River Sant Martí are further attractions in the town, which, as the gateway to the Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, is also home to the Park Visitor Centre. In fact, the nature of the reserve has inspired the local playground, a space situated beside the river where families can enjoy play equipment that blends into a stunning natural setting.
Gastronomy is also a highly valuable tourist attraction in La Val and Boí, centred on organic veal and lamb, alongside other produce such as potatoes, mushrooms and vegetables, and trout – a clear nod to the region’s traditions and local resources.
The Fallas de Boí are an unmissable event for locals and tourists alike, as is the case in all the villages in the region. From the Fato de Boí, situated at an altitude of almost 1,500 metres above sea level, people make their way down carrying the ‘fallas’ – or lit wooden torches – until they reach the town square, where a huge festival centred around the fire is held.