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Culture
Mare de Déu de Butsènit Shrine
The Mare de Déu de Butsènit Shrine is one of the most beloved shrines with the richest religious tradition in the Lleida countryside. With its rural setting beside the River Segre, this house of worship serves as a place of pilgrimage and a meeting place for the inhabitants of the town and the surrounding rural areas. Its origins are linked to an ancient Marian devotion which, according to tradition, dates back to the Christian conquest of Lleida in 1149, when an image of the Virgin was found at this site.
The present-day shrine was consecrated in 1495 and rebuilt in the 17th century, specifically between 1649 and 1652, leaving us with the building that stands today. Throughout its history, the complex has served various purposes in addition to its religious function, at times acting as a hostel for pilgrims and a meeting place for the local rural community.
Architecturally, it stands out for its simplicity and for the way in which the various spaces built around the church are integrated. The complex includes outbuildings, courtyards and reception areas that reflect its past importance as a rural sanctuary. Inside, there are some interesting murals painted by the Lleida-born artist Víctor Pallarès during the 20th century, which lend the building considerable artistic value.
One of the most important events of the year takes place every 8 September, when the traditional Aplec de Butsènit is held – a romería or pilgrimage that brings together locals and visitors alike to pay homage to the Virgin and preserve a tradition deeply rooted in the history of Lleida.
Surrounded by trees, farmland and country lanes, the chapel also offers a very peaceful setting. Its combination of historical heritage, religious significance and scenery makes Mare de Déu de Butsènit one of the most iconic sites along the Riu Nature Trail, where nature and tradition come together on the banks of the River Segre.