Ardèvol-Pinós between Dolmens and Castle

In the centre of Ardèvol, next to Casa de la Pera, lies the Dolmen de la Pera, a Chalcolithic tomb dating from 2200 to 1800 BC. It is oriented from east to west; the rectangular burial chamber is 4.8 m long, 1.8 m wide and 1.4 m high. The recorded dimensions make the shape of the chamber just as tangible as its clear orientation. Also located in the centre is the Dolmen de Casacremada, which is also known as Dolmen del Collet de Su. This second Chalcolithic tomb likewise dates from 2200 to 1800 BC; its burial chamber was originally incorporated into a burial mound. Both monuments therefore belong to the same prehistoric period, but differ in the recorded detail concerning the chamber’s original integration.

Culture and history

Castell d’Ardèvol was built on elevated ground. It probably served around the year 1000 as a watchtower on the eastern border of the County of Urgell. The elevated position and its former function are part of the building’s oldest documented history. The original rectangular tower has been preserved. It measures 8 m by 4.70 m, while its walls are approximately 1.50 m thick. A round tower subsequently built around this tower collapsed in the 1930s. The current remains thus distinguish between the surviving rectangular tower and the later round tower, which no longer exists.

In the parish church of Santa Maria d’Ardèvol, part of the nave of an earlier church has been reused as a sacristy. The church to which this sacristy belongs was built in 1688. The church therefore brings together a reused structural element from an earlier church and the date of the later-built place of worship.

Landscape

Ardèvol lies at the foot of the Serra de Pinós and on the northern slope of the Serra de Pinós. The village is situated on the left bank of the Rasa d’Ardèvol and in the upper course of the Riera de Llanera. Ardèvol stands at an elevation of 728 m. The geographical context therefore records both the relationship with the Serra de Pinós and the two waterways with their different relationships to the village: the Rasa d’Ardèvol on the left bank and the Riera de Llanera in its upper course.

Route and access

The Santuari de Pinós–Ardèvol–Santuari de Pinós route is 15.23 km long and involves 515 metres of ascent. The length and ascent directly describe the extent of this connection. Access to Ardèvol leads from the signposted gravel track on the road from Torà to Solsona. Access is therefore described via the aforementioned road and the signposted gravel track located there.

Annual calendar

Ardèvol’s main festival takes place on the Sunday after 15 August. At Easter, Ardèvol hosts a popular performance of Caramellaires singing. The two dates fall at different points in the annual calendar: the main festival follows 15 August, while the Caramellaires singing takes place at Easter.

For the overarching travel overview: Pinós.