History and sights: Perpignan, France

Did you know that Perpignan, once located on the mainland, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca? And the fact that the facade of the cathedral of the city is lined with river pebbles and shells? But that's not all the sights. Perpignan (France) lies on the fertile plain among such a beautiful nature, which itself can be an object of tourism. Pyrenees, going down to the east to the sea, go down, but still in all majestic beauty is the three-domed mountain Kanigu. And the valley along which the Tet river flows is all planted with vineyards - green in summer and red in autumn. Perpignan is often viewed with disrespect only as a transit point en route from France to Spain. Through it lies the road from Montpellier to Barcelona or Girona. But this city is worth more. Stay in it for at least two or three hours to inspect its main attractions.

Perpignan, France: location

Only thirteen kilometers from the magnificent sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea lies the small town of Perpignan, which is only one hundred and twenty and a half thousand inhabitants in modern times. On the coast there is an ordinary bus. So Perpignan can be considered as a beach holiday destination. Stepping on the narrow streets of its historic center, one can not help asking: is it really Spain? Everything in the city looks like Catalonia. Before her, by the way, only thirty-one kilometers. Now the city is the administrative center of the department of the Eastern Pyrenees. And if we consider the map of France in terms of historical provinces, then Perpignan is the capital of Roussillon. The most convenient way to get to the city from Spain. Fortunately, there is no real border between the countries. The nearest major city with an international airport is Barcelona. From the capital of Catalonia to Perpignan - two hundred kilometers. On the high-speed highway AR-7, the path can be overcome in two hours. From the "Barcelona Nord" to Perpignan buses depart. And from Marseilles, the route along the A-9 route will take more than three hours. In fact it is necessary to overcome three hundred and twenty kilometers.

City of Perpignan (France): history

For the first time this city was mentioned in the annals in the year nine hundred and twenty-seven. The counts of Roussillon made it their capital. They ruled the city until one thousand and one hundred and seventy-two. Later, Perpignan and his surrounding lands departed according to the marriage agreements to the counts of Barcelona. When they became kings of Aragon, a division of the Catalan lands was effected. The Balearic Islands and Perpignan Jaime First gave his youngest son, Jaime the Second. Then the city flourished. From 1276 and the middle of the fourteenth century, Perpignan was the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. Here in the beautiful palace lived Jaime the Second and his two descendants. And even when the kings of Mallorca moved to the islands, choosing the capital of Palma, the city flourished. Only in the period of centralization of power and absolute monarchy did Perpignan become a quiet province. In the seventeenth century, when France and Spain faced the right to own Roussillon, the city became an apple of discord. Perpignan turned into a fortress. But according to the regulations of the Pyrenees Peace (the treaty of 1659), the city went to Louis the Fourteenth. As part of France, Perpignan remained a provincial quiet corner on the outskirts of the kingdom. The city walls, once resisting the onslaught of the besiegers, were dilapidated and demolished in the nineteenth century. In 1936, Perpignan received thousands of refugees from Spain who fled the civil war. And when France lost its territories in North Africa, since the 1960s, the expelled colonists settled here.

What you need to take into account the tourist in Perpignan

Due to historical and cultural characteristics, this city is strongly influenced by Spanish traditions. Perpignan seems to die in the daytime. Everything - shops, museums - is closed on a siesta. But this time a tourist can spend in parks, especially in La Miranda. Perpignan is a very green city. You can sit on the emerald grass in the shade of the plane trees on the bank of the Tet and most nap for a couple of hours. Dishes in local restaurants will be offered mainly from Catalan cuisine. But not only tapas, sangria and paella can be tasted in Perpignan. The city is also full of restaurants and cafes of European and even Asian cuisine. And then, thoroughly refreshed, go to explore the sights. Perpignan (France) is very compact. All the interesting places are in the historical center of the city. Except one. Those tourists who came to Perpignan by train, should pay attention to the interiors of the railway station. They were painted by Salvador Dali himself.

Le Castellette

Now we will pass from the station to the central part of the city (it is better to get there by bus) and start studying the historical sights. Perpignan (France) once was in the ring of fortress walls. Part of the fortification complex was Le Castellet, a small two-tiered tower. It was built in 1368. After the French conquest, the small fort was converted into a city gate. But the suspension bridge, as well as the adjoining prison, have not survived to this day. When in the nineteenth century dilapidated walls were demolished, Le Castellet, the "little stronghold," escaped death. It was decided to leave it and pass it to the Museum of Catalan Art. Guides recommend visiting him before a more detailed acquaintance with the city. And on the upper tier of the tower there is an observation deck, from where a wonderful view of the city opens.

Palace of the Kings of Mallorca

Together with Le Castellet, this residence is the visiting card of the city of Perpignan (France). Sightseeing - photo in guidebooks confirm this - are quite numerous. The castle rises on a small hill. Having received from the father of the Kingdom of Mallorca, Jaime II in 1276 laid the first stone in the erection of his residence. Of course, the palace was rebuilt several times. But, in principle, the gothic view of the ensemble has survived. Visitors are primarily struck by the powerful defensive walls of the Citadel Palace. After passing the barbican, you find yourself in an unexpectedly lovely patio. Preserved the original dungeon (feudal tower), which was later attached to the royal chambers with a beautiful gallery on the second floor. Little remained of the interiors. But visitors are led through the throne room, private apartments of the royal couple, dungeons. Interesting bunk palace church. The first floor of this chapel is dedicated to Mary Magdalene, and the upper one - to the Holy Cross.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This sacred structure is simply necessary to visit, even if you consider it only a transit point for the city of Perpignan (France). The sights of the cathedral can not be overestimated. It was founded in 1324 by King Sancho. But because of political turmoil with members of the Aragonese dynasty, the cathedral could not be completed in any way. Dolgostroy was erected occasionally, in parts, at large intervals. This led to a variety of styles. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was completed only by the eighteenth century. The facade of this temple is surprisingly decorated with red brick and river pebbles. But even more amazement is the interior of the cathedral. Luxurious altar, rosettes, stained glass, organ - an amazing mixture of Gothic and Baroque. In one of the chapels rest remains of King Sancho the First.

Church of St. James (Jaime)

This temple is located five hundred meters from the cathedral. The church is the oldest surviving sacred building. It was laid in 1245 by the father of the first ruler of Mallorca, Jaime the First of Aragon. But the small cathedral of St. James makes the city of Perpignan (France) famous. Reviews of tourists say that on Good Friday it is from here that the "Sanch" procession begins. People dressed in crimson and black cassocks with hoods (like the Ku Klux Klan) in full silence march through the streets of the city. This tradition originated in the fifteenth century and is called upon to reveal moral support to those condemned to the death penalty. In addition, the interior of the church is considered the most beautiful in the city. Especially noteworthy is the icon of Our Lady of Hope and the Baroque altar of the Rosary.

Museum of Riga

Not only the railway station glorified Salvador Dali city of Perpignan (France). Several of his works are exhibited in the Rigo Museum, which is located at: ul L'ang, 16. Also there are canvases of Catalan and Spanish masters from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, as well as French painters - primitivists and avant-gardists. The museum is open every day, except Monday, from half-past ten to six. What is interesting: there is no break for the siesta.

Maritime Exchange

This structure has long been the focus of business life located near the coast of the city of Perpignan (France). Photo of the Maritime Exchange is also decorated with guidebooks. The building was built in 1397. Once there the merchants who arrived on ships gathered, and made out there trade deals. There it was possible to charter a ship with a crew. After the suppression of the Catalan uprising in the seventeenth century, the French authorities conducted public executions of regime oppressors in front of the Exchange building. And in the thirties of the twentieth century in the cafe on the square there were guides who helped to flee Franco from the Spaniards. Not far from the Stock Exchange, Perpignan City Hall rises. This building of the sixteenth century is also built in the Majorcan style (in the lining used a row of flat sea pebbles).

Attractions near the city

In addition to the wonderful beaches, I would like to highlight a few more interesting places that the South of France is famous for. Perpignan modern is located only five kilometers to the west of the ancient Ruscino (which gave the name of the province of Roussillon). Ancient Roman forum has survived, and archaeological excavations have brought to the world many interesting artifacts. The castle of Salses was built by Ferdinand of Aragon in 1497 on the site of an ancient fortress that protected the salt road from Spain to France. This fort is located sixteen kilometers from the center of Perpignan.

Gastronomic tour

A real feast of the stomach can be arranged by visiting the numerous oyster farms. Perpignan (France) is famous for the breeding of these molluscs. The warm sea, shallow sandy bottom and the absence of strong currents contribute to the ripening of especially large specimens. You can ride along the coast and buy oysters from the direct producers on farms. But it is possible to arrive easier: to visit in Por-Lokat in Perpignan along Espinal avenue and choose the right product.