This Catalan mountain town sits at 1,202 meters in the Pyrenees, with a central lake, Gothic church, and weekly market dating back to the 13th century.
Perched on a hilltop in the Pyrenees along the Spanish-French border, Puigcerdà welcomes you with its medieval streets and mountain views. Walk past the 12th-century bell tower, explore the Gothic church of Sant Domènec with its original mural paintings, or stroll around the artificial lake where black poplars line the shore. Visit the Sunday markets to taste regional Cerdanya cheese, or take a 30-minute train ride to nearby ski slopes in winter.
Getting to Puigcerdà
Take the Portet-Saint-Simon–Puigcerdà railway, which connects to both Spanish and French networks. From the French town of Bourg-Madame, walk 15 minutes uphill to reach Puigcerdà's center. The old town spreads across the hilltop with irregular streets forming a maze of narrow passages and small squares.
Main Square and Historic Buildings
Plaza de Santa María serves as the town's heart, where you'll find medieval markets and the annual Trinxat Festival. The 12th-century Torre del Campanar rises above the square - this bell tower remained standing after the 1936 destruction of Santa María church and now houses the tourist office. Inside the Gothic church of Sant Domènec, built between 1291 and the 15th century, you can see original mural paintings. Visit the Old Hospital, dating from 1190, to see the mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in one building.
Lake and Parks
Walk around the 13th-century artificial lake on the circular path, or rest in the adjacent Schierbeck Park to take in views of the Pyrenees. For hiking, follow the marked trails in Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, a 40,000-hectare area where you might spot chamois goats climbing the rocks or bearded vultures soaring overhead.
Markets and Shopping
Every Sunday, follow your nose through the old town streets where vendors sell aged sheep cheese from Cerdanya farms, fresh vegetables, and seasonal wild mushrooms. Browse the pedestrian streets to find traditional food stores selling local specialties and clothing shops with both regional and international brands.
Winter Activities
Between December and March, ski at La Molina and Masella resorts. Rent equipment and book lessons from local companies in town, then catch regular trains to the slopes. Plan your return carefully - the last trains depart at 17:17, 17:57, or 19:24.
