Visiting the Surroundings

"Lleida, land of channels" is what the slogan says in the first stage of the cycle of routes of the Channel of Urgell.

It is an excursion, more than recommended, that consists on crossing the tunnel that goes from Marcobau to the Castle of Montclar. A walk that is completely justified for those who desire to see closely two of the most important works of engineering of their time: the Channel of Urgell itself and the Castle of Montclar.

The journey can only be done during fall or winter, and with authorization of the Casa Canal. The level of the excursion is middle, but one has to be foresighted and bring water boots, a raincoat, a helmet and a light.

The tunnel of Montclar can be defined as a truly emblematic construction because of its longitude and great significance; it was the most important of Europe during a big period of time. Its construction started on November of 1853 and was finished until 8 years later, on November of 1861. Its cut with the shape of a horseshoe is covered with stone, and its slope is about one meter high per a thousand meters long. On the axis of the tunnel, by the exit of Montclar, there is a monolith that commemorates the construction.The tunnel is about five kilometres long and produces a big impact when one walks inside. This journey allows experiencing the work of other times, the bravery of the people involved, the value of water on dry lands, and that antique pray of the people of yesterday.

• "We are inheritor of a past and milestones of the pass of time; the water is, and will be, our link", people of the region still say.