Romanesque, faults and starlight sky. The route of the three heritages.

The picturesque villages scattered among the mountains, such as the 10 municipalities of the National Park of Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici, including Vall de Boí, offer a unique experience under a dark sky, where the stars seem infinite. These regions, recognized as a Tourist Destination and Starlight Reserve by UNESCO, must be preserved. Discover one of the most spectacular night skies in the Pyrenees, ideal for astronomy, especially in the viewpoint of Sant Quirc de Durro, where you can enjoy an astronomical table-lookout that will guide you in observing the firmament.

The Plaza Mayor of Durro maintains a rustic and medieval charm, with an ancient core and an abrupt layout. Its houses, which merge residential elements with livestock and agricultural features, reflect the traditional life of the place. The solidity of its constructions, together with the carefully crafted decorative details, bear witness to the prosperity that once characterized the town.

The Church of the Nativity, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2020, reflects the historical relevance of Durro during the Middle Ages. Its imposing nave, bell tower, sculpted doorway and portico stand out. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Romanesque temple underwent several renovations that included the creation of new Gothic chapels and a Baroque sacristy. The Romanesque image of Nicodemus, which was originally part of a set of the Descent from the Cross, is preserved in its interior.

About 20 minutes walk from Durro is the hermitage of Sant Quirc, a World Heritage Site since 2020, located on the mountain of Durro at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Its location is not accidental, but a territorial mark linked to the pagan tradition of the fallas. This 12th century building, of modest dimensions, presents baroque elements. In its interior different artistic periods coexist, with the copy of the front of the Romanesque altar, the Gothic image of San Quirc and Santa Julita, and the Baroque altarpiece. It is one of the best viewpoints in the Vall de Boí, ideal for enjoying the Starlight sky.

The festival of les falles, celebrated in 63 villages in the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees, has been declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It all starts at the Faro, a high point on the mountain overlooking the village, where pines and other trees are planted to create a large bonfire. After dinner, when night falls, the fallaires light the lighthouse and, with it, the fallas, beginning their descent towards the village. Upon arrival at the square, they are greeted with music and joy, and a large bonfire is lit with the remains of the fallas, starting a party that can last all night.

From the hermitage of Sant Quirc, follow the forest track for about 700 meters until you take a path to the left uphill, which later connects again with the track. Continue to the right and, at the next bend, take a detour to the viewpoint of l'Escaleta, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the valley. From there, we follow the well-marked path that, crossing woods and meadows, leads us back to Durro.