Lleida, the cradle of the last discoverers of America

This is a route to discover the home town of Pere Fages (Guissona) and the town of origin of the family of the mother of Gaspar de Portolà (Solsona), and how the two interacted with their surroundings.

 

Cervera - Guissona - Solsona
In his role as the person in charge of the first expedition to arrive at the Bay of Monterrey and San Diego (1769-1770), Gaspar de Portolà effectively began the discovery of Alta California. Pere Fages, who was a lieutenant in the Unit of Volunteers from Catalonia, contributed to this mission and later became the highest official of the government of Alta California. A native of Guissona, Fages was a person with a solid military training and vocation.

He was replaced in his position as Governor by Fernando Rivera i Moncada as a consequence of his constant disagreements with Fray Juníper Serra.

On the other hand, the maternal side of Gaspar de Portolà’s family was originally from Solsona. They were relatives of the leading supporter of King Felipe, and perpetual councillor of Barcelona, Domingo de Sanispleda.

 

ROUTE

 

CERVERA

Pere Fages, the first Governor of Alta California, studied at the University of Cervera, which is surely the most important and representative building in the town, given its great historical importance. Its construction, in 1717, was promoted by Felipe V, who awarded the fidelity of the town during the War of the Spanish Succession. Inside the chapel, or Great Hall, is a magnificent altarpiece dedicated to the Immaculada (Virgin Mary), the patron saint of the students.
 

GUISSONA

The home town of Pere Fages, and where he was born in around 1734. Fages became a fundamental figure in the early years of the colonisation of Alta California. In Guissona, it is possible to retrace his steps, from the fountains and public laundry area to the collegiate church of Santa Maria, with its magnificent Baroque chapel, which is dedicated to the Virgin of the Cloister.

 

SOLSONA

The town of origin of the family of Teresa de Rovira i Sanispleda, the mother of Gaspar de Portolà and niece of the Felipist and perpetual councillor of Barcelona, Domingo de Sanispleda. In the Plaça Major (main square), it is possible to find the old house of the Rovira family.

 

OTHER TOURISM PROPOSALS

The Castles of the River Sió Route visits the settlements and castles of La Segarra, an area dominated by crops of barley and wheat, and passes the castles of Montcortès, Concabella, Ratera, Les Pallargues, L'Aranyó, Florejacs, Les Sitges, Vicfred and Montfalcó Murallat.