Cardet: Santa Maria, Trails and Panoramic Views
Accommodation in Cardet
Santa Maria de Cardet and Romanesque Architecture
Santa Maria de Cardet dates from the 11th and 12th centuries and is the smallest church in the Vall de Boí. It has the only small crypt in the Romanesque church ensemble of the Vall de Boí. Instead of a conventional bell tower, Santa Maria de Cardet has a bell gable in the form of an espadaña, dating back to Baroque alterations to the church.
The door of Santa Maria de Cardet still features a medieval wrought-iron bolt with geometric decorations and an artistically crafted head at the end. During the last restoration of Santa Maria de Cardet, the aim was to preserve the church interior in the condition it was in at the beginning of the 20th century.
Reservoir, Valley Views and Viewpoints
In the wider surroundings of Candet lies the Salencar de Barruera, also known as Pantà de Cardet; the Cardet reservoir collects the waters of the Noguera de Tor, lies at the foot of the hill below Candet and below Barruera. Candet offers panoramic views of the Cardet reservoir, the Salencar area, the valley and the peaks of the Vall de Boí.
The Mirador de Santa Maria de Cardet offers views of the Barruera plain and the natural area of the Salencar. At the Cardet reservoir there are viewpoints such as the Presa de Cardet, where you can sit and enjoy the view.
Trails Around Cardet
The Barruera–Cardet route is 2.20 km long, has an elevation gain of 90 m and takes 50 minutes. After crossing the L-500 and following the mountain slope, the Barruera–Cardet trail leads directly to the church of Santa Maria de Cardet. Anyone including the trail in their plans can consider the stated duration together with the elevation gain and schedule the visit accordingly within the day.
The circular route Ruta circular del Románico - 2 runs directly below Santa Maria de Cardet and then continues along the southern edge of the village. For orientation in the terrain, both the route along the mountain slope and the crossing of the L-500 serve as fixed reference points. From the Mirador de Santa Maria de Cardet, you can reach the area below the imposing apse of the church of Santa Maria de Cardet. This apse is one of the most impressive apses in the valley.
Orientation on Site
Candet can be reached from a turn-off on the L-500 road; the route then leads uphill for about 1 km. Candet is the smallest district of its municipality. To reach the Mirador de Santa Maria de Cardet, leave the car at the entrance to Cardet and follow the signs behind the Santa Maria church; access is indicated as taking 3 minutes. This short three-minute access complements the longer connection as an independent route to the viewpoint.
Other destinations: Erill La Vall, El Pla De L'ermita, Taüll, Barruera.
For the overarching travel overview: La Vall De Boí.
