Canal History and Paper Fashion
The Museu de Vestits de Paper preserves almost 90 paper dresses. The collection brings together pieces from various editions of the Concurs Nacional de Vestits de Paper, making a competition the focus of a museum devoted to a specific subject. The museum also explains how paper dresses are made and connects the tradition to a small workshop in Mollerussa in the 1950s. The collection and its origins therefore draw attention both to the finished dresses and to the craft behind them. Visits are possible by prior appointment; take this step into account when planning your visit.
The ECCU and the Canals d’Urgell
The Espai Cultural dels Canals d’Urgell, or ECCU, is an interpretation centre for the areas irrigated by the Canals d’Urgell. Its permanent exhibition covers the area and the canal; other rooms are reserved for temporary exhibitions. Visits to the ECCU are always guided and require advance booking. The permanent exhibition and temporary exhibition rooms offer different ways into the subject, while the visiting requirements remain equally important for every appointment.
The ECCU is located on the ground floor of Casa Canal. The 1,200 m² building was constructed between 1867 and 1876. Beside the ECCU, the third main canal of the Canals d’Urgell and its associated waterfall run along the avenue. Thus, the history of the irrigated areas, the exhibition centre and a specific feature of the canal system all form part of this visit. Casa Canal also brings together a historic building and its current use as the ECCU’s headquarters.
Architecture and Local Culture
The Esglèsia de Sant Jaume makes its own architectural statement. It is large and inspired by Florentine architecture. Its basilica-style layout comprises two side aisles and a much taller central nave. Its square shape, its height of 40 metres from the base to the top, and its construction entirely from exposed brick give the building further clearly describable features. Those looking at the architecture can consider the floor plan, proportions and materials as different aspects of the same building.
The Fira de Sant Josep also shapes the city’s cultural identity: founded in 1872 as a fair primarily focused on agriculture, it is now known as La Feria Catalana de la Maquinaria AgrĂcola, the Catalan Agricultural Machinery Fair. Alongside the agricultural machinery fair, it also includes a motor show. The Aplec de la Sardana puts another tradition at the centre: it is maintained in Mollerussa across generations and includes an introductory circle for people who want to learn Sardana or improve their skills.
Els annexos del Minúscul offers cultural activities in Mollerussa throughout the year, with music as its central theme. The Minúscul festival reached its fifth edition. A differently structured event is Fita Alta Madness at the Circuit d’Autocròs de Mollerussa: 100 ascents and descents of the ramp are planned; the course covers a total of 7 kilometres and 700 metres of elevation gain. These different formats have their own focus—from music and dance to a course described in precise figures.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
Mollerussa is easily accessible via the A-2 motorway and has a railway station on the Lleida–Manresa line, as well as bus services. Visiting requirements vary for the cultural stops: visits to the Museu de Vestits de Paper are possible by prior appointment, while visits to the ECCU are always guided and must be booked in advance. Anyone looking for a hotel in Mollerussa can choose their destination according to their interests in paper fashion, canal history, architecture or the cultural events mentioned above.
Discover more destinations: Sant Serni de Llanera, Cubells, Ciutadilla, Ainet de Besan, Almatret, La Torre De Cabdella, Burg, TurbiĂ s.
For the broader travel overview: Lleida.
