Castle of the Templar Knights of Gardeny

The Castle of the Templar Knights of Gardeny is a unique space that offers visitors the chance to take an exciting journey into the past and learn more about one of the most interesting and controversial communities in Lleida's history.

In the second half of the 12th century, the Order of the Knights Templar built a monastery complex on Gardeny Hill, a strategic raised outcrop that had frequently been used as a military camp, probably since Roman times.

In the 17th and 18th centuries the old Medieval complex was expanded and transformed into a new military fort, designed in response to the new defensive needs resulting from the introduction of artillery: walls flanked with bastions and surrounded by open spaces, moats and contention walls.

What can be seen today of this historical complex are the remains of the imposing castle which, together with the castles in Miravet, Monzón, Peníscola and the city of Tortosa, form part of the Domus Templi Knights Templar Dominions Route. This trip back into the past gives visitors a chance to get to know much of the Templar heritage in the old Kingdom of Aragon.

Interpretation Center of the Order of the Temple

When in the spring of 1149, the count of Barcelona Ramon Berenguer IV began the siege of the Muslim city of Lleida from the same hill of Gardeny, he had the collaboration of the Templar militia, which contributed to the sending military personnel. Once the city was conquered, and in gratitude for its participation, the count himself handed over to the the militia several goods, including the same hill as Gardeny.

The visit includes the projection of an audiovisual on the origin of the Templar communities, the rules that govern them and the particularities of the Templar House in Gardeny.

Today, after more than 800 years, we can discover what the Templar house in Gardeny was like. We can learn about and relive the ideals of the Order of the Temple, and how the monastic militia lived.

With this new Centre, Turisme de Lleida offers Lleida residents and visitors a piece of the city's history in an educational and accessible way. Panels, audiovisuals and explanatory elements recreate the life of this religious and military order.