ATG trip: Secret Catalunya (Discovering)

Background: The beautiful Vall d’Arques is set in the historic heart of Catalonia – an area now largely abandoned. This semi-wilderness is inhabited by outstanding birdlife and rare species of flora.

Problem: Among the abandoned buildings is the church of Santa Roma, with its elegant three-storey Romanesque bell-tower, overlooking waterfalls and unspoilt views to the Segre Valley. Subsidence has caused major cracks in the structure and, inside, ancient timbers are in urgent need of replacement.

Project: To underpin the building and prevent further movement of the base rock on which the church is perched. To clear invasive vegetation, and to replace the roof and consolidate the lovely tower so that the Chapel of Arques can be restored to full usage.

Sustainability: The conservation of this architectural gem in its idyllic setting cannot help but attract travellers and benefit the local tourism economy.

Project in progress