The Albera range

The Albera range is the name given to the eastern end of the Pyrenees which stretches from the pass of “El Pertús” to the sea. It is a region with a well-defined personality, typically Mediterranean in landscape and ecology. It separates the wide Empordà plain from that of Roussillon and since the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 part of the French-Spanish border has run along its crest. The Albera range is about 25 km long.
The total surface area of 3428 hectares is divided into two sectors. One is the Requesens-Baussitges sector, the other is the Sant Quirze-Balmeta sector. The area is inhabited by species characteristic of the Mediterranean basin as well as Euro Siberian species found in Catalonia's mountainous areas and damper regions. The streams and rivers are inhabited by turtles.

 The Albera boasts a rich heritage of Romanesque architecture, the style that prevailed during the high middle Ages when settlements in the area were consolidated. The most outstanding in the nature area is the former Benedictine monastery of Sant Quirze de Colera, documented as far back as the 10th century, of which the magnificent basilica church and remains of the cloister, other monastic buildings and the fortifications can still be seen.

Information Centre and Office     
Rectoria Vella c. Amadeu Sudrià, 3
17753 Espolla
Tel: 972 54 50 79
Fax: 972 54 51 39
email: pninalbera.dma@gencat.net

Web: www.parcsdecatalunya.net
 
Information Centre and permanent exhibition     
Can Laporta C/ Major, 2
17700 La Jonquera
Tel: 972 55 52 58
Fax: 972 55 57 40
 
Other centres:
The Albera Tortoise Breeding Centre     
Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Camp
17780Garriguella
Tel: 972 55 22 45