SURIA: GEOTOUR IN LES GUIXERES

GEOLOGICAL AND HERITAGE TRAIL

Description:
This is a circular itinerary in the Serra del Puig de Sanç within the Central Catalonia Geopark, for discovering ancient gypsum kilns and local geological and monumental heritage amidst nature. In this area, known as Les Guixeres, there had been a small village inhabited in medieval times, and also a major gypsum exploitation which was intensified from the seventeenth century and lasted until the mid-twentieth century.

 

Interest:

Geology, history, medieval heritage, industrial heritage, hiking


Purpose of activity:
1. Learn about geology and how it was Suria and Central Catalonia 35 million years ago.
2. Knowing a medieval settlement that until recently had only written documents.
3. Discover the significance of the gypsum industry in Suria, through buildings, kilns and quarries from different centuries for understanding the processes of extraction and gypsum burning until the mid-50s.

 

Approximate length: 2h 30min - 3h

(Guided tour)

 

Difficulty: gentle/moderate

 Languages: Catalan, Spanish, English, French

 

Timetable:

Tours usually start early in the morning (about 8am and 10am) or else in the afternoon.

 

Material for the attendees:

Guide explanations are complemented with augmented reality new technologies and  applications for mobile devices.

 

Transport:

Not included


 

REMEMBER!:         

  • No walking off the beaten track.
  • Respect geological heritage.
  • No damage outcrops.
  • Do not collect rock samples unless the guide indicates to do it.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:        

Water, food, hat, sunscreen, appropriate clothing, comfortable footwear to walk in the forest and medication if need it (allergies, etc.).


Meeting point Geotour in Les Guixeres
Parking area down the street Camí de Les Guixeres, in the neighborhood Els Joncarets (Suria).
Acces_Map_TourLesGuixeres_GB.png
Formato Portable Network Image 428.3 KB

Geological Relevance of Suria 

The uniqueness of the composition of its rocks and the ways in which these have been eroded by dissolution have formed on eof the most unique micro landscapes of Catalonia. Suria has traditionally been a place to visit not only by geologists, but also for those interested in unsual landscape forms. Its geology is an example of the evolution of an inland sea that evaporated millions of years ago.


This town, still engaged in mining potash (discovered in 1912), is located in an area of geological folds (rock deformation) and thrust of the Potassic Catalan Basin. In Suria materials from Paleogene have been settled (about 41-34 million years ago), with salts of about 37 million years ago, and processes of river erosion and tectonic movements that characterize the well known Mig Mon anticlineand Tordell fault, avariety of sedimentary rocks (gypsium, limestone, clays, sandstones and conglomerates), sinkholes and river terraces. In addition, Suria has some mine shafts whose location allows to understand very well the relationship between geological structure andthe status of their mining operations.

Geological map of Suria
Geological map of Suria

Recovery Of A Local Heritage:                                                Les Guixeres Retirees Volunteer Group

(In Catalan)


RATES

 

GEOTOUR

LES GUIXERES

LES GUIXERES & TICs

(WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES)

  Catalan / Spanish English / French Catalan / Spanish
English / French
Adults 7,50€  9,50€ 10,50€
12,50€

Seniors

Students

Unemployed

5,50€ 7,50€
8,50€
10,50€

Children

(8-12 years old)

4,50€  6,50€ 7,50€
9,50€

Under

8 years old

Free
 Free Free
Free
Groups Contactar
 Contactar
Contactar
Contactar

 

(*) Prices are per person and include 21% VAT.

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Early booking is required

T. +34-610 852 779

                                                      info@tourinnovation.com

 

PHOTO GALLERY