Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

To start your visit, please head to the back of the church.

The Church of L’Assumpció de Cóll was built in the second half of the 12th century. What makes this church stand out from the others in the Vall de Boí ensemble is that its wall stones are much larger and more finely shaped. Can you imagine how much effort it took to chisel each stone into this shape?

Now, to continue your visit, please go around the church to the right and find a spot in front of the entrance door.

Here on the façade is the most interesting part of the Church of L’Assumpció de Cóll: the decoration on the door. As you can see, it is surrounded by a border with a grid-like pattern. Above the door is a Christogram, the symbol of Christ made up of His initials in Greek. If you look closely at the top corners of the Christogram, you will see two birds. They represent his resurrection – coming back to life after death. Just below, there are two human figures. One of them is playing an instrument that announces the end of the world.
On the doorway, there are still lots of interesting things to see. Notice the ornate pieces above the columns – they are called capitals. If you look carefully, you will see they are decorated with plants, as well as people and animals. This battle between man and beast probably represents the fight between good and evil.
The iron pieces that form the latch are also worth a look. If you get closer, you will see the bolt ends in the shape of an animal’s head. Can you guess what animal it is? There’s also a tiny bell engraved on it – see if you can spot it!
Now, to continue your visit, please make your way inside. However, do bear in mind that this church is not open year-round; if you find it closed, you can explore its interior using the virtual resource available in your guide.

Now that you’re inside, find a spot by the first row of pews. From here, you can get a good view of the church’s layout. See how there’s just one big space, called the nave, with a curved ceiling above you? At the end of the nave, there’s a rounded area – that’s the apse. And on both sides, there are two small chapels that were added later on.
The church was lit by round windows called oculi, like the ones you can see at both ends of the nave. There are also two other windows. One of the oculi is above the door and lets in the afternoon light. The other is above the apse, where the morning light comes in. A little further down on this wall, you will spot a tall window. This one is very special because, not only does it light up the church, but it also represents the light of God. The other window is on the right wall and brings in the midday light.
Now, make your way to the entrance, where you will find the three stone basins.

In front of you are three stone basins. But what were they used for? Well, one of them is used for baptisms, which is why it is called the baptismal font. Another one holds holy water, which is used by believers to protect themselves from evil. Finally, there’s the oil basin, which contained oil for lamps. As you know, electricity is a modern invention; for many centuries, when the sun went down, places were lit up by lamps that burned oil to create a small flame.

Ambient background sounds.
Priest (an older man): It’s getting dark. You can light the lamps now.
Young man: Father, they’re empty. And there’s not much oil left in the basin; maybe just enough for one or two more days.
Priest (an older man): Go and fill them up! Then put them back in place with the ladder. I’m too old for climbing ladders now.
Young man: Right away, Father!
Priest (to himself): We’re running low on oil. The harvests haven’t been good this year. And the parishioners have contributed less than usual. I’ll need to ask them to make an effort; the church can’t be left in darkness.
Ambient background sounds.

To continue your visit, head up to the choir, which is the raised area at the top. You can go up the spiral staircase next to the door.

This raised area is called the choir. Important people at the time would sit here to enjoy the mass more comfortably. It was also where the choir members stood so everyone in the church could hear their music.
Before you head back down, take a good look around the church. From up here, you can see the iron holders that were used for the lamps to light up the space. Notice that one of them is shaped like a rooster!

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

To start your visit, please head to the back of the church.

Look at how big this church is! Isn’t it surprising to find such a huge church in a small village? Well, when it was built around 900 years ago, Durro was actually a really important place. The nobles, who were in charge back then, had lots of money and used it to build churches.
But things changed a few centuries later, at the end of the 15th century. The peasants, who were living in terrible conditions, decided to stand up to the nobles, and this led to a war. One of the big battles during this war happened right here at this church. Would you like to hear what happened? Well, one of the feudal lords involved was Hug Roger III, the most powerful lord in the area. When he lost the war, the king took away his lands and his title as count. But Hug Roger was not going to give up. He came back to the Vall de Boí with a group of armed men to attack Durro and try to take back his power. The scared villagers took refuge inside this church, but Hug Roger was furious and set it on fire!

Ambient background sounds.
The atmosphere inside the church is thick with nerves and tension.
Woman: Don’t be afraid! These walls will protect us!
Man: Hug has lost his senses! He shows no respect even for the church.
Woman: Pray to God. He will not let us die.
Man: He won’t stop until he recovers his county. He has come with reinforcements from France – a cohort of savages.
Woman: Have faith.
Man: Faith? The fire is spreading around the church. Only the troops of the Viscount of Cardona can save us, but where are they?
Ambient background sounds.

The bell tower of the Church of La Nativitat de Durro is 26 metres tall. It is the tallest one in the Vall de Boí. Can you guess why they built such tall towers? For starters, it was for religious reasons: they believed that the taller the tower, the closer it brought them to God. But there’s more. A high tower also provided a great view of the village and the surrounding countryside, helping the villagers to spot any enemies coming their way, which was really important during a time of so many wars.
To continue your visit, go around the church to your right and take a place under the porch, in front of the side door.

Now you are under the porch. This portico, or porch, provided shelter from the sun, rain and snow for those waiting to go inside the church or for other events taking place outside. If it’s really hot, raining or snowing today, you will be really thankful for this shelter! It also had a symbolic purpose: it acted as a doorway between the earthly world and the sacred house of God.
Take a look at the door. Notice how it is decorated with columns and capitals. The capitals are the top parts of the columns, just before the arch starts to curve. If you look closely at the capitals, you will see borders, plants and animals. And there’s even a tiny face hidden there. See if you can find it!
Besides the figures on the capitals, this door holds another secret. Take a look at the latch. Do you see the square iron plate around the keyhole? If you get a bit closer, you will notice it has a drawing of a castle with four towers. Right in the middle, there’s a human figure, probably the lord of the castle. And beside it, you will see a plant or tree along with two animals that look like horses. Also, the latch’s bolt, which is the iron piece that keeps the door closed, has an animal head at the end. Does it look like a snake or maybe a dragon to you?
Now that you have spotted these details, you are ready to go inside the church.

As soon as you go inside, you will spot lots of painted pieces filled with pictures of saints and holy figures. These are called altarpieces, and they show important moments from the lives of these people.
In the one closest to you, starting on the right, you can see St. Anthony. On the opposite side, in the first one on the left, is the Virgin Mary. The second one on the left is dedicated to the Holy Christ and shows what happened in Jesus’s last days.
The second one on the right is dedicated to St. John. And at the very back, on the altar, is the main altarpiece, featuring the four virgin martyrs: St. Agatha, St. Barbara, St. Lucia and possibly St. Engratia. You will also see Mary and the Infant Jesus, with St. Joseph to the left, and on the right, St. Joachim with Mary as a child.
You might have also noticed the two big white birds on the walls by the altar? Those are Baroque lamp holders, where oil lamps were placed to light up the church.
Finally, take a look at the stone font with a green pyramid-shaped lid on it. This is the baptismal font, where water was put for baptisms.
Now, to continue your visit, head up to the choir of the church. You can access it via the stairs located at the entrance, near the ticket desk area.

Can you see that carving inside the glass case? It is the most important piece in the church. This wooden carving used to be part of a larger group of carvings, but most of them have disappeared. The only other one that survived is the Virgin Mary, which is now kept at the MNAC, the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona. Together, the whole set showed the moment when several people helped take Christ down from the cross after he died. The figure you see in front of you, Nicodemus, was the one who used tongs to remove the nails that held Jesus up.
So, how has the carving of Nicodemus managed to survive until today? Well, it stayed hidden for many years behind a Baroque altarpiece. A group of art restorers discovered it in 2001 while they were taking apart an altarpiece in the church to restore it. Can you imagine how exciting that must have been?
If you would like to see what the entire Descent ensemble looked like based on the information we have, you can explore that through the virtual resource.
Still in the choir, you might have noticed a pew and other pieces. These are the pieces of furniture that have gathered inside the church over the centuries and were used for religious ceremonies.
One of these items is a wooden pew, a type of bench found in churches. Be careful, though – you can’t sit on it! This bench has two very special panels on the left side of the backrest. These two boards, made from pine wood, were part of another piece of furniture, probably an older pew.

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

To start your visit, please head to the back of the church.

The Church of Sant Climent de Taüll is probably the most famous of all the churches in the Vall de Boí. That’s because it has some really beautiful and well-known paintings inside. You might have already heard of them.
Sant Climent de Taüll was built in the early 12th century, using the walls of an older building. Down here, in the lower part of the apses – these three rounded parts – you can still see the remains of those old walls. They are the blocks of stone that are cut in rougher shapes and do not quite match each other.
You can also see the three types of stone that were most often used to build the churches in the Vall de Boí: granite, a really hard stone perfect for the walls; slate, which is nice and flat so rain and snow can slide off the roofs; and pumice stone, which is the reddish-coloured stone you see in the decorations.
A long time ago, this church, like all the others in the valley, was covered in plaster [a kind of clay that makes walls smooth and hardens when it dries] on the outside, so you couldn’t see the stonework. On top of the plaster, red borders were painted, and some of them are still visible in certain places. You can see them, for example, inside the small round window on the side of the central apse, or in the long window next to it.
There are also remains of these borders around some of the bell tower’s windows, like under the saw-tooth pattern on the second-to-last floor.
In Sant Climent’s bell tower, you can see how these towers were built. They made the upper floors lighter, thinned the walls inside and gradually made the windows bigger.
Take a closer look at the bell tower, then head inside the church.

Here you are! You are in front of the Christ in Majesty of Sant Climent de Taüll. This is the image on the wall at the very back of the church. You have probably seen it before, as it’s really famous and appears in lots of places. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Catalan Romanesque art. But just so you know, the image you are looking at is actually a projection. The original painting was removed to keep it safe, and it is now in a museum in Barcelona. At the end of the video mapping, the projection will turn off for a few minutes, so you will be able to see the real bits of the painting that are still there.
You might be wondering why there are all these paintings. Were they just to decorate the church, or did they have another purpose? In the Middle Ages, wall paintings were incredibly important. They helped teach the townspeople – many of whom couldn’t read – how they should behave.

Ambient background sounds.
Master of Taüll: Why have you summoned me, Your Excellency and Reverend Sir?
Bishop: I am a great admirer of the paintings you created in Roda de Isábena, as well as the majesty and harmony of your representations of Christ.
Master of Taüll: Thank you for your kind words. I, too, am truly impressed by this church you have just built.
Bishop: : Yes, it’s been a considerable effort. But now it’s time to decorate it. To get straight to the point: I believe that a master like you would bring the Church of Sant Climent de Taüll the splendour it deserves.
Master of Taüll: Me? I’m not sure what to say. It would be an honour, but also a significant responsibility. Just look at all these walls…
Bishop: I want the faces you paint to be perfect. I want everyone who enters this church to feel the power of Christ in His triumphant figure.
Master of Taüll: And what do you have in mind, Your Excellency?
Bishop: I envision a grand Christ in Majesty in the main apse. The finest work ever painted.
Master of Taüll: Then let’s not delay any further! When can I get started?
Ambient background sounds.

Today, thanks to this video mapping, you will get to see what the painting looked like 900 years ago when it was first made.
But before the mapping starts, let’s learn about the figures in the painting, which will help you understand the story behind it.
At the centre of everything is Christ in Majesty, blessing with His right hand and holding a book in His left. Next to Him are the angels. All of these figures are up in heaven. At Christ’s feet are the four Evangelists – the people who wrote about the life of Jesus. Below them are the apostles, who were his main followers, and Mary, his mother, of course. Even further down, there’s the Earth, where all the people, animals and plants live.
Now that you know who’s who, you are ready to travel back in time and see how this painting was made. Just wait for the video mapping to start and enjoy the experience.
Mapping (Screening at Scheduled Times)

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

Welcome to the Church of Sant Feliu de Barruera. If you came from the village, you might have crossed the road. Did you notice that the church is located outside the village? Normally, churches are found right in the centre of towns, but in the Vall de Boí, most of them are a little further away.
To your left, you will see the church cemetery. There are some really old graves here, and even today, people from the village are still buried here. Cemeteries may seem like sad places, but they are also where people remember their loved ones and come together as a community.

Ambient background sounds.

Joan, an elderly man: Good morning, Maria. Could you possibly lend me your pruning shears?

Maria, an elderly woman: Of course!

Joan, an elderly man: I need them to tackle the weeds; they’re sprouting up everywhere, and soon the cross won’t be visible at all.

Maria, an elderly woman: Tell me about it! I come by every week to clean my husband’s grave. It gets so messy with the rain. And while I’m here, I like to change the flowers.

Joan, an elderly man: I have quite a bit to do. Besides the crosses and headstones of my family, I’m also tending to those of Manel’s family, as the poor chap can’t make it anymore. I spend the whole day here.

Maria, an elderly woman: Well, at least we get to see each other, even if it is in the cemetery.

Ambient background sounds.

Now, to continue the visit, head towards the back of the church. Look for the path that goes down to your right.

The Church of Sant Feliu has changed a lot over the centuries, with different parts being added at various times. When you look at the church as a whole, it looks like a big puzzle made up of different pieces.
One of these pieces is the apses, the rounded parts right in front of you. If you look closely, you will see that the two apses are quite different from each other. The larger one is the oldest, dating back to the 11th century. You can tell because it is made of rough-cut stones that look a bit uneven. It is also adorned with arches and vertical stripes. In contrast, the smaller apse was built later, about a century after, and it is made of more finely cut stones that fit together perfectly, without any decorative features.
It is helpful to know this about the stones because the same rule applies to all the churches in the Vall de Boí. If the stones are a bit uneven, that part is from the 11th century. If they are cut uniformly, they are from the 12th century.
Now, here is another important fact that will help you with the whole Vall de Boí set of churches. Have you noticed what this building is made of? Yes, it is made of stone. But let’s be a bit more specific. The walls are mostly made of granite, which is quite a hard stone. The roofs are made of slate, which is perfect because it allows water and snow to slide off easily. However, there is another type of stone to look for. To find it, look at the border that runs along the top of the small apse or the arch above the window in that same apse. Do you see that the stone looks more worn? This is because it is softer. This stone was used for decorations and is called pumice stone. Do you know where they found the pumice stone? It probably comes from the area around Noguera de Tor, the river that flows through Barruera.
To continue your visit, please enter the church and take a position in front of the pews.

If you are now in front of the pews, or benches, look up. You will notice that the ceiling is rounded, like a quarter of a sphere. Unlike many other churches in the Vall de Boí, this ceiling is made from pumice stone, which, as you know, is softer and easier to shape.
Inside the apse, there is something really interesting to discover. You will notice some white lines drawn on the stones, located between the central window and the one on the left. Can you guess why they made those lines? They were used to hide the fact that the stones in the wall were different from one another and not very well aligned. This is a kind of decorative border that can also be found in the churches of Sant Climent de Taüll, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall and Sant Joan de Boí.
If you would like to see how the entire apse of Sant Feliu de Barruera was originally adorned with these borders, activate the virtual resource.

Inside the Church of Sant Feliu, you will find two statues of Christ, some altarpieces and various pieces of furniture that have been used for many years during religious celebrations.
One of the statues of Christ is on the main altar, while the other stands on the floor. This statue is brought out on Holy Thursday for the Stations of the Cross, a celebration that remembers the last moments of Jesus’s life.
Among the furniture, there is a pew, or bench, and a confessional, which is a wooden booth where people confess their sins.

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

To start your visit, please head to the back of the church.

Sant Joan de Boí is the church with the most original features from the 11th century. For example, the lower part of the bell tower is made of stones that were cut roughly and are of different sizes. The next two levels, on the other hand, are from the 12th century; you can see the difference because the stones are more uniform and better shaped.
To continue your visit, head towards the side façade on your right, the one with the paintings.

What stands out most about the Church of Sant Joan de Boí, as you may have already noticed, are the mural paintings on the façade near the door. But these paintings are actually copies. The originals, just like the ones inside the church, were removed to preserve them and are now in the MNAC, a museum in Barcelona.
So, what does this mural illustrate? It shows a vision of God surrounded by a group of people. You may be wondering where God is. He is in the circular space at the centre, but unlike the other figures, He is represented by His initials in Greek. This is called a Christogram. On the left side of this scene, there is a saint holding a book in one hand, while on the other side, three figures are looking towards the vision of God in the centre. You can tell there are three because you can see their legs and feet, and a small part of the third figure’s head is visible. Finally, a decorative border frames the entire scene.
Years ago, this façade was protected by a porch, which was taken down at some point. This portico, or porch, provided shelter from the sun, rain and snow for those waiting to go inside the church or for other events taking place outside. It also had a symbolic purpose: it acted as a doorway between the earthly world and the sacred house of God.
Yet this wall still holds another treasure. On both sides of the door, above the cream-coloured plaster, some people scratched graffiti into the surface with a sharp object. Can you see them? If you look closely, you will find castles, horses, stars and even a soldier playing a horn. Just like the paintings, the graffiti are also copies.
If you look further to the left on this wall, you will find even more graffiti, such as rays of sunshine and more horses. See how many you can find and try to guess what they are.

Ambient background sounds.
Boy (nervously): Could you stop for a moment?
Girl: Look at that horse! My mum made it. And see that soldier on the castle? She made that too.
Boy: Soldiers don’t look like that.
Girl: This soldier’s playing the trumpet. A battle is about to happen!
Boy: Don’t draw anything! If the priest catches you, he’ll get angry.
Girl: I’ll just add some lines here. They’ll look like rays of sunshine.
Boy (very nervously): Watch out, the priest is coming!
Ambient background sounds.

All this graffiti is very important because it helps us understand how people from the past used to draw. What do you think?
To continue your visit, go through the door on your right. The door directly in front of you was the original entrance but has not been used for quite a while.

Have you noticed how many paintings there are? And look at those bright colours – aren’t they amazing? You might be wondering what all these paintings were for. Were they just for decorating the church, or did they have another purpose? In the Middle Ages, wall paintings were incredibly important. They helped teach the townspeople – many of whom couldn’t read – how they should behave.

For example, they show scenes from the lives of the saints as examples to follow. If you go to the end of the left-hand nave, behind the columns, and look up to the top, you will see the stoning of St. Stephen. The poor man was pelted with stones to try to make him change his beliefs, but he stood firm. This scene shows the strength and conviction of faith.
The next important scene is on the wall to your left as you face the altar. It shows entertainers, including a musician, a juggler with balls and knives, and an acrobat who is hanging upside down, trying to catch swords with his mouth.
This scene represents a celebration in heaven, full of music and joy. But it might also be related to the consecration of the church, the ceremony that made it a sacred place.
Now, take a look at the animals depicted on the walls and arches. How many can you spot? There is an elephant, a panther, a camel… Do you think these animals lived in the Vall de Boí back then? Probably not, of course. They came from distant lands, and some were even imaginary creatures, used by religion to illustrates examples of good and bad behaviour in people.
Do you want to see how this church was painted? Click on the virtual resource to discover how the masters created their work in the 12th century. After that, go to the entrance of the church and find a place in the left nave, looking towards the door.

On the back wall of the church, you will find another beast: a monster with seven heads and ten horns, representing the end of the world. Can you spot it?
There is another striking scene that you may have already spotted. If you turn your back to the seven-headed monster and look up, within the second arch, you will see the sinner. There is also a half-naked figure with a prosthetic leg. He is touching his private parts, which symbolised sexuality, something that was very frowned upon by the Church. The painting was meant to show that a person’s inner flaws could be visible on the outside as well. Today, luckily, we no longer see these as flaws.

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

As you can see, the Church of Sant Quirc de Durro stands at the top of the Durro mountain, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. From here, you have a stunning view of all the surrounding valleys and mountains. You might be wondering why they built it up here, in such a hard-to-reach place, far from the village. Well, there are two reasons.
Firstly, the church marked the boundary between the grazing pastures and the cultivated fields. The pastures, which stretch down to the village, belong to private owners. Meanwhile, the mountain land is shared by the whole community.
But the church also had another important role associated with the tradition of running with fire torches, known as falles in Catalan, which is still celebrated today. Have you heard of them? When summer starts, the young people from the village come up here at night and light a bonfire. After that, everyone lights their falla, which is like a big torch, and they descend to the village in a line, like a snake of fire. The Church of Sant Quirc marks the starting point for Durro’s falles. Depending on the time of year, you can still see the half-burnt torch at the edge of the cliff.
The fire torch run has been celebrated for a very long time and was meant to protect the pastures from misfortune. However, with the arrival of Christianity, this tradition evolved, and the saints took on the role of protecting the land.

Ambient background sounds.
Woman: I’ve heard that tonight, a few girls are going to run with the torches.
Man: What? That’s ridiculous. The torch run is done by men.
Woman: Don’t you think it’s time for that to change?
Man: It’s tradition. It’s always been done like that.
Woman: We’re in 2010. 2010! Durro is the only place in the Pyrenees where women still can’t take part in the torch run. So, I really hope what they’re saying is true and that these girls are bold enough to do it.
Man: I won’t believe it until I see it.
Ambient background sounds.

Now, from here, pay attention to another important detail. Sant Quirc’s bell tower is different from the rest of the Vall de Boí set of churches. Instead of being a tall tower reaching for the sky, it is low, with two windows where the bells are hung. This type of structure is called a bell gable. It was added after the Romanesque period, many years after the church was built.
Now, move closer to the entrance. You will be able to see the stones that make up the walls up close. Do you notice anything unusual? They are different from the rest of the Vall de Boí set of churches. These are made of slate, while the others are made of granite.
And speaking of stones, look at the ones that curve around the top of the door. These stones are called voussoirs. You will see they have a pinkish colour, which is different from the others. This is because they are made of pumice, a softer material than the stone used for the walls and, therefore, easier to carve, perfect for making decorations.
At Sant Quirc, you will also notice the few windows or openings that let light into the interior. In fact, there are only two: one in the central apse, which is the rounded back wall, and a circular window, called an oculus, just below the roof. This makes the inside dark, but it also protects it well from rain, snow, wind or anyone who might want to break in.
To continue your visit, you will need to go inside the church. However, at certain times of the year, it may be closed. If you are unable to enter, you can still get a good sense of the interior by viewing the virtual tour available in the guide.

The interior of the Church of Sant Quirc de Durro has changed over the centuries. That’s why there are artistic pieces from different periods: the Romanesque altar frontal; the Gothic image of St. Quirc and St. Julita; and the Baroque altarpiece at the back.
The Romanesque altar frontal, which is the piece in front of the altar, is dedicated to St. Quirc and St. Julita, his mother. It strikingly depicts the brutal martyrdoms these saints endured before their deaths. You can see St. Quirc being sawn in half from top to bottom or having nails driven into his face, while St. Julita is shown pierced by swords. In one dramatic scene, both saints are depicted in a boiling cauldron.. How cruel, right?

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

Have you noticed how impressive this bell tower is? It stands six storeys tall! Do you know why they built them so high? The taller the tower, the closer it is to the sky, and therefore to God.
But having a really tall tower was also important for keeping watch over the area, just in case any enemies approached. At the same time, it allowed communication with other villages in the Vall de Boí, warning them if something was happening. That’s why you can see the bell towers of Sant Joan de Boí and Sant Climent de Taüll from this spot.
If you can, take a moment to enjoy the sound of the bells ringing out across the village – it’s definitely worth it!
After that, head over to the porch where the entrance to the church is.

This porch, similar to home porches or bus shelters, was designed to protect people from the sun, rain or snow.
Until just a few years ago, the church door was a popular gathering place for the villagers. Before and after mass, people would linger at the entrance to greet their fellow villagers and catch up. This portico, or porch, provided shelter from the sun, rain and snow for those waiting to go inside the church or for other events taking place outside. It also had a symbolic purpose: it acted as a doorway between the earthly world and the sacred house of God.
Above the arch of the door, you will see two snakes facing each other – a clear warning against sin. Can you spot them?
But the wall in front of you hides an important secret. On either side of the door, there are two stones with white drawings: a type of cross on the left and a star on the right. Do you know what they are? They were created to protect the church from evil. If you look around the rest of the wall, you might find even more. And if you walk around the church to the right, there are other drawings, like a spiral or an ear of corn. But these were not meant to ward off evil; they indicated who had carved the stones. Once you have found them, go inside the church.

Have you seen those impressive figures? Do you know what’s happening in this scene? Take a good look, and when you go up to the choir, the little balcony behind you, we can talk about it.
You should know that this church was built in parts: first, they constructed the nave, which is the large room you are in now. A few years later, the nave was expanded, and the bell tower and porch were added. At that time, part of the nave accidentally collapsed and was rebuilt. Later, in the 16th century, they added the choir and made other changes.
This was because the church was built on the stone that was already here, which was slightly sloped.
Now, go up to the choir, where you will have a great view of the wooden figures.

You are now in the choir, which is like a theatre box for important guests. From here, you have a clear view of the wooden carvings above the altar. Together, they depict a scene from the life of Jesus. Specifically, they show the moment when some people help to take his body down from the cross after he has died. This scene is known as the Descent from the Cross of Erill.
Do you want to know who the figures are? From left to right, the figures include: Dimas (the Good Thief), the Virgin Mary, Joseph of Arimathea, Jesus, Nicodemus, St. John and Gestas (the Bad Thief). The Good Thief and the Bad Thief were crucified alongside Jesus.
It is really special to see this whole scene because almost all the others from that time have disappeared over the years.
But remember, the figures you see here are faithful copies. The original ones are kept in a museum in Barcelona and another one in Vic. Guess what? The original carvings were painted in bright colours! If you want to see what they looked like, check out the virtual resource.

In the choir, there are several pieces of furniture that were used for religious ceremonies and were discovered not too long ago. They are not used anymore, and now we see them as works of art. Can you imagine the surprise of the historians and archaeologists who found them?

Archaeologist: Before we move on, let’s take a quick look beneath the choir. You never know what we might find.
Art Historian: Over there! Shine your torch on that pile of wood.
Archaeologist: Is it what I think it is?
Art Historian: There are quite a few! They’re all severely rotted! This one just fell apart in my hand.
Archaeologist: We’ll need to restore them carefully.
Art Historian: It is worth it. These altarpieces will be essential in reconstructing the history of this church. And once restored, they should be displayed right here.

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

Santa Maria de Cardet is the smallest church in the Vall de Boí. This might be why it has such a lovely and welcoming appearance, especially with its charming little porch at the entrance. If it weren’t for the bell tower, you could easily mistake it for a house in the village. Don’t you think?
Santa Maria de Cardet has some unique features that set it apart from the other churches in the Vall de Boí ensemble. For instance, instead of a tall bell tower, it has a little tower with three windows for the bells, known as a bell gable.
Another interesting detail is the latch. If you take a closer look, you will notice that the bolt is adorned with a beautiful human head.
However, what truly makes Santa Maria special is its stunning apse. The apse is the rounded part at the back of the church.To see it, you will need to step outside the church grounds and take a left in the direction you’re heading. Then, simply walk down a couple of streets until you reach a wooden platform.

As you can see, the apse of Santa Maria is quite tall. This is because they took advantage of the mountain’s slope when building it. When you go inside, you will notice it has two levels: one is the main church floor, and the other is below that.
Here’s an intriguing detail: to the upper left, in the second arch that adorns the top of the apse, there is a human head carved in relief. Can you find it?
To continue your visit, head inside.

As you already know, Santa Maria de Cardet is the smallest of the churches in the Vall de Boí ensemble, but the inside feels even more compact because the altarpiece, which is the painted wooden panel at the back, covers part of the apse. Behind the altarpiece, there’s a grain store, which is a bit surprising for a church. The grain store is about waist height and has a small wooden lid. If you want to see it, you can go through the little door in the altarpiece later on.
But first, take a look at another painting on wood in front of the altar. Well, actually, it is a copy because the original painting is in the MNAC, a museum in Barcelona. This painting is dedicated to Mary and the childhood of her son, Jesus. You can see several scenes. In the middle, Mary is holding the Infant Jesus on her lap. In the upper left, there is a depiction of the moment when the angel visited Mary. To the upper right, you can see the birth of Jesus. Below, on the left is the arrival of the Three Wise Men, and on the right, there’s the moment when Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with baby Jesus to escape from the Romans. Do these scenes sound familiar from the nativity story?
This altarpiece was painted by artists from the Ribagorça workshop, which was very skilled and created similar pieces for other churches.

Ambient background sounds.
Master: You need to focus on the stucco reliefs, Jaume.
Jaume: But, Master, I’ve been working with stucco for quite a while now. I want a chance to paint the figures. I know I can do it.
Master: Don’t rush; your opportunity will come in time. For now, concentrate on the frames and backgrounds.
Jaume: How long will this go on, Master? This feels like a minor task. I’ve been preparing for this for ages. I’ve studied your work closely, and I know the craft well.
Master: Jaume, you’ll be ready when you understand the importance of the frames and backgrounds with stucco reliefs. Each element is part of the final piece, and all must be crafted with the same skill and humility. Now, get back to work; you still have much to learn.
Ambient background sounds.

Until recently, there was a beautifully decorated crossbeam inside Santa Maria de Cardet that likely held wooden figures. It is not there anymore, but you can see it using the virtual resource!

To visit the crypt, head down the stairs in the centre of the nave and follow the narrow corridor.

The crypt, where you are now, is located at the bottom of the apse. That’s why it has this circular shape. It is the building you saw from outside as you went down the mountain slope. Normally, crypts were used to hold tombs or the relics of saints. As you can see, it is a bit dark and mysterious in here. The only light that comes in filters through a window in the middle of the wall.
You can also see a large stone basin; this is the oil basin. Oil was used to light the lamps that lit up the church.
Now you can head up to the choir, which is the little balcony on the upper floor. You will find the stairs near the entrance.

Up to this point, you have explored three distinct levels of the church: the lowest, the crypt; the main floor, where ceremonies take place; and the choir, where you are now. But if you climb the small staircase behind you and take a look, you will notice there is yet another space above. This is the space that was created when the new roof was added in the 18th century.

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Vall de Boí! We invite you to explore the set of Romanesque churches nestled in the valley’s villages.
These churches are so special that in 2000, UNESCO – an organisation that helps countries work together in education, science, culture and communication – added them to its World Heritage List. They join the ranks of places like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in the United States.
But just how many churches are there, and what makes them so important? What’s the history behind them?
The Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí comprises nine churches: Sant Climent de Taüll and Santa Maria de Taüll, Sant Joan de Boí, Santa Eulàlia d’Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu de Barruera, La Nativitat de Durro and Sant Quirc de Durro, Santa Maria de Cardet and L’Assumpció de Cóll.
They all share a common history, as they were built between the 11th and 12th centuries, over 900 years ago. They also have the same architectural style, known as Romanesque, which is why they are considered part of a special set or ensemble of churches. But who built them? Back then, they were designed by master builders, what we would call architects today. And, of course, there were all the workers who constructed them, stone by stone. The money to build these churches came from the feudal lords who ruled these lands and made their fortunes from battles.
With this guide you’re holding, you will find out why each of the nine churches in the group is so special and discover the hidden secrets they have been keeping in the most unexpected places.
One last thing! These mountains are steeped in mystery, and in the valleys, the words of those who once lived here seem to linger, echoing through time like a faint whisper. This guide is equipped with a sensor that is activated whenever it picks up one of these echoes. Don’t be alarmed; just keep listening.

The Church of Santa Maria de Taüll was built at the same time as Sant Climent, which is also here in Taüll. This shows that the feudal lords who funded them must have been really rich. After all, who builds two churches at the same time? But a church is not ready for religious ceremonies until it has been consecrated, and these two churches were consecrated just one day apart, on 10 and 11 December 1123. How do we know? It was written on a column inside the church and also on a little parchment found in a relic box at the high altar.

Besides this fun fact, there is something else that makes Santa Maria de Taüll stand out from the other churches in the Vall de Boí: it is the only one located right in the middle of the village. You might have already noticed this, as it is surrounded by houses.

This church has undergone many changes since it was first built. Not too long ago, it was restored to its original Romanesque appearance, which includes the three naves you will see when you go inside. And no, we do not mean flying spaceships! In church architecture, a nave refers to the main spaces: the big central area, along with the smaller ones to the right and left. If you would like to see the original church layout, it is marked with stone tiles in the square to your right. While you are there, take a look at the bell tower. It is leaning a bit because it is so old. In fact, it is the oldest part of the church.

After looking at the tower, head to the back of the church, where you will find the apses – these are the rounded parts of the building.

The main apse of the Church of Santa Maria de Taüll, the biggest one, has a decoration you will not see in any other church in the Vall de Boí: concentric circles, which are circles within circles, underneath the arches. Experts call these “recessed circles”. Once you have spotted them, you can go inside the church to continue your visit.

Now that you are inside, you can see the three naves of Santa Maria de Taüll: one large one in the centre and two smaller ones on either side, separated by a row of pillars. At the end of each nave, there is an apse – three in total – just like the rounded parts you saw from the outside earlier.

The Church of Santa Maria de Taüll has some really important paintings, especially in the central apse and on the right-hand wall. But the ones you see now are copies – the real ones were moved to the MNAC, a museum in Barcelona. To imagine what the church looked like 900 years ago, during the Romanesque period, you should picture the entire inside painted, even the pillars.

Some of the original paintings are still here though. If you look carefully at the column on the right side of the central nave, high up, you will see a scene titled The Bathing of Jesus, showing the moment when the baby Jesus had his first bath.

What was the purpose of these paintings? Were they just for decoration, or did they serve another function? In the Middle Ages, wall paintings were incredibly important. They helped teach the townspeople – many of whom couldn’t read – how they should behave.
In the Church of Santa Maria de Taüll, most of the paintings show scenes from the birth of Jesus and recognise him as the Son of God.

Ambient background sounds.
Woman 1: Late for mass again today… couldn’t rely on the bells, could I?
Woman 2: Well, the bell ringer’s not as young as he used to be. And those stairs are far too steep for him now.
Woman 1: Maybe it’s time we found someone else then.
Woman 2: Oh, don’t even think about it! Imagine how long it would take to train someone new… I’ve heard they’re planning to build him a little wooden hut up there, so he doesn’t have to climb up and down all the time.
Woman 1: A wooden hut? What, like he’s some sort of bird? [laughs]
Woman 2: You can laugh, but you’ll be glad of it soon enough!
Ambient background sounds.

The mural in the central apse is divided into four sections: at the top, the Virgin Mary is sitting on a throne holding baby Jesus on her lap, and the Three Wise Men are bringing gifts. In the middle section, on either side of the window, there are six of the twelve apostles, Jesus’s closest followers. At the bottom, you can see round medallions with images of real and imaginary animals, and the paintings make them look like silk curtains.
If you would like to find out more about the mural on the right-hand wall, head to the next stop on the tour.
If you want to see how this church was painted, tap on the virtual resource. When you’re ready, head over to the wall on your right, the next stop on the tour.

Originally, all the church walls were covered in paintings. However, only a few have survived to this day. The originals have been removed and replaced with the copies you can see now. The paintings on this wall were created by an unknown artist who is known as the Master of the Last Judgement. You can tell that he has a different style from the artist who painted the mural in the apse.
Here, he painted several scenes from the New Testament, which is part of the Bible. They look like comic strips, but remember, you need to read them from right to left, which is the opposite of how we usually read.
Now, make your way to the Baroque altarpiece at the entrance.

You are now in front of a Baroque altarpiece. But do you know what an altarpiece is? It is a large wooden panel with paintings; in this case, you can see the Virgin Mary and some saints. These altarpieces were placed behind the church altar. This one used to be in the central apse for a long time, covering the paintings you saw earlier. Thanks to this, those paintings were preserved and have survived until today.

The altarpiece is divided into two sections: at the top, you can see the archangel St. Michael, with St. Paul on the left and St. Peter on the right. In the lower part, there is the Virgin Mary, with St. John the Evangelist on the left and St. Isidore on the right. As you can see, understanding many of the artworks in churches requires a little knowledge of the stories told in the Bible and their characters. So, here is a fun activity for you: when you get home, look up these names online and find out why they are important.

In this area of the church, you will also find three Romanesque fonts. The largest is the oil basin, used for storing the fuel that powered the lamps illuminating the church. Next to it is the baptismal font, and to the left, the holy water font.

That concludes your visit to this church. Now, we invite you to explore the others that make up the Romanesque Ensemble of the Vall de Boí. We look forward to seeing you!