Despoblat d'Esplugallonga

Despoblat d'Esplugallonga is an abandoned medieval troglodytic settlement in the municipality of Conca de Dalt, in the Catalan region of Pallars Jussà. It sits northeast of the village of Serradell, in what was once the municipality of Toralla i Serradell, roughly 1.5 km southeast of the church of Sant Aleix de Serradell.

What is this place?

Esplugallonga is a cluster of defensive and civilian remains built directly into natural rock shelters and caves. Medieval inhabitants took advantage of large, sheltered rock overhangs as the base for dwellings and fortified structures, which is why the site is described as a troglodytic settlement. The community is believed to have been abandoned by the 14th century, likely tied to the broader economic and demographic shifts that reshaped mountain settlements across Pallars Jussà during that period.

The site is listed in the Catalan Inventory of Archaeological and Palaeontological Heritage, confirming its scientific value as an example of settlement adapted to a rugged, rocky landscape.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is the village of Serradell, reachable by local roads from Tremp, the main town of the Pallars Jussà region. From Serradell, a walking trail heads toward Sant Aleix de Serradell, from where you continue further southeast to reach the site. The terrain is mountainous and rocky, so sturdy hiking boots and a good sense of orientation are recommended — signage is minimal, and the path crosses rock outcrops typical of this part of the Pyrenees.

What will you see on site?

Visitors can see the remains of walls and structures built into rock overhangs and natural caves that once served as shelter and defensive positions. The layout shows how medieval settlers combined built elements with the natural terrain, reducing the need to construct from scratch. Two similar and equally interesting archaeological sites lie nearby — the despoblat de Sorta and the despoblat de l'Espluguell — both from the same period, making it easy to turn a visit here into a wider route through the medieval troglodytic settlements of Pallars Jussà.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the hike, when mountain temperatures are mild and vegetation doesn't block access to the rocky nooks of the site. Summer heat in this part of Catalonia can be intense, especially on exposed, sun-facing slopes. In winter, the terrain can ice over, making the harder-to-reach parts of the settlement more difficult to access.

Frequently asked questions

Is Despoblat d'Esplugallonga officially protected? Yes, the site is listed in the Catalan Inventory of Archaeological and Palaeontological Heritage as a place of historical value.

Do you need a guide to visit? It isn't required, but given the minimal signage and rocky terrain, it's worth bringing a map or a hiking app covering the Pallars Jussà trails.

Are there other similar attractions nearby? Yes — the comparable troglodytic settlements of Sorta and Espluguell are close by and pair well with this site for a themed day trip.

When was the settlement built and when was it abandoned? It dates back to the Middle Ages and is believed to have been abandoned by the 14th century.