Espai Macià

Espai Macià is an interpretation centre in les Borges Blanques, a small town in the Garrigues comarca of Lleida province, Catalonia. It stands at Plaça de Ramon Arqués 5, right in the heart of town, and is dedicated to Francesc Macià i Llussà, the military officer and politician who served as president of the Generalitat de Catalunya between 1931 and 1933. The centre opened on 14 April 2011, precisely on the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic, an event forever tied to Macià's name.

What will you see at Espai Macià?

The exhibition unfolds across four floors and traces Macià's life and legacy. Its centrepiece is the permanent exhibition "El viatge de Macià" (Macià's Journey), which goes beyond dry biographical facts to build an emotional connection with the era and the man's significance. Display cases and audiovisual screens present documents, photographs and personal memorabilia linked to the politician, material patiently gathered, recovered and preserved by the local community over the years.

Particular emphasis falls on Macià's family roots in les Borges Blanques: it was through family ties that he was bound to this town, making it a uniquely personal stop on the map of Catalan political memory. While touring the centre, visitors can also spot surviving elements of the old Gothic parish church, adding an extra architectural layer to the visit.

Why does Francesc Macià matter?

Francesc Macià i Llussà (1859-1933) built his entire political career around defending the peasants of Lleida, especially those from the Garrigues comarca, where he drew his strongest support. On 14 April 1931, following the republicans' victory in local elections, he proclaimed the Catalan Republic in Barcelona and soon after became the first president of the restored Generalitat de Catalunya. His figure remains a symbol of Catalonia's push for self-government, and Espai Macià tells that story from a local angle, through the town he was tied to by family.

How do you get to Espai Macià?

Les Borges Blanques sits in western Catalonia, in Lleida province, and is easily reached by car from Lleida or Tarragona thanks to nearby regional roads. The centre itself is right in town, on Plaça de Ramon Arqués, so once you arrive it's a short walk from the main parking areas and the square. It makes a convenient stop while exploring the Garrigues comarca, an area also known for its olive groves and local cuisine.

When should you visit?

The centre also runs an active education programme, offering activities for school and group visits each year, so it's worth checking ahead if you're planning an individual visit to avoid overlapping with scheduled groups. The best approach is to combine the visit with a longer walk through les Borges Blanques, pairing it with the town's historic centre and the surrounding Garrigues countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Espai Macià? It's an interpretation centre dedicated to Francesc Macià i Llussà, president of the Generalitat de Catalunya from 1931 to 1933, located in les Borges Blanques.

Where exactly is it located? At Plaça de Ramon Arqués 5, in the centre of les Borges Blanques, in the Garrigues comarca, Lleida province.

What can you see inside? The permanent exhibition "El viatge de Macià," spread over four floors, with documents, photographs and audiovisual material, plus surviving elements of the old Gothic parish church.

Why is Macià so closely linked to this particular town? Because of his strong family ties to les Borges Blanques, which the centre highlights alongside the purely historical and political story.