Mas de Carrasquet (Arbul)

Mas de Carrasquet (Arbul) is an abandoned masia (a traditional Catalan farmhouse) located within the town of Tremp, in the Pallars Jussà region of Catalonia.

Where is Mas de Carrasquet?

The building stands within the former settlement of Arbul, in the Serra d'Arbul range, roughly 18 kilometres southwest of the centre of Tremp, the capital of the Pallars Jussà comarca. Arbul used to belong administratively to the municipality of Fígols de Tremp, which was later absorbed into the town of Tremp.

What is Arbul, and why does it matter to visitors?

Arbul is today a completely depopulated settlement — one of many in this part of the Catalan Pyrenees that emptied out over the past century as residents moved to towns and larger valleys in search of work and easier access to services. A handful of farmhouses survive from the old settlement, including Mas de Carrasquet, Masieta, Mas de Francisquet and Mas d'Eloi. Most stand in ruins today, with only a few still in reasonably good condition.

For anyone interested in the cultural landscape of the Pyrenees, abandoned hamlets like Arbul are a tangible record of the region's old farming and shepherding way of life. Stone walls, remnants of roofs and overgrown former terraces tell the story of daily life here more vividly than most information boards — as long as you take the time to look closely.

How do you get near Mas de Carrasquet?

Tremp is the natural starting point, with local dirt roads and walking trails heading southwest towards the Serra d'Arbul. Because Arbul is uninhabited today and has no tourist infrastructure, reaching Mas de Carrasquet means walking in on foot. It is worth planning the route in advance, carrying a proper topographic map or GPS app, and wearing suitable footwear — the terrain is mountainous, and trail marking around abandoned settlements can be sparse. The buildings themselves are private property and largely in ruins, so viewing from the outside and exercising caution are essential.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Pallars Jussà is one of Catalonia's most varied comarcas landscape-wise, combining dry, near-Mediterranean valleys with rugged Pyrenean ridges. Within easy reach of Tremp are the Terradets and Sant Antoni reservoirs, popular for water sports and fishing, the dramatic Congost de Mont-rebei gorge, and the Boumort nature reserve, known for its large population of griffon vultures. Tremp itself, as the comarca's capital, provides accommodation and dining options for travellers planning longer excursions into the mountains, and the surrounding area is also notable to palaeontologists — the Conca de Tremp basin is one of Europe's most significant sites for late-Cretaceous dinosaur fossils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mas de Carrasquet inhabited?

No. The building lies within the abandoned settlement of Arbul, which is completely uninhabited today.

Can you visit Mas de Carrasquet?

It is a private, abandoned farmhouse in an area that is hard to reach and poorly marked. Visiting means hiking in on foot and taking care, since part of the structure is in ruins — in practice, viewing is limited to the exterior.

How far is Mas de Carrasquet from central Tremp?

Arbul, the settlement where Mas de Carrasquet stands, lies roughly 18 kilometres southwest of central Tremp.

What else should I see in Pallars Jussà?

The region offers the Terradets and Sant Antoni reservoirs, the Mont-rebei gorge, and the Boumort reserve with its vulture-watching points, with Tremp serving as a convenient base for exploring the area.