Espluga de Serra
The designer is a native of the town of Tremp, capital of the Pallars Jussà region, a peaceful place far from the world of fashion, located next to the Noguera Pallaresa river. Although Custo moved very soon to live in Barcelona, he always turns his eyes to the landscape and the tranquility of the environment in which he was born . "The Pallars reminds me a lot of my childhood," says Dalmau. “It is an area to enjoy calmly and to discover its secrets”.
Custo Dalmau: indomitable creativity
Pallars Jussà is a region marked by the strength of its rivers –one of the meccas for fans of whitewater sports–, the neighboring Sierra del Montsec, climbers sanctuary , and lots Romanesque churches scattered among the mountains . This historical heritage, present throughout the province, reaches its maximum expression in the capital's cathedral. The designer is passionate about Seu Vella of Lleida , of which he confesses a crush; so much so that years ago he presented one of his collections there to pay tribute to his origins in Lleida.
Church of Santa Maria de Tremp
“ Lleida is the least known and least exploited part of Catalonia for tourism , beyond the Pyrenees area. It is an area that preserves its authenticity and that represents very well the Catalan character of 'terra endins' (inland), away from the coast". Another advantage of Tremp is its location. When found at the entrance of the Pyrenees of Catalonia , is a strategic place that has numerous points within reach where you can carry out activities in the middle of nature, such as water sports in the reservoirs in the area, hiking or climbing . Nearby is the Vall Fosca, a beautiful corner of the Catalan geography with lakes of glacial origin between peaks that exceed 2,000 m in height. "These are places that I don't know if they directly inspire you, but they definitely stimulate you," he acknowledges.
Kayaking down the rapids of the Noguera Pallaresa River
THE KEYS OF CUSTO DALMAU
Incredible views: In the ski resorts of Espot Esquí or Baqueira Beret, in the Pyrenees, especially in winter.
A place where you will lose: La Vall Fosca , a valley located in the north of the Pallars Jussà region.
An unforgettable monument: The Seu Vella of Lleida.
Essential addresses: I like the restaurants in the Val d'Aran, going shopping in the Barri Gòtic in Barcelona and the rustic hotels in L'Empordà .
Places to shelter: There are many places to flee. In addition to Pallars, within Catalonia I also like the whole area of La Cerdanya. It's magic. I'm also attracted to Cadaques for its authenticity. I've been there countless times and never tire of it.
Beach or mountain? The truth is that it is impossible for me to choose. In summer I love the beach to practice kite surfing, but in winter I can't stop going up the mountain to ski.
* This article has been published in Monographic number 80. Remember that, in addition to your usual kiosk and with the June issue, the monograph on Catalonia is on sale in digital format on Zinio .
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