Agreement in Peramola to make climbing compatible with the protection of cave paintings

The Department of Culture, the Town Council, and climbers will redefine the boundaries of the 36-hectare protection zone at Roc del Rombau.

Vertical rock face featuring cave paintings and a distant climber, symbolizing the coexistence between sport and heritage.
IA

Vertical rock face featuring cave paintings and a distant climber, symbolizing the coexistence between sport and heritage.

The Department of Culture of the Generalitat and the Peramola Town Council agreed this Friday to work with the climbing community to redefine the protection zone around the Roc del Rombau cave paintings.

The paintings at Roc del Rombau, located in the south of Alt Urgell, are recognized as a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN) and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These remains are approximately six meters high from the base of the vertical wall, an area also globally renowned for climbing.
The council and the climbers had complained that the protection zone approved by decree last month was “too restrictive.” This environment covered an area of 36 hectares, where climbing was restricted in a 257 square meter area.

"There is no problem in making climbing compatible with the protection of the paintings."

Marina Miquel · Deputy Director General of Heritage
The Deputy Director General of Architectural, Archaeological, and Paleontological Heritage, Marina Miquel, traveled to Peramola to detail the restrictions. The goal of the collaboration is to “clearly establish the limits” and analyze the possibility of modifying some routes closest to the paintings to prevent potential damage such as rockfalls.
Climber Chris Sharma, a resident of Alt Urgell, highlighted the international importance of the mountain. He confirmed that one of the most emblematic routes, named La Dura Dura, will not be affected, but other routes to its left will require a detailed study.
The Mayor of Peramola, Joan Puig, stated that “significant progress” was made in the meeting, which was also attended by the Mayor of Oliana, Ricard Pérez, and representatives of the Rural Agents. The existing perimeter fence will be maintained to prevent activities such as making fires or overnight stays near the remains.