Nearly 300 people rally against Alt de la Capa viewpoint

Nearly 300 people gathered in Plaça del Quart in La Massana on Thursday to oppose plans to build an astronomical viewpoint at Alt de la Capa. The crowd grew during the rally: around 200 people had already filled the square at the start.

The demonstration also gave people the chance to sign a petition against the development. Queues formed as people waited to register their opposition. 

Organisers plan to submit the signatures to the La Massana Parish Council, asking it to reconsider the project.

Chants and banners against the development

Protesters displayed banners opposing the construction work and chanted for the mountain to be protected. Their messages questioned the impact of concrete and structures on the natural environment at Alt de la Capa.

The demonstration passed without incident. Guillem Forné, a member of the parish council, was among those attending.

The project would place the viewpoint at an altitude of 2,572 metres, on the ridge of Alt de la Capa, within the Arinsal ski area. The site would offer 360-degree views and could also host cultural and tourist activities. The construction contract was awarded for €892,148.

The parish council says the facility would help diversify tourism throughout the year and would be built in an area that already has ski-resort infrastructure. 

It also says the impact on the terrain will be reduced, including by manufacturing most of the components in a workshop and then transporting them by helicopter.