An 11th-century monastery, medieval buildings and trails leading to the banks of the Ter give Cervià De Ter a range of historical and scenic highlights. Visitors exploring the town can take in the Romanesque monastery complex, traces from several periods and the river landscape. The routes also vary: some lead to particular natural or historical sites, while the Ruta del Ter connects several of the municipality’s main points of interest.
Monastery and layers of history
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Cervià was founded in 1053 by local lords Silvi Llobet and Adelaida. The complex is defined by three apses decorated with Romanesque paintings and a cloister. The monastery also provides a useful point of reference for understanding the municipality’s long history: the Roman villa of La Quintana was located nearby. It was in use from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD; its heyday fell between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD.
Numerous remains from the Middle Ages and early modern period survive in the historic centre. The medieval wall incorporates the Torre de les Hores. The surviving architectural traces of the castle include the foundations of the keep, sections of the curtain wall and the remains of several rooms. The old washhouses are also among the town’s attractions.
Buildings and places of remembrance
The Museu Raset is housed in a manor house whose oldest part dates from the 13th century and displays both Gothic and Renaissance features. In 1939, the house gave Antonio Machado shelter during his journey into exile. The building thus brings together architectural history and a specific chapter in the history of exile.
Other buildings also reveal different periods. Sant Cristòfol de Raset was rebuilt in the 17th century; its Gothic features include pointed vault ribs and arches. Can Japic, also known as Can Piernau, is a two-storey farmhouse west of Cervià de Ter, on the other side of the Arner stream. Renaissance windows and a large round-arched portal bearing the date 1564 define the building. At Raset, Can Santamaria preserves fortification remains with loopholes and 16th-century herringbone-pattern masonry.
The Dolmen de la Castellana is associated with an earlier period. The megalithic monument stands on the summit of the Serra d'en Martina and consists of seven stone slabs; it is the oldest historical evidence of Cervià de Ter.
Routes between the river and history
The Ruta del Ter crosses the Deveses of Sant Jordi Desvalls and Cervià de Ter, then continues to the Monastery of Santa Maria, the historic centre and the castle. In this way, it connects the river landscape with several historical sites. The banks of the Ter south of Cervià de Ter are also suitable for walks and cycling. They provide a habitat for diverse wildlife, especially birds.
The route per les Deveses de Cervià starts in front of the Monastery of Santa Maria. It passes through tree plantations towards the Ter and takes in a landscape rich in biodiversity. The route a la Font d'en Baró i a Raset offers a different focus: it is a short outing to the Font d'en Baró, a traditional picnic spot in Cervià de Ter. The route pel Cervià Forestal explores the wooded part of the municipality and leads to a Roman bridge that was part of the ancient Via Augusta.
Beyond the local trails, the Camí de Sant Jaume also passes through Cervià de Ter. Its 53-kilometre stretch through Gironès runs through the municipality, among other places. As one of the world’s best-known pilgrimage routes, it has a different character from the shorter, locally focused trails. You can therefore plan your stay around your interests: Romanesque and medieval architecture, archaeological evidence, or river and woodland landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Sant Miquel De Campmajor, Sant Aniol De Finestres, Jafre, Ribes De Freser, Alp, Portbou, Begur, Rupià.
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
