Roda De Ter: Literature, Archaeology and Trails

Roda De Ter offers a range of ways to shape a stay: the literary works of Miquel Martí i Pol, the archaeological site of l’Esquerda, and trails along the Ter and Gurri rivers. There is also a historic chapel and the development of local vegetation. Places and routes differ in the aspects of history or landscape they convey. When planning a stay, these highlights can help shape your choice of destination.

Literature and the Works of Miquel Martí i Pol

Casa Miquel Martí i Pol welcomes small groups by prior appointment. Guided visits include the foundation’s headquarters and the poet’s home; arrange your visit in advance.

The Fundació Miquel Martí i Pol presents the poet’s life and works in a permanent exhibition featuring original documents and objects. The Miquel Martí i Pol literary route offers a different perspective: this two-hour walking tour of Roda De Ter is led by professional guides. It brings together the poet’s biography, representative texts and readings with the historical context of the postwar period and the Catalan cultural revival.

La Blava is another literary point of interest in the town. Miquel Martí i Pol worked as a clerk at this emblematic factory, which inspired his collection of poems “La Fàbrica”. Here, the factory’s working-class history meets the creation of one of the poet’s works.

Archaeology and Historic Buildings

The Museu Arqueològic de l’Esquerda is an archaeological museum at the site. It is dedicated to the preservation, research and interpretation of the Iberian and medieval site of l’Esquerda. Its history spans from the 8th century BC to the 14th century AD. In 2006, the Generalitat de Catalunya designated the archaeological site a Bé Cultural d’Interès Nacional (BCIN), or Cultural Asset of National Interest.

At the site, a signposted route takes visitors through all its historical periods. Information panels and reconstructions illustrate Iberian fortifications, roads and workshops, as well as a medieval church, cemetery, square, granary and smithies. At l’Esquerda’s Àrea de Recerca Experimental Arqueològica (ÀREA), a simple medieval forge has also been reconstructed, where various iron tools can be made.

Another historic building is the present-day Capella del Sòl del Pont. Construction began in 1708, and it was consecrated in 1719.

Vegetation and Riverside Trails

The botanical trail at l’Esquerda explores the area’s natural vegetation and how it has changed from ancient times to the present day. The Ter’s influence is also part of the story: the river directly shapes the surrounding vegetation.

A les envistes del Ter is a 14-kilometre circular trail with little elevation gain. It follows the Ter between Folgueroles and Roda De Ter along a historic workers’ path. The Ruta del Gurri is a 12.5-kilometre walking and cycling route. It starts in the municipality of Roda De Ter and follows the Gurri upstream towards Vic.

To compare the routes, consider their shape and course as well as their length: A les envistes del Ter is circular, while the Ruta del Gurri is designated as a walking and cycling route and heads upstream towards Vic. These routes offer different features: one has little elevation gain, while the other runs between two towns.

For an overview of the wider trip: Barcelona.