Discover Verdú: Old Town, Ceramics and Trails

Verdú combines a medieval old town with buildings, ceramics and trails that reveal different sides of the town. The castle and parish church shape the townscape, while Els Estinclells offers a glimpse of an Iberian settlement. Ceramics feature both as a craft and along a route to ceramic murals. There are also trails with different focuses—from a flat loop through cereal fields to a stage of the Ignatian Way.

Old Town, Castle and Church

A walk through the old town gives you a direct sense of the Middle Ages. Verdú Castle is the town’s most distinctive building. Its 25-metre-high tower serves as a viewpoint overlooking Urgell and the Vall del Corb. Stone graffiti preserved inside the tower probably indicate that it was used during several historical periods. The parish church of Santa Maria adds Romanesque and Gothic elements to the historic townscape. Verdú thus brings together distinct architectural features: the medieval character of the old town and the church’s two architectural styles.

Iberian History at Els Estinclells

Els Estinclells is an Iberian archaeological site dating from the 3rd century BC. The fortress includes defensive features, a moat, a wall, houses, a water cistern and a paved street. These features offer a different historical perspective from the old town, focusing on an Iberian settlement and its structures. Cultural visits in Verdú last one hour, require advance booking and provide an insight into the town’s history. Visiting the Iberian settlement of Els Estinclells requires a prior arrangement with the Verdú Tourist Office.

Ceramics as a Craft and Trail Theme

Verdú’s black ceramics are made in wood-fired kilns and smoked using traditional, original techniques passed down through generations. At Ceràmica Sambola, group visits can learn about the production process for different types of ceramics, especially black ceramics. The family workshop is run by Francesc and Magí, who continue the tradition begun by their grandfather Sisco.

Another way to explore the theme of ceramics is the Ruta dels Murals Ceràmics de Verdú. It leads to ceramic murals at various locations within the municipality and can be followed independently through the town’s streets. This offers two distinct ways to engage with ceramics: learning about the production process on a group visit and taking a self-guided walk to see the murals.

Trails and Getting There

The flat Tàrrega–Verdú–Tàrrega circular walk passes through cereal fields and connects the two towns. Stage 23 of the Ignatian Way, from Palau d'Anglesola to Verdú, takes a different route: it passes the church of Sant Miquel and ends at the Sant Pere Claver Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the birthplace of the Catalan Jesuit and includes a hostel for pilgrims on the Ignatian Way. While the circular walk is defined by its flat route and cereal fields, Sant Miquel and the sanctuary are notable stops on the pilgrim stage.

By car, travel to Verdú via the A-2 to Tàrrega, then take the C-14. Tàrrega is also accessible by train; continue to Verdú by taxi or on foot. If you travel by train, you can plan the journey to Tàrrega and the onward trip together.

Discover more destinations: Estamariu, Tremp, Abella De La Conca, Pinell De Solsonès, Sidamon, Portell, Son, La Granadella.

For the wider travel overview: Lleida.