Cervera, the medieval town in Lleida where the Generalitat was born

The town of Segarra, birthplace of the Márquez brothers, preserves almost three kilometres of walls and the site where the Cortes of 1359 were held. Its baroque university was the only one authorised in Catalonia during the 17th century.

The Segarra holds a monumental ensemble that few regions can match. Cervera, an hour from Barcelona via the A-2, features walls, an 18th-century university, and an old town that can be explored in a morning. According to noticiasdelvino.com, the municipality is also the personal refuge of riders Marc Márquez and Álex Márquez.

The walled enclosure was built between the 14th and 15th centuries. It had almost three kilometres of perimeter and about twenty defensive towers. Today, visitors can walk along the ramparts and see why the town functioned as a stronghold.

The most talked-about spot is the Carreró de les Brúixes, a narrow, covered alley. Local legends place witch meetings there under the moonlight. It is the point that arouses the most curiosity among those visiting the municipality.

The historical significance of Cervera goes beyond tourism. In the former church of San Bernardo, the Cortes presided over by Pedro el Ceremonioso were held in 1359, a foundational episode for the Generalitat de Cataluña. This fact is repeated in guides and surprises many visitors.

The nerve centre is the Plaza Mayor, where "la Paería" (the Town Hall) is located, a baroque building that once served as the town's prison.

For those who enjoy heights, the church of Santa María has a bell tower of 50 metres. Its six bells continue to be rung manually, a tradition that remains alive. The views from the top encompass much of the region.

The University of Cervera is another major attraction. By order of Felipe V, it was the only university authorised in Catalonia during the 17th century. Its construction occupies what was once an entire neighbourhood of peasants and features three inner courtyards, tranquil spaces for strolling without crowds.

The town is located an hour from Barcelona via the A-2, making it an easy Sunday getaway. Those who visit in the coming months will find a historic centre with tourist services and without the queues of other more crowded destinations.