Barcelona keeps many secrets that not everyone knows, and this province is full of treasures that you can discover. One of its main peculiarities are the fortifications:
If you are looking to visit castles near Barcelona, below we are going to show you the 5 best medieval castles that you have to see, whether you live in Catalonia or you come to spend a few days.
1. Eramprunyà Castle
Among the castles of Barcelona we have the Eramprunyà Castle. The Eramprunyà Castle is a medieval construction far from the urban center. This building is more than 400 meters above the cliff of the Garraf massif. This castle was built during the 10th century and is nowadays declared as “Bien de Interés Cultural”.
Being located in GavàIt was part of the defensive system of the border between Al-Andalus and the Carolingian Empire. And the most incredible thing is that from the top of it, you can appreciate the views of the Llobregat Delta and part of the Garraf. The first indications of its construction date back to the year 957, when it is shown that it was in the hands of the Counts of Barcelona.
It is currently under restoration, but it does not mean that you can not visit it, usually the second Sunday of each month the city council of Gavà allows both tourists and locals to make a guided tour of this place. In fact, there is a route from the Castell d’Eramprunyà.
2. Granera Castle
The Castell de Granera is located in the neighborhood of the same name, “the castle neighborhood”. It was built on the top of the hill, as a fortress of the city in medieval times, to be more exact around the year 971.
A castle of family tradition that became the emblem of the village. Although the castle of Granera is no longer preserved in its entirety and its entrance is restricted to the public, it is still a tourist attraction for visitors to the village and we would dare say that it is a must-see if you are in Granera.
An ideal plan to share a romantic sunset as a couple, a different experience with friends and even a walk with the whole family, would be a very good plan. From this picturesque castle, you can contemplate the panoramic views of the village, which can be seen from above and even being surrounded by mountains, the connection with nature that it offers is very comforting. In addition, to enjoy more of nature, you can make the route from Granera to the Marcet Swamp.
3. Besora Castle
This castle crowns the hill of Santa Maria de Besora and although today only its ruins are preserved, it is the importance and history of this place, which still prevails in time and arouses great curiosity in tourists. Being a place of great historical and monumental interest, it was declared a “Cultural Asset of National Interest”, not to mention the views from this place that are truly fascinating.
The medieval complex of Castell Besora covers approximately one hectare and is located at 1,092 meters above sea level. To get to this place we must walk up a steep and winding road that starts in the village of Teià. This building has a primitive church, a castle of which the remains of some rooms are observed, probably intended for domestic use and renovated in modern times.
Currently, the castle has the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya, who promotes tourism to this place and seeks to give greater value to this monument. And now you can’t be satisfied with just that, make the route from the Castell de Besora to the Castell dels torelló to learn more about the treasures of this site.
4. Castell St. Martí Sarroca
We are located in Sant Martí Sarroca, a municipality in Alt Penedès, Barcelona. One of the most outstanding tourist attractions in this town is the monumental architectural ensemble of Castell St. James. Martí Sarroca and the Church of Santa María.
This work stands on top of the rock hill. The main objective of this construction was to serve as a lookout and protection, watching over its inhabitants from the top. Built before the tenth century, this beautiful place today allows us to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the wine plain of El Penedès and is a must to know the influence of the Romanesque, both in architecture and in the history of this place.
And for those who are curious and want to see more nature, we recommend you to take the route from the Castell St. George. Martí Sarroca at Balcó del Penedès.
5. Fortí del Maurici
Although this 19th century fortification is in ruins, it is still the maximum representation of military art, characteristic of this century.
According to history, this castle was never finished, so it is said that the ideal was to build a square castle with three circular towers and a few openings, for a better peripheral vision, but served throughout the century as a military defense shield against invasions and attacks by liberal troops.
Undoubtedly a place where freedom and history come together. I’m sure you’re wondering… Why go to a ruined castle? The visit to the Fortí del Maurici, is also surrounded by nature, from this place you get an incredible view of the valleys and the village.
In addition, the sunsets are incredible and the hiking trails are no exception. Without a doubt we could not fail to recommend this ruined, but incredible place. What’s more, to discover more destinations you can make the route from Fortí del Maurici to Sant Mateu Castle.
