At Willy’s Plan we are passionate about routes in Catalonia, that is something undeniable. But more than that, we are passionate about places that take us back in time. Territories that allow us to recreate life in other times and remind us of the legacy and traditions that define us today.
The palaces and fortresses are memorable constructions of a period that defines the Catalan culture: the medieval period. And there are more than seven hundred medieval castles in Catalonia, distributed throughout the region.
To give you an idea, not all castles were built as military fortresses, and it’s not all about visiting abandoned castles in Catalonia. Many of the castles in Catalonia were designed for the most important families and were the meeting point for the people and social festivities.
In this article we invite you to know what in our opinion, are the most important 7 most beautiful castles in Catalonia. Let yourself be trapped by the authentic Catalonia and its magical charm.
1. Montesquiu Castle
Our first castle is located in a natural park, which surrounds a large part of its surroundings. Montesquiu Castle was built in the ninth century, as a military purpose and it was not until the twentieth century, that it entered the list of the most important Templar castles in Catalonia.
Today it is open to the public, with guided tours that take visitors into its incredible history. A perfect plan to spend the day in a natural environment, with the cozy riverside of the Ter and the exquisite Catalan cuisine, which can be tasted in countless inns that are in the surroundings of Osona and Ripollès.
2. Cardona Castle
Cardona Castle is also part of the list of castles in Catalonia to visit. The importance of this castle is due to the grandeur of its palace and the wealth that the famous Cardona salt mine represented for the region. In addition, the castle of Cardona preserves its villa in an excellent condition, which is why many curious people decide to visit it throughout the year.
If we talk about its architecture, we could define it in one word: “fascinating”. In the middle of this medieval fortress, there is a Gothic chapel, the famous tower of Minyona, known for its memorable legends and its proximity to the salt mines of Cardona; make this tour an unforgettable experience, in the most representative of the middle ages of Catalonia.
3. Miravet Castle
Right at the foot of the Ebro, on the mountain, unfolds the wonderful Miravet Castle. A building that represents the largest example of fortified architecture, characteristic of the time of its foundations and of the vast majority of ancient buildings in Catalonia. A place that undoubtedly envelops us with the sediments of a great culture and all its history.
Today, the castle belongs to the cultural heritage of Catalonia, not forgetting that in its golden age it belonged to countless powerful families and monarchs of the region. Its state of preservation is fascinating, so it allows guided tours inside, to learn a little more about its history and architecture. An enclosure that invites us to enjoy the immensity of its landscapes and the peace that only Miravet Castle can transmit.
4. Peralada Castle
The favorite castle for tourists in summer. Peralada Castle is famous for hosting hundreds of tourists in summer, due to the music and art festivals that are held every year at this time. It also houses one of the most important museums and wine cellars in the region, a ceramics museum, a library, a church and a casino. There is no doubt that a day in this place will be really entertaining.
If we focus on its history, this castle was built in the eleventh century and was gradually remodeled and expanded. Although it is not the most striking, within the wide range of medieval castles in Catalonia, it is worth to know it and to know a little of its history.
5. Castle of Santa Florentina
A dream castle, that’s what we call the Castle of Santa Florentina and it’s no wonder. The imposing nature of this place is indescribable. Its architecture is intermingled between Roman culture, has some splashes of medieval buildings and of course the modernist touch, characteristic of Catalan architecture. In addition, inside it houses important artistic works of the twentieth century Catalonia and works of gardening worthy of admiration.
This castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world, has been the setting for major film productions, is the favorite place for those who wish to hold their weddings and events and every year brings together the most important artists of classical music, to celebrate an important festival. Undoubtedly, a place near the city of Barcelona that cannot escape from this list.
6. Púbol Castle
A castle built on a love story. As we said before, not all the castles in Catalonia were built with the same purpose and Púbol Castle is a clear example of this.
Its owner, Salvador Dalí, was not the one who built it, but he was the one who made the greatest promise of love when he obtained it. He swore to his beloved Gala that he would buy a castle and sealed his promise by acquiring this castle, which had belonged to the Barons of Púbol since the 11th century.
A place that houses many works of Dalí himself, among other things, the body of his beloved and today is one of the most important museums of the most influential Catalan artist of the time.
7. Suda Castle
Last but not least, we will visit the Suda Castle. The castle with more lineage of all the history of Catalonia, belonging to the crown of Aragon, being the favorite of King James I and being the residence of the order of the Knights Templar.
A construction that has the characteristics of an authentic royal residence, dating back to the tenth century and is undoubtedly a clear example of the Roman and Muslim influence in the buildings of the region.
Today the castle is a wonderful viewpoint that offers beautiful views of the Ebro River and the town of Tortosa. An ideal place to take the best pictures and spend an unforgettable day.
