What Stories Do These 11 Castles Near Barcelona Hold?

1. Castell de Montjuïc

Montjuïc Castle, located on Montjuïc hill, is just 5 km from Barcelona’s center and accessible by public transport. A ride on the Funicular de Montjuïc and the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car offers amazing city views leading directly to the castle. 

Originally built in 1640 as a military fortress, it now serves as a museum, inviting visitors to explore its history and enjoy cultural events. Inside, highlights include the Military Museum, the Chapel of Santa Eulalia, and a terrace with panoramic views of Barcelona and the sea. More than just a tourist attraction, Montjuïc Castle’s history, from military conflicts to its use during the Spanish Civil War, adds depth to your visit, making it an unforgettable experience.

2. Castle of Tossa de Mar

The Castle of Tossa de Mar, built in 1187, stands proudly in the old town, known as ‘Vila Vella’. It was the abbot of Ripoll who requested its construction, allowing for a fortified area both inside and outside the walls. Today, the castle’s great tower has been transformed into the Lighthouse of Tossa, rebuilt in 1917.

Visiting the castle of Tossa de Mar is a must-do. Not only does it offer a peek into medieval history, but it also provides breathtaking views that promise to make your visit memorable. After exploring the castle, consider heading to Bar Terraza Vila Vella for an afternoon drink, where you can relax and soak in the scenic surroundings.

3. Castell de Cardona

Castell de Cardona is a standout medieval fortress in Catalonia, known for its impressive preservation. Built in the 9th century, it played a crucial role in defending the area, even resisting several assaults throughout history.

It’s located about 90 km from Barcelona, so getting there involves a bit of travel, but the experience is worth it. You can’t take a direct train from Barcelona, but you can catch one to Manresa and then hop on a bus to Cardona. The whole trip takes around 2 hours, giving you a chance to see more of the countryside. 

4. Castell de Santa Florentina

Santa Florentina Castle, located about 40 km from Barcelona, has a fascinating story. Originally built in the 11th century on ancient Roman ruins, this castle was first a fortified farmhouse to protect against pirate raids. Over the centuries, it transformed into a stunning example of modernist architecture, thanks to renovations in the 19th century by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a leading figure in Catalan modernism.

The castle’s design includes medieval, modernist, and neo-Gothic elements, creating a harmonious blend of styles. It features stained glass windows, marble mosaics, carved wood ceilings, ceramics, wrought iron, and sculptures. This mix of elements turned the castle into a residential summer palace known for its beauty and creativity.

In 2015, it was chosen as a filming location for “Game of Thrones,” representing Horn Hill, House Tarly’s seat, in season 6, episode 6. This has made it a popular spot for fans wanting to relive the series’ adventures.

Today, Santa Florentina Castle is open for tours and events. It’s a great spot for anyone interested in history and architecture. 

5. Castell de Castelldefels

Castell de Castelldefels is a historic castle about 20 km from Barcelona, overlooking the town and coast. Dating back to the 10th century, it has been a key defense point against Arab invasions and Barbary pirate attacks in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its position between the Garraf massif and Barcelona made it crucial for controlling the territory.

Visiting the castle from Barcelona is easy and makes for a great day trip. The castle features a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, reflecting its long and varied history. Today, it is open to the public and hosts various cultural events, making it a vibrant part of the community.

6. Castell de Miravet

Miravet Castle sits majestically on a hill about 150 km from Barcelona. This 12th-century gem showcases Romanesque military architecture with unique Arabic origins. After the Christians took it over in 1153, the Knights Templar rebuilt it into a strong fortress. You can still see parts of the original Arab structure in the lower walls and some upper areas.

We parked our motorhome at the designated parking area, which is just a few meters from the riverside. There’s more parking for cars a bit further down, and you can easily leave your vehicle there. As we walked toward the river, we found the famous spot for capturing the perfect picture of Miravet. The view was breathtaking, with the castle standing tall against the backdrop of the serene River Ebro.

To visit the castle, we had to climb the path leading up the hill. It was a bit of a hike, but the anticipation and the scenic surroundings made it enjoyable. The castle’s strategic hilltop location offers panoramic views over the River Ebro and the surrounding lands. 

7. Castell de Sant Ferran 

Castell de Sant Ferran in Figueres stands out not just for its size but also for its historical significance. About 140 km from Barcelona, this fortress from the 18th century is the largest in Catalonia and the biggest bastion fort in Europe. It showcases advanced engineering, including hydraulics and sanitation.

When you visit Sant Ferran, you get to see more than just a large historical site. The castle was built for defense and as a symbol of peace and Spanish military strength. It started in 1753 under King Ferdinand VI’s reign. The design allowed it to support a large garrison, equipped to withstand a year-long siege.

8. Castle of Montgrí

The Castle of Montgrí stands proudly atop Montgrí Massif, overlooking the Costa Brava in Catalonia. Built in the late 13th century by King James II of Aragon, the castle was meant to assert control over the region. Although construction stopped before completion, its imposing presence remains a significant historical landmark.

Situated about 140 km from Barcelona, near the town of Torroella de Montgrí, this fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape. 

We parked our motorhome at Zona de Benvinguda de Visitants del Montgrí. There’s plenty of parking space, as well as drinking water and toilets. The trail to the castle starts right next to the parking area. It takes about 40 minutes to climb up and is quite rocky, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning scenery and sense of adventure.

The castle’s design features a square layout with cylindrical towers at each corner, showcasing typical military architecture of the time. Even in its unfinished state, the Castle of Montgrí captivates visitors with its medieval charm and historical significance.

The area is also rich in natural beauty, making it a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities. The Castle of Montgrí is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a unique day trip experience from Barcelona.

9. Castell del Papiol

Castell del Papiol is a medieval castle full of history, just 20 km away from Barcelona. It all started in 1115 when Ramón Berenguer III, the Count of Barcelona, handed over the village of Papiol to the Pere brothers. Since then, the castle has had various owners and played an important role in the area’s history, including in battles and cultural events.

Built to protect against attacks, it’s unique because it’s built on limestone rock from the Tertiary period. This makes it the only castle of its kind still in good shape today. A big earthquake in 1448 destroyed much of it, but the ground floor and parts of two towers from its early days were saved. Later changes added new looks, including tall walls and windows on the upper floors.

Now, Castell del Papiol is a place for cultural activities and historical displays. If you’re looking for a unique historical experience close to Barcelona, Castell del Papiol is a great choice.

10. Castell de Montsoriu

Castell de Montsoriu, located just about 60 km from Barcelona, is a piece of history ready for exploration. This castle, with roots going back to the Neolithic period, has witnessed many changes, from early Iberians to medieval times.

Originally built for military defense, Castell de Montsoriu was crucial in Catalonia’s medieval story. By the 10th century, it was already an important landmark. Its importance grew in the 11th century when it became the base for the Viscounts of Girona, making it a center of power.

Over the years, Castell de Montsoriu changed from a busy medieval fortress to a gothic palace by the 14th century, showing the architectural and social shifts of those times. However, the 15th century saw the castle’s role diminish with new military technologies and changing political scenes.

Today, Castell de Montsoriu is a favorite for history fans and travelers. Visitors can uncover its tales and feel the grandeur of old times. The castle is a living piece of history, revealing the many stories it holds. Plus, there’s a small shop where you can grab a personalized souvenir to remember your visit.

11. Castell de Besalú

Besalú is a medieval town famous for its castle, first mentioned in the 10th century. It’s about 120 km from Barcelona, in the La Garrotxa region. This town has kept its medieval look better than many places in Catalonia. The castle and town have grown together since the 10th century. By 988, Besalú became its own county, a big deal back then.

Long before the castle, people lived in Besalú, leaving behind old pottery. Over time, it saw Romans and then Muslims, until it was freed by Christian troops in 785.

One of the coolest things in Besalú is the Medieval Bridge from the 11th and 12th centuries. The town also had walls to protect it and the castle. In the town center, there’s a big square with important buildings like the Town Hall.

The castle’s story is long, with many owners over the years. Although the original castle isn’t there anymore, visiting Besalú is still great. It’s like stepping back into medieval times with its bridge, old buildings, and narrow streets. It’s a special place not far from Barcelona, perfect for a day trip.