Castell de Cardona

The passage of history has left its mark on every corner of the Cardona castle: the imposing keep that keeps the memory of the county castle alive, the church that testifies to the presence of the canonical, the magnificent Gothic courtyard of the palace of the dukes de Cardona, the walls that recall the events of the War of Succession and the whereabouts that have transformed the old military dependencies into a hotel.

Cardona Castle was built to consolidate dominance over the conquered lands in al-Andalus. Its strategic location is evident from the top of the tower, from where you can admire the visual dominance over the Cardener valley and the salt lake.

The lords of Cardona acquired great political power due to the benefits obtained from the exploitation of the salt mines, becoming one of the most influential families in the politics of the crown of Aragon, and later, of the Hispanic Monarchy.

Over time, the castle lost its residential function but gained strategic importance during the conflicts with France. Starting in the 17th century, the castle was reinforced with a crown of bastions that surround the entire hill. An emblematic episode of the fortress was the resistance against the troops of Felipe V during the War of Succession, since it was the last Catalan stronghold to surrender, on September 18, 1714.

The most outstanding element of the complex is, without a doubt, the church of Sant Vicenç, built in the 10th century to house a community of canons, under the patronage of the lords of Cardona. Its uniform construction makes it one of the jewels of the first Catalan Romanesque.

Visiting hours:

From Tuesday to Sunday, including holidays.

• From October 1 to May 31: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Easter hours
  • Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• From June 1 to September 30: from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

*The ticket office and entrance close 30 minutes before the time limit

Non-guided tour hours:

Morning: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Late:

• From June 1 to September 30: 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• From October 1 to May 31: 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Closed on non-holiday Mondays, December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 6.