Castell Palau de la Bisbal d'Empordà

La Bisbal boasts numerous heritage treasures, including the wall of the parade ground of the Castle Palace, the Portal de la Riera, the Pont Vell, the Call (the old Jewish quarter), the churches of La Piedad and Santa Maria, the porticoed complex of Les Voltes, and the modernist building El Mundial.

The Castell-Palau of the Bishops of Girona is a prominent example of Catalan civil Romanesque architecture, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. It is the city's most representative building and a true symbol for its inhabitants. Throughout its history, it has had a wide variety of uses and has been the scene of sieges and armed conflicts. At certain times, it even served as a prison, most recently during the Civil War and the postwar period.

Today, the Castell Palau is part of the Route of the Origins of Catalonia. An audiovisual presentation explains the clashes between feudal lords and vassals in medieval times, and the main floor can be explored with the help of unique virtual historical figures. From the upper terrace, and even more so from the tower, you can enjoy splendid views of the Empordà.

Itinerary through the Castell Palau

1. Inner courtyard

The castle is arranged around a small central courtyard connected to the two floors by a staircase. In this space, there was a well, built in the 11th century, which provided water in case of siege. It was covered over in the 15th century.

2. Stable room

In the past, it was used to house transport animals, especially horses and donkeys. Archaeology has uncovered the original floor, sloping for drainage, a feeding trough attached to the west wall, and a drinking trough. It currently houses an audiovisual presentation of the Catalan Pyrenees route entitled Tierra y sangre: la guerra feudal en el Empordà (Land and Blood: Feudal Warfare in the Empordà ).

3. Prison room and cellar

A plan from 1823 shows that this room was divided into two parts: a prison to the west and a cellar to the east. Excavations have confirmed this structure and brought to light several historical elements and remains, displayed in glass cases.

4. Wine press room

Originally a stable, it was used for wine production in the 18th century. The 14th-century wooden door above the arch that divides the space still remains. Excavations uncovered vats and a basin. In the 19th century, it was used as a fire station and notarial archive.

5. Punishment cell or dungeon

Located beneath the main staircase, this is the castle's oldest prison. Documented in the 11th century as "Lo canó."

6. Chapter House

Main space for meetings and solemn events, such as the bishop's receptions. The door lintels display the coats of arms of the bishops who owned the building. Smoke vents in the ceiling heat the space.

7. Main chamber

Small room connecting the chapter house with the dining room. It was probably the bishop's room. It contains a secret staircase leading to the terrace chapel.

8. Dining room

Banquet hall, probably with a long table and benches. The Romanesque windows are notable, providing plenty of natural light.

9. Chamber attached to the kitchen

A small room that connects the kitchen and dining room. It still has a wooden coffered ceiling that allowed for an upper floor and improved comfort. The 1329 inventory mentions beds, mattresses, and slats for prisoners.

10. Kitchen

It has a large Renaissance fireplace with the coat of arms of Bishop Francisco Arévalo de Zuazo, built in the 17th century.

11. Chamber attached to the chapter house

Originally part of the chapter house, it was separated in later renovations and ended up integrated into the jailers' house when the castle served as a prison.

12. Terrazzo

It offers sweeping views of the historic center and surrounding area. It retains battlements and loopholes for defense, as well as a machicolation above the main gate.

13. Chapel

Romanesque, dedicated to Sant Miquel, located below the double tower.

14. Hallway

From the chapel there is a corridor with stairs leading to the main chamber, allowing the bishop to get there without passing through the courtyard.

15. Master Tower

The castle's highest defensive point, with two levels. It was the last refuge in case of attack. Access is via an exterior staircase protected by a fortified gate. The walls end in battlements.

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