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Catalonia, land of castells

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Traveling across Catalonia from end to end, we will observe that many vestiges of the ancient civilizations that inhabited our territory still remain. A good example are the Castells, towers, fortifications, and other constructions built in medieval times at high, strategic points to watch for and warn of possible attacks and conquests.

It wasn't until the 9th century, with the reconquest of territories occupied by the Muslims, that the feudal castle spread. It is estimated that around 3,000 were built, most of which were demolished. Few castles of Islamic origin have been preserved; in fact, most were transformed by the Christians. From the 9th century onward, castles were situated along lines determined by the borders of the conquered territories, following rivers, such as the lines of the Cardener and the Gaià, in the Segarra or Montsec regions.

In Catalonia there are around six hundred castles and fortresses scattered throughout the region. Many of them have been preserved and transformed into museums and interpretation centers that we can visit to learn more about who our ancestors were and how they lived.

Ready to take a trip to medieval Catalonia? Let's delve into the Castells that await us in Catalonia.

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Events

Greater Celebration of the Castle of Cardona

From 31 August 2019 to 1 September 2019 

Cardona celebrates the Festival of the Castle, festival of San Ramón Nonato, historical figure linked to the castle and the noble nobility of the Cardona. Throughout the day open doors to the collegiate church of San Vicente. At 11.00…

Miravet Castle Euphoric Festival

1 September 2019

The Euphonic Festival comes one more year to the Ebro Lands and Miravet Castle. On September 1 at 8:30 p.m. concert at the Miravet Castle of "Los Sara Fontan". Do not miss it!

Daytime Guided Tour in the Mighty Domain of Gardeny

From 16 to 17 July 2022 …

Historical guided tour through the rooms and corridors of the Templar Castle of Gardeny, following the monastic and economic activity of the powerful Templars of Gardeny. Gardeny Castle is a monumental complex located on Gardeny Hill, one of…

Concabella Castle Music Festival in Els Plans de Sió

8 November 2025 … 

The Concabella Castle in Els Plans de Sió hosts a new edition of the Concabella Castle Music Festival, which consists of 3 concerts! This year, the Chamber Choir will present the project Generació C (Chamber Choir & Contemporary…

Commented visit to the Voltrera Castle and the Balcón de Montserrat

13 December 2025 

The Voltrera Castle in Abrera is accessible to citizens, after the completion of the work for the structural consolidation of the castle and the Sant Pere chapel, located in the Can Vilalba neighborhood. In addition, it has joined the project…

Guided tour of the Castell-Palau and the Old Town of Bisbal d'Empordà

7 November … 

Come and discover with us the fascinating medieval past of Villa Episcopalis! We propose a tour full of history through the Castell-Palau and the most emblematic corners of the Old Town, authentic witnesses of the feudal past of La Bisbal.…

Guided tour of Sant Esteve Castle in Castellfollit de Riubregós

8 November … 

The visits take place at 11 in the morning and you will be able to observe and learn many wonders and secrets. The conquest of this territory by the counts of Cerdanya was consolidated at the beginning of the 11th century, with the construction…

Camp 1810 at Hostalric Castle

From 21 to 22 February 

On February 21st and 22nd, the Hostalric fortress will be transformed into a scene from the past with the arrival of Camp 1810, a reenactment of a pivotal period in the country's history that will allow visitors to experience history firsthand.…

Guided tour of Hostalric Castle

17 October … 

Hostalric Castle offers guided tours. The town's guides will show you the most iconic corners accessible only with a guide, such as the Knight's Palace, the former Cabrera castle. They will also share their knowledge with you, while you can…

Pilgrimage to the Castle in La Laguna

31 May 

Once again, the Aplec del Castell is celebrated in La Llacuna, where there will be activities throughout the day surrounding the fortification of La Llacuna. The day will begin with a walk to the castle, followed by a guided tour to discover…

Summer in Olot - La cua del Drac

25 June … 

If you want to know what to do in Olot in summer, don't miss the program at La cua del Drac, with cultural, gastronomic and nature activities for all audiences! Olot is gearing up for a summer packed with culture, gastronomy, nature, and activities…

Guided tour of Subirats Castle

4 July … 

Come and discover the stories hidden in a border castle, with an imposing 19-meter-high tower, and the Romanesque church of Sant Pere del Castell, now the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Fontsanta. Castell de Subirats offers a splendid viewpoint…

Legendary itinerary on the Pinxo Train in Banyoles

6 December 

Discover Banyoles and its surroundings through the legends! The Pinxo Train will take you around the lake and will accompany you to the Barri Vell to discover, right in the place where tradition places them, some of the most emblematic legends…

Hostalric 1810: Historical recreation camp

From 26 to 27 September 

Hostalric travels back to the Napoleonic era with Hostalric 1810: Historical Reenactment Camp, which will transform the castle and its surroundings into a grand stage dedicated to the military history of the early 19th century. Over the weekend,…

Guided tours of the old town of Verdú

17 October … 

Guided tours of Verdú 's old town offer a unique experience, delving into the history and heritage of this town in the Urgell region. With a legacy deeply marked by its traditions and illustrious figures, Verdú is a charming place…

Castells of Tarragona Competition

From 3 to 4 October 

The Castells Competition of Tarragona, which takes place every two years during the first weekend of October in the Tarraco Arena Plaça (TAP), is an exceptional and unique casteller performance for several reasons. First, it is the only…

November 16, World Heritage Day

16 November 

Every year, November 16th is World Day for Cultural and Natural Heritage, a day that serves to recognize the importance of protecting and preserving the different elements that make up a territory's heritage, both human-made and natural. Cultural…

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