Castell d'Ases

Castell d'Ases is a small, little-known set of medieval castle ruins perched on a hilltop near the town of Amer, in Catalonia's Girona province. It's a spot for travelers looking for an alternative to crowded landmarks — quiet, nature, and a bit of history to discover on your own.

What will you find there?

Little remains of the original structure: a few sections of wall and a hollow carved directly into the rock, a trace of what were once the castle's chambers. There's no reconstruction or visitor infrastructure here, which is exactly what many hikers appreciate most — genuine, raw ruins set in a natural landscape, with no crowds and no entrance fee.

The castle sits at the top of a hill, offering views over the surrounding hills and valleys of the Amer area, typical of the Pyrenees foothills. It makes for a natural resting point during a longer walk.

How do you get to Castell d'Ases?

The most straightforward approach is on foot, via a trail starting from the La Jonquera neighborhood, on the edge of Amer, heading toward Olot. The path runs just above this neighborhood, passes near the village of Fornics, and climbs up to the castle ruins. The trail is marked and popular with local hikers, though it isn't among the region's busiest tourist routes.

Sturdy walking shoes are worth packing — the terrain is uneven and steep in places, and the ruins themselves sit on natural, unpaved ground.

When is the best time to visit?

With no shade or shelter along the way, spring and autumn are the best seasons, when Catalonia's temperatures are milder and the trail isn't baking under summer heat. Morning hours are a good choice if you want quiet surroundings and better light for photographing the ruins and the panorama beyond.

What else should you know before setting off?

Castell d'Ases pairs well with a longer day exploring the area around Amer, a town known for its monastery and historic architecture. Records of the region's old farmhouses also mention the Masoveria del Castell d'Ases nearby — a former farmstead once tied to the castle, a sign that the surrounding land stayed inhabited and worked long after the fortress itself lost its defensive role.

This isn't a site with information panels or a curated museum narrative — its appeal lies in the experience itself: the walk through the countryside, the discovery of modest remains, and a moment with a view, away from the main tourist trails of the Costa Brava.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Castell d'Ases? No, the ruins are freely accessible with no fee or fixed opening hours — the site stays open year-round.

How long does it take to reach the castle? It depends on your starting point, but the walk from La Jonquera is a moderate hike involving an uphill climb; plan for a few hours for the round trip.

Is there anything to see besides the ruins themselves? Yes — the hilltop view over the Amer area and the Pyrenees foothills is a reward in its own right, whatever the state of the remaining structure.

Is the trail suitable for children? With reasonable fitness and proper footwear, yes, though the uneven, partly steep ground calls for care, especially with younger children.