Castell de Boixadors

Castell de Boixadors is a medieval fortress standing above the municipality of Sant Pere Sallavinera, in the Anoia district of Catalonia. Recognized as a cultural asset of national interest, the site combines the remains of a defensive castle with the Romanesque church of Sant Pere, making it one of the notable historical landmarks in this part of Catalonia.

Where exactly is the castle located?

The ruins crown a hilltop at 848 meters above sea level, rising out of a plain that resembles the neighboring Segarra region. The site sits along a side road branching off the route connecting Manresa and Calaf, near the Llavinera junction. From here the views stretch as far as the town of Calaf, and because the castle occupies the north-eastern edge of the municipality, it remains visible from a considerable distance.

How old is the site?

The oldest surviving elements — above all the distinctive round tower — date back to the 11th century, though the complex as a whole is generally attributed to the Romanesque period spanning the 10th to 12th centuries. The name Boixadors already appears in written records in 1015, making it one of the earlier documented place names in the region.

Who ruled over the castle?

From 1100 onward, the lords of the castle belonged to the Boixadors family, who over time — from the 14th century — took on the title of barons, with their domain extending to the nearby castles of La Llavinera and La Fortesa. In 1425, through marriage, the estate passed to the Foixà family. The resulting Foix-Boixadors lineage retained control of the territory until the 19th century, meaning close to eight centuries of continuous rule by a single family line over this one site.

What remains to see today?

Fragments of outbuildings and defensive walls survive, clustered around a well-preserved round tower from the 11th century. The tower rises across three floors, with the two upper levels capped by false stone domes, a construction technique typical of defensive architecture from that era. Access to the upper floors is through doorways set at the level of the first and second stories, underscoring the building's defensive design. Standing alongside the tower is a Gothic-era seigneurial residence, added to the complex at a later stage.

What about the church of Sant Pere?

An integral part of the site is the Romanesque church of Sant Pere, built in two distinct phases. The earliest section dates to the mid-11th century. Toward the end of the 13th century, the church was extended eastward, enlarging the chancel area. Much later, probably in the 17th century, the height of the original nave was raised, a change still visible today in the building's silhouette and in the differences in the stonework finish.

Frequently asked questions

Can Castell de Boixadors be visited? The site is accessible to visitors as a heritage location, and guided tours are occasionally organized in the area — it's worth checking current offerings from local organizers before planning a visit.

How do you get to Castell de Boixadors? The castle sits along a side road off the Manresa–Calaf route, near the Llavinera junction, within the municipality of Sant Pere Sallavinera.

Why is the castle called Boixadors? The name comes from the Boixadors family, who ruled the territory from around 1100 and turned it into a barony from the 14th century onward.

What is the oldest part of the complex? The oldest and most recognizable feature is the round tower dating from the 11th century, standing three floors tall with characteristic stone domes on its upper levels.