Castell de Collbató

Castell de Collbató is a medieval ruin standing above the town of Collbató, at the foot of the Montserrat massif in Catalonia. Only part of its old watchtower survives today, yet the hilltop it occupies still offers one of the best viewpoints in the area.

What is the history behind the castle?

Settlement on this hilltop dates back to 942, when Count Gilabert, lord of La Guardia, gave the watchtower as a dowry to his daughter Ermesenda on her marriage to Bartomeu. The first written record of Collbató itself dates from 1113. Ownership of the castle changed several times over the following centuries: it belonged to the viscounts of Barcelona until 1291, then passed to the Durfort family until 1377. When that line died out, the estate passed in 1375 to the abbot of the Montserrat monastery, and it remained monastery property until 1835.

The site re-entered the historical record in the early 19th century, when Napoleonic troops crossed through Collbató on their way to the Montserrat monastery. Local legend credits the bandit Mansuert Boxes with helping drive the soldiers out of the area.

What can you see on site?

Of the original fortification, only a fragment of the watchtower remains, perched on top of a conical hill. The ruins themselves are modest in size, but the setting is what makes the visit worthwhile: from the top, views open out over the rooftops of Collbató, the cultivated terraces of the valley, and the jagged rock spires of Montserrat rising above the landscape. It's a popular target for short walks combined with a stroll around the old town.

How do you get to the castle?

The climb to the castle hill starts in the center of Collbató. From the square in front of the town hall, follow Carrer Amadeu Vives (the old Carrer Major), which leads to the former town wall gate. Once outside the walls, the path runs past the Can Casanova farmhouse and continues uphill to the top of the castle hill. No special preparation is needed, though comfortable footwear is recommended given the climb.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the hill offers no shade or shelter, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with milder temperatures and the clearest views toward Montserrat. Morning hours give the best light for photos, before the sun climbs high over the valley.

Frequently asked questions

What remains of the castle in Collbató today? Only part of the original watchtower still stands on top of the hill — the rest of the medieval walls have crumbled away over the centuries.

Until when did the castle belong to the Montserrat monastery? The estate passed to the abbot of Montserrat in 1375 and remained monastery property until 1835.

Is the walk up to the castle difficult? No, it's a short uphill walk starting from the center of Collbató, passing beyond the old town walls and up a steep path — manageable for an averagely fit visitor.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Montserrat? Yes, Collbató sits at the foot of the Montserrat massif, so a visit to the castle ruins pairs well with a trip into the mountains or to the nearby monastery.