Castell de Fornils

Castell de Fornils is a set of medieval castle ruins in the municipality of Susqueda, in the province of Girona, in Catalonia's La Selva region. Perched on a small hill above the Om de Vallisana stream, at the foot of the Far cliff where the Guilleries range meets the Serralada Transversal, the site once guarded the surrounding valley — and that watchtower role is exactly why it still rewards a visit, even though only stone walls remain today.

What is the history behind the castle?

Fornils is a textbook feudal castle dating from the 11th–12th centuries, with additions from the 13th century. Its oldest section, the main tower, was raised in the 11th century, and over the following two hundred years further defensive and residential structures were added around it. The castle is also known by three other names — Castell del Roure, Castell de Sant Pau, and Castell de les Gleies — a sign of just how long and layered its history is.

The fortress belonged to the viscounts of Cardona and held jurisdiction over the parishes of Sant Martí and Susqueda. Its chain of ownership is well documented: in 1310, following the death of Bernat Amat de Cardona, the castle passed to his daughter Sibil·la, and from her to her son, Hug de Pallars. In 1369 it was sold to the Cruïlles family, closing another chapter in its story.

Why was this location strategically important?

The hill Fornils sits on wasn't chosen at random. From here, the castle controlled the territory stretching between the Far cliff, the plain of Sant Martí Sacalm, Susqueda itself, and the cliffs near Rupit. This crossroads of valleys and routes made the site a key defensive lookout for the whole Guilleries area — a mountainous, densely wooded region that still draws hikers today.

What will you actually see there?

What survives today is a ruin — sections of defensive walls and the remains of the tower, still clear enough to trace the castle's original layout. The site has gone through a third phase of restoration and consolidation work, making the ruins safer to walk through and easier to read for visitors. Don't expect a fully rebuilt castle; this is an authentic set of centuries-old stone remains set into the natural Guilleries landscape.

How do you get to Castell de Fornils?

The castle lies within the municipality of Susqueda, in the heart of the mountainous La Selva region. Access is via local roads winding through the Guilleries, with the final stretch to the ruins covered on foot — the terrain is hilly, so sturdy walking shoes are a good idea. The surrounding area is known for scenic trails linking other viewpoints across the region, so a visit here pairs easily with a longer walk through the Guilleries.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the mountainous terrain and the lack of any sheltered infrastructure, spring and autumn are the best times to come, when temperatures are mild and the trails aren't baking under summer sun. Summers can get hot, especially since the walk up to the ruins offers little shade, while winter weather in the Guilleries can be unpredictable.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the castle free? Yes, the ruins sit on open ground with no admission fee, though visitors should treat the site with care and avoid damaging what remains of the walls.

How long does a visit take? Exploring the ruins themselves usually takes 30–45 minutes, but it's worth adding time for the walk up and for pausing to take in the views over the surrounding hills.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes, the Guilleries region has a network of hiking trails linking other historical and natural sites, making it easy to build a full day out around the castle.

Is the site suitable for children or visitors with limited mobility? The hilly terrain and unpaved approach can be demanding for young children or anyone with reduced mobility, so it's worth planning the visit with that in mind.