Castell de la Roqueta

Castell de la Roqueta is a ruined medieval fortress standing above the town of Sant Martí de Tous, in the Catalan region of Anoia.

What is the history behind the castle?

The earliest written record of the fortress dates to the year 960, in a deed confirming ownership issued by Borrell II, Count of Barcelona and Osona, to his vassal Isarn, son of Sal·la. The place name used at the time, "Ipsa Rocheta," reflects the site's rugged, strategic character, built along the frontier zone known as the Marca as a defensive outpost against Saracen incursions. In 1226, following a bequest by Guerau Alemany de Cervelló, the castle passed into the hands of the monastery of Santes Creus, which retained control over it for generations. In 1311, the abbot of the monastery and Pere de Tous signed an agreement setting the boundaries between their respective domains, confirming that the fortress still functioned as a distinct center of local authority at that time.

What will you see on site?

Very little of the original structure survives — this is a genuine ruin rather than a restored monument. At the top of the hill, visitors find the remains of a wall built directly on the bedrock, connected to the scant remnants of the castle's chapel. A shared section of wall survives along with a few semi-circular arches, built from regular but modestly sized and uneven stonework. At the highest point of the hill lie traces of a former tower, believed to be the oldest part of the whole complex. Despite the sparse remains, the site rewards visitors with open views over the Serra de Queralt range and the valley below, where Sant Martí de Tous sits.

How do you get there?

The ruins crown a hill between the Church of Santa Maria and the Coll de la Savinosa pass, on the southwestern edge of town. Access is on foot, via a local path climbing from the village center up the hillside — a short but somewhat demanding walk over uneven ground. There are no fixed opening hours or entry fees, since this is an open, unstaffed archaeological site freely accessible from the outside.

When should you visit?

With no shelter from the sun and no shade along the climb, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for a visit, when temperatures are milder and the walk up the hill less strenuous. Early morning or late afternoon light works particularly well here, casting a warm glow on the stone walls and offering the clearest views over the surrounding hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee for the castle ruins? No — the site is freely accessible at any time, with no tickets and no set opening hours, since there is no visitor infrastructure or staff on site.

Has the castle been restored? No, only fragments remain: sections of wall, the remnants of the chapel, and traces of a tower. It is an authentic archaeological ruin rather than a reconstructed monument.

How long does a visit typically take? Because the surviving remains are modest in scale, the visit itself is usually brief, though reaching the hilltop on foot adds some extra time.

What else can you combine this visit with? The ruins sit right next to the Church of Santa Maria in Sant Martí de Tous, making it easy to pair both sites in a single short walk through the town's historic quarter.