Castell de Malavella

Castell de Malavella is a set of medieval castle ruins in the municipality of Caldes de Malavella, in Catalonia's Girona province. Set on a hilltop away from the town's spa center, it's a quieter historical stop in the Selva county.

What's the history behind the castle?

The fortress is first documented in 1057. It was built on high ground to control the surrounding territory, following the feudal patterns of land settlement and defense common to the era. The castle belonged to the barony of Llagostera, one of the local seats of feudal power in the Girona region. Records confirm the castle was still active in the early 14th century, but documentary traces disappear after that point — the building most likely lost its military role over time and fell into ruin.

A local legend is also tied to the site: a "mala vella," or wicked old woman, is said to have lived within its walls. Tradition holds that this figure gave her name to the entire municipality of Caldes de Malavella.

What will you see on site?

Enough wall fragments survive to trace the castle's original layout: a roughly square floor plan with chamfered corners reinforced by towers, a design typical of Catalan defensive fortresses of the period.

Right next to the ruins stands the small chapel of Sant Mauricio, built partly using the castle's old defensive walls. The combination of the modest chapel and the stone remains of the fortress makes for a peaceful, scenic spot where military history gave way to a later religious use of the hilltop.

How do you get there?

The ruins sit on the hill of Sant Mauricio, southeast of the settlement of Les Mateues, within the municipality of Caldes de Malavella, in the Selva county of Girona province. The site forms part of a castle route covering the Selva county, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area on foot or by bike — the approach passes by the Sant Mauricio hermitage-chapel itself.

Caldes de Malavella sits in the heart of the Costa Brava hinterland, within easy reach for travelers based in Girona, so the castle pairs well with other regional sightseeing.

When should you visit?

Because the site sits exposed on a hilltop with no shade, spring or autumn offer the most comfortable conditions compared to peak summer heat. Caldes de Malavella is best known as a thermal spa town, so a visit to the castle ruins can easily be combined with time spent relaxing in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still see the original castle walls? Yes, fragments of the defensive walls remain, tracing a roughly square floor plan with corner towers.

Where does the name Caldes de Malavella come from? Local legend traces it to a "mala vella," a wicked old woman said to have lived within the castle walls.

Is there anything else near the castle ruins? Yes, the small chapel of Sant Mauricio stands nearby, built partly from the castle's old defensive walls.

Until when was the castle in use? Records confirm it was still active in the early 14th century, after which documentary traces disappear.