Castell de Mataplana

Castell de Mataplana is a medieval castle ruin in the municipality of Gombrèn, in the Ripollès region of Catalonia, set on the slope of the Espluga valley. Recognised as a cultural asset of national interest, it stands out as one of the more evocative stops for anyone exploring the Catalan Pyrenean foothills.

Where does the name come from and when was the castle built?

The site's story begins in the 11th century with a watchtower and defensive tower positioned near the old path connecting Gombrèn to Castellar de N'Hug. That early structure was the seed of everything that followed. In the 12th century the Mataplana family built a Romanesque castle on the spot, complete with a chapel and living quarters, giving the place the name it still carries.

The earliest written record of the Mataplana lineage dates to 1086, when a certain Hug de Mataplana appears as a signatory to a grant made by Count Guillem of Cerdanya to the church of Santa Maria de Lillet.

How did the castle evolve over the centuries?

Through the 12th and 13th centuries, the original Romanesque residence was transformed into a fortified palace. It shed its purely defensive character and became a venue for lavish celebrations and troubadour gatherings, a sign of the family's wealth and standing at the time.

The castle's fortunes were tied closely to feudal politics in the region. In 1246, King James I sold the crown's rights over the castle to Galceran d'Urg, who had married Blanca de Mataplana, heiress to the family. Throughout the 13th century the Mataplana family continued to live at the castle, and in 1278 they founded the settlement that would grow into today's town of Gombrèn.

When and why was the castle abandoned?

Around 1320, the lords of Mataplana relocated their main residence to Pobla de Lillet, leaving the castle in Gombrèn for good. The building gradually lost its importance until it was completely abandoned in the early 15th century. From that point on, the ruins stood empty, exposed to time and natural decay.

What can visitors see at the site today?

The castle's present appearance owes much to archaeological excavations carried out between 1986 and 1995, which fully uncovered the original layout — the remains of defensive walls, the outlines of living quarters, and traces of the old chapel. Thanks to this work, visitors can now trace the building's floor plan and picture its former role as a centre of power and courtly life in the Ripollès region.

The castle sits off the beaten path, away from the main tourist routes, making it a rewarding destination for anyone interested in medieval Catalan history or in walking through the scenic Pyrenean foothills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Castell de Mataplana located? The ruins lie in the municipality of Gombrèn, in the Ripollès district, at the northwestern edge of the municipal territory, in the Espluga valley.

Who built the castle? It grew out of an 11th-century watchtower, and its proper Romanesque form was built by the Mataplana family in the 12th century.

Why was the castle abandoned? The lords of Mataplana moved their residence to Pobla de Lillet around 1320, and the castle itself was finally deserted in the early 15th century.

Can the ruins be visited today? Yes. Archaeological excavations between 1986 and 1995 uncovered the complete layout of the castle, so visitors can see the remains of its walls, rooms, and former chapel.