Castell de Mediona

Castell de Mediona is a castle in the town of Mediona, in the Alt Penedès region of Catalonia, perched above the Congost de Mediona gorge. It is one of the few Catalan castles that remains inhabited to this day, having kept a continuous role for over a thousand years.

How far back does its history go?

The oldest surviving document mentioning the castle dates to 1011 and records a donation to the monastery of Sant Cugat del Vallès. Historians believe the hill on which the fortress stands, known as the Foundational Hill, may have already been fortified earlier, possibly by the Saracens during the 10th century. Over the following centuries the complex grew in layers: Templar-related construction was added in the 13th century, and in the 15th century the Duke of Cardona built the Torre Grossa, the large tower that still dominates the silhouette of the complex today.

What will you actually see on site?

A visit brings together several historical layers in one place. The starting point is the 10th-century Foundational Hill, evidence of the earliest settlement here. From there the route leads to the church of Santa Maria de Mediona, a 12th-century Romanesque chapel that was extended with Gothic elements in the 13th and 14th centuries — the contrast between the two architectural styles is easy to spot. Also worth a look are the former 13th-century stables, later converted into a wine cellar. The visit is rounded off by views over the Congost de Mediona gorge itself, a strategic passage linking the Mediterranean coast with inland Catalonia that shaped the castle's military importance for centuries. A guided tour, covering history, local legends, and graphic plans, takes about an hour and a half.

How to get there and when to go?

The castle sits in the heart of Alt Penedès, a region best known for its vineyards, which makes it easy to combine a visit with local wine tasting nearby. The area is also popular with active tourism: hiking routes connecting Santes Creus with Montserrat pass through here, alongside horse riding and cycling trails, making Castell de Mediona a natural stopping point for travelers on those routes. Because of its exposed position above the gorge, spring and autumn tend to offer the best conditions for visiting and photography, with milder temperatures and light that flatters the outline of the hill and tower. Admission costs 6 euros per person.

Why is it worth the hour and a half?

It is rare for a single complex to let you trace such a long chain of architectural change — from an early medieval fortification, through Templar-era building, to a late-Gothic defensive tower — without having to visit several separate sites. On top of that, the castle is still lived in, which gives the visit a different feel from touring an abandoned ruin.

Frequently asked questions

Is the castle still inhabited? Yes, Castell de Mediona is a living, inhabited monumental complex, which sets it apart from many other Catalan castles that survive only as ruins.

How long does a visit take? A full guided visit, covering the history, legends, and the different parts of the complex, takes about an hour and a half.

What is the oldest part you can see? The 10th-century Foundational Hill and the Romanesque section of the church of Santa Maria de Mediona, dating from the 12th century.

Are there hiking trails nearby? Yes, hiking routes linking Santes Creus and Montserrat pass through the area, along with horse riding and cycling trails, making the castle a convenient stopping point.