Castell de Molinàs

Castell de Molinàs is a ruined medieval tower-castle in the municipality of Colera, in the Alt Empordà region of the Costa Brava, tucked into the Molinàs valley roughly four kilometres west of the village centre.

What is this place?

The site preserves the remains of a tower-castle originally built on a square plan, 20 metres to a side. Today two sections of the structure survive, together forming a roughly rectangular footprint. The most striking feature is the north wall, standing close to ten metres tall and pierced by three rows of irregularly spaced arrow loops, with a well-preserved machicolation still visible at the top — a projecting parapet that let defenders strike at attackers below without exposing themselves. The building has a rough, vernacular character, and its builders reused stones from an earlier, much larger watchtower that had stood on the same spot.

The earliest written trace of fortifications here dates to 1223, in an agreement signed by the abbot of the monastery of Sant Quirc concerning the Colera valley, which mentions fortresses and towers at this location — in the plural. The architectural features of the structure — its tower-castle layout, diaphragm arches, interior rooms, high-set loopholes and the machicolation itself — point to a later medieval date, most likely the 12th or 13th century.

How do you get there?

The ruins sit in the Molinàs valley, a few kilometres west of Colera's built-up area, away from the coast's main tourist routes. This is a spot for travellers who enjoy quieter paths and don't mind reaching it on foot through open countryside with no visitor infrastructure — plan the route in advance and wear footwear suited to uneven terrain.

What will you see on site?

The highlight is the tall stone north wall, with its loopholes and machicolation still intact — a feature rarely found in such good condition among the region's small local fortifications. The rest of the structure is more fragmentary, but it's enough to picture the original square tower in your mind. The surrounding Molinàs valley, framed by the hills of Alt Empordà, gives the site a quiet, remote feel far from any crowds.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times, when temperatures are milder and the valley's vegetation doesn't hamper the approach to the ruins. Summer heat can be harsh on this exposed terrain, especially since there's no shade or water source nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, this is an open archaeological site with no tickets, ticket booth, or on-site staff.

How long does a visit take? Walking around the ruins themselves usually takes 20–30 minutes, plus whatever time the approach from Colera adds, depending on the route you choose.

Is the structure well preserved? Mostly what survives is the north wall section, with its loopholes and machicolation clearly visible; the rest is ruined and requires care when exploring.

How do we know when the castle was built? The oldest written mention of fortifications in the Colera valley comes from a document dated 1223, while the tower's architectural features suggest it was actually built in the 12th or 13th century.