Castell de Selma

Castell de Selma is a set of medieval castle ruins standing above the abandoned village of Selma, in the municipality of Aiguamúrcia (Alt Camp comarca, Tarragona province) in Catalonia. The site is listed as a cultural property of national interest (BCIN) and remains one of the region's lesser-known but historically rich landmarks.

Where exactly is the castle located?

The ruins sit at the top of a hill directly above the abandoned village of Selma, within the municipal boundaries of Aiguamúrcia. The coordinates are 41.367035, 1.461822. Access is via local roads connecting the surrounding towns of Alt Camp, and the summit offers wide views over the valley and the traces of former settlement below.

What is the castle's history?

The earliest documentary mentions of the castle date to 977–978, making it one of the older recorded fortifications in this part of Catalonia. After a raid by the forces of Almansur, the castle was rebuilt in the 10th century by viscount Geribert, restoring its defensive role over the surrounding lands.

For several centuries the castle remained in the hands of the Santmartí family. That changed in 1142, when Guillem de Santmartí ceded it to the Knights Templar. Following the dissolution of the Templar order in the early 14th century, the property passed to the Knights Hospitaller (the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem), which absorbed the Templars' holdings across Catalonia.

How much of the original structure survives?

The castle's state of conservation is poor, and only fragmentary remains of the original construction have survived. Traces of the lower defensive enclosure are still visible. At the very top of the hill, remnants of a square-plan tower can be seen, along with an opening corresponding to the original gateway. Sections of walls from rooms once attached to the main building also remain, though heavily damaged by time.

Why was the village of Selma abandoned?

The village of Selma, once the economic hub of numerous farms spread across the castle's extensive territory, was abandoned in the early 20th century. The direct cause was the construction of a road linking Sant Jaume dels Domenys and Pla de Manlleu. The new route prompted a mass exodus of residents to Pla de Manlleu, where the climate was milder and the land more fertile. Selma gradually emptied out, leaving behind the ruins of its houses and the castle on the hill above.

What should you know before visiting?

The site is wild and largely undeveloped for tourism — these are genuine ruins, not a restored monument with visitor facilities. Sturdy footwear is recommended, since the approach climbs uphill over uneven ground. A visit is often combined with exploring the nearby abandoned village, making the outing appealing to history enthusiasts and fans of abandoned-place exploration (urbex).

Frequently asked questions

Where is Castell de Selma located? On a hilltop above the abandoned village of Selma, in the municipality of Aiguamúrcia, in the Alt Camp comarca, Tarragona province.

When was the castle built? The earliest historical records date to 977–978, though the structure was later rebuilt, notably after Almansur's raid in the 10th century.

Who controlled the castle during the Middle Ages? First the Santmartí family, then from 1142 the Knights Templar, and after the order's dissolution in the early 14th century, the Knights Hospitaller.

Why is the village next to the castle abandoned? Selma's residents relocated to Pla de Manlleu in the early 20th century after a new road was built, since the climate and land there were more favorable for farming.