Castell de Solterra

Castell de Solterra is a ruined medieval castle perched on the summit of Sant Miquel de Solterra in the Guilleries mountain range, above Osor. It ranks among the highest fortified sites in Catalonia and makes a quiet destination for hikers drawn to the region's history and views.

What is the history behind the castle?

The fortress is first documented in 929, when it belonged directly to the Counts of Barcelona. Through the 10th century, Castell de Solterra served as the center of a large feudal territory administered by the viscount Sal·la, who died around 970. His son Isarn later bequeathed the family's landholdings to the monastery of Sant Benet de Bages, an area that stretched across what were then the terms of Sant Hilari and Osor — explaining why the castle remains linked to both villages today.

Ownership shifted over the following centuries: the Queralt family held it in the 12th century, the Castellbò family in the 14th, and later the Cabrera family took control. The castle lost its military role from the 13th century onward, but the chapel built within its walls stayed in use much longer, functioning until 1910.

What can you see on site?

Today, the surviving remains include the base of a circular tower, now topped by the iron cross of the Guilleries, a landmark visible from the surrounding trails. A section of wall from the chapel dedicated to Saint Michael also still stands. The ruins occupy the highest peak of the Guilleries range, at 1,204 meters, offering wide views over the forests and valleys of the Selva region below.

How do you get there?

Castell de Solterra sits in the rugged terrain of the Guilleries mountains, so reaching it means hiking along forest tracks and mountain paths leading up toward the Sant Miquel de Solterra summit. Osor or the neighboring town of Sant Hilari Sacalm both make natural starting points, as they sit at the foot of the range and serve as the usual base for walks into this area.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn bring the mildest mountain temperatures and the driest, most comfortable trail conditions. In summer, the altitude and forest cover ease the heat somewhat, though carrying enough water is essential. Winter can turn the summit cold and windy, which experienced hikers may find appealing, but it calls for extra caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any structures still standing at the castle? Yes — the base of a circular tower survives, along with a section of wall from the former chapel of Saint Michael.

How old is Castell de Solterra? The fortress is documented from 929 and passed over the centuries from the Counts of Barcelona to the Queralt, Castellbò, and Cabrera families.

Can you drive up to the site? Because of its mountain location, the final stretch must be covered on foot, via trails starting from Osor or Sant Hilari Sacalm.

Why is the castle associated with both Osor and Sant Hilari Sacalm? Its historical territory once spanned land belonging to both villages, as recorded in medieval documents concerning a donation to the monastery of Sant Benet de Bages.