Castell del Far

Castell del Far is a ruined medieval castle crowning a hilltop in the municipality of Llinars del Vallès, in the Vallès Oriental region of Catalonia, north of Barcelona.

What will you see?

The remains sit on a hill and are compact in scale — the fortified core measured only about 20 by 30 metres — yet the site was once heavily defended, ringed by a circular moat and an outer defensive perimeter, with rectangular towers set within the walls. Its story stretches back to an Iberian watchtower, later reused by the Romans, and put to defensive use again in the Visigothic period against Germanic incursions. The fortifications were reinforced once more under Carolingian rule as raids swept the region in the 10th century. Written records of the castle date from 1025, and over the following centuries it passed through several hands — the Far lineage, then the Centelles and Cabrera families, and finally the barons of Corbera, who added a chapel here around 1336.

The castle's fate was sealed by an earthquake on the night of 24–25 May 1448, with its epicentre right at Llinars. The structure collapsed and was never rebuilt; its owners chose instead to raise a new residence, Castellnou, elsewhere in the municipality. The site has since been partially excavated but remains abandoned and overgrown. Even so, the surviving stretches of wall and the moat let visitors trace the old layout of the stronghold and appreciate why this hilltop was chosen for defence in the first place.

How do you get there?

The ruins lie along the trail leading toward the Corredor Sanctuary (Santuari del Corredor), and the route is signposted and marked on digital maps. Entry is free and unrestricted, making the castle an easy short-walk destination for anyone based in Llinars del Vallès or exploring the Vallès Oriental countryside.

When should you visit?

Since the castle is an exposed hilltop ruin with no shade structures, cooler hours or seasons work best — spring, autumn, or early mornings in summer — for a more comfortable walk and exploration of the grounds. The site receives no regular upkeep, so sturdy footwear is worth packing, especially after rain, when vegetation and uneven ground can slow you down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, access to the ruins is free year-round.

Why is the castle in ruins? An earthquake on the night of 24–25 May 1448 brought the structure down, and its owners at the time chose to build a new residence elsewhere rather than rebuild the original castle.

Are there visitor facilities on site? No, the site is undeveloped and overgrown — it suits visitors who enjoy exploring raw historical ruins rather than a museum-style monument.

What can you combine the visit with? The trail passing the castle continues toward the Corredor Sanctuary, so the historical stop can easily be paired with a longer hike through the hills of Vallès Oriental.