Castell del Mor

Castell del Mor is a ruined medieval castle crowning the Tossal del Mor hill on the Urgell plain near Tàrrega, in Catalonia. Sitting roughly two kilometers northwest of Vilagrassa, the site preserves only scattered wall fragments today, yet its story stretches back far earlier than the fortress itself.

What is the history behind this site?

The hilltop was already settled in the Late Bronze Age and again during Roman times, and after the Arab conquest it remained occupied continuously into the Christian period. The castle itself first surfaces in written records around 1079, named as a boundary marker of the surrounding territory. A will drawn up in 1119 already refers to "castro de Mor," showing that by then the stronghold held an established place in local affairs.

Its later fortunes were tied closely to the counts of Catalonia-Aragon. Between 1177 and 1178, Count Alfonso I signed a defensive pact with the knights holding the fortress, and the following year he extended protection to the inhabitants of its lands. In 1192 he granted the castle to Guillem d'Anglesola of Bellpuig as a reward for service, and the Anglesola family kept control of it through the 13th and 14th centuries. When that line died out in 1417, disputes broke out over its possession, and lordship eventually passed to the Cardona family and later the Dukes of Sessa.

What can you see on site?

The castle occupied the highest point of the hill, laid out on a roughly quadrangular plan measuring about 23 by 27 meters. Sections of its defensive walls survive, built from well-worked stone blocks that once formed three concentric lines of fortification. Just below the summit lie further remains, possibly belonging to the former church of Santa Maria. Over time many of the wall stones were carried off by local farmers to mark field boundaries, which is why the ruins now stand only partially intact.

Archaeological and construction work in the area has turned up Islamic pottery and grey Christian ceramics from the medieval period, along with lustreware dated to the 14th–16th centuries. Some of these finds are now on display at the museum in Tàrrega.

How do you get there, and when is the best time to visit?

The ruins stand on private land within the farming landscape of the Urgell plain, surrounded by cultivated fields and olive groves — those open views, alongside the walls themselves, are as much a reason to come as the ruins. Finding the site takes a bit of local knowledge, so it's worth asking for directions in Tàrrega before setting out. Spring and autumn are the most rewarding seasons, when temperatures on the exposed hilltop are milder and the surrounding farmland is at its most scenic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the castle open to visitors? The land where the ruins stand is privately owned, and archaeological work remains limited, so this is worth keeping in mind before planning a trip.

How old is the site? The castle first appears in written sources at the end of the 11th century, though the hill itself was inhabited as far back as the Late Bronze Age.

Which family controlled the castle the longest? The Anglesola family of Bellpuig held it through the 13th and 14th centuries, after receiving it from Count Alfonso I in 1192.

Where can you see artifacts found at the castle? Pottery unearthed at the site, including Islamic pieces and medieval Christian ceramics, is displayed at the museum in Tàrrega.