Castell d'Hostalric

Castell d'Hostalric is a medieval stronghold perched on an extinct volcanic cone above the small town of Hostalric, in the province of Girona. For centuries it guarded the royal road between Barcelona and Girona, and it now stands as one of the best-preserved fortifications in this part of Catalonia.

How old is the castle?

A defensive structure on this hilltop is documented as early as 1145, when it belonged to the Viscounts of Cabrera, a powerful noble family that controlled the surrounding territory. What visitors see today, however, is largely the product of a much later transformation. Major fortification works began in 1712, during the War of the Spanish Succession, under a design by military engineer Francisco de Santa Cruz. Although the garrison surrendered to Philip V's troops in 1731, construction continued through the rest of the 18th century, turning the old knights' castle into a fortress fit for the artillery age. A further round of works between 1794 and 1795, during the War of the Pyrenees, gave the complex much of the layout still visible today. The military kept a garrison here until 1929, after which the site was abandoned and left to decay for decades before restoration work began.

What is there to see inside?

The self-guided route takes in the fortress's main features: the guardhouse, the bastions, the former gunpowder magazine, and a covered bomb-proof gallery you can walk through on your own. A separate highlight is the so-called Knight's Palace, the surviving core of the original Cabrera family castle, which is only accessible on a guided tour led by a local guide who also opens up corners of the site closed to independent visitors. Walking the ramparts is worth doing slowly: the eastern side looks out toward the Montseny massif and the Montnegre-Corredor range, while the ravelin on the opposite flank overlooks the orchards around Hostalric and the flat expanse of the La Selva plain.

How do you get there, and when's the best time?

Hostalric sits directly on the main road and rail line connecting Barcelona with Girona and the Costa Brava, which makes the castle an easy stop for anyone travelling that route. From the parking area near the old town, a short but steep climb leads up to the fortress gate, so comfortable shoes are worth packing. In summer the upper platform gets a lot of direct sun, so mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable for a visit; spring and autumn tend to offer the clearest views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Frequently asked questions

How much does admission cost? A self-guided ticket costs €5. Guided visits, which additionally include the Knight's Palace, require booking a time slot in advance.

Is the guided tour worth it? Yes, if you want access to the section of the castle tied directly to the Cabrera family history — that part stays closed without a guide.

How long does a visit take? Walking the bastions and galleries on your own takes about an hour; guided visits usually run a bit longer thanks to the extra rooms and historical commentary.

Is the castle suitable for children? Yes, most of the site is open and safe to explore, though the steep approach from the parking area and the uneven surfaces along the ramparts call for some extra attention with younger kids.