Dosrius Castle

Dosrius Castle (Catalan: Castell de Dosrius) is a ruined medieval fortress standing on a hill north of the village of Dosrius, in the Maresme comarca of Catalonia. Little remains above ground today, but the site still draws visitors interested in the feudal history of the region and in the views over the surrounding Serralada Litoral range.

Where is the castle and how do you get there?

The ruins sit on a granite outcrop with sauló soil, north of the village center. The site is freely accessible, unfenced and open at all times, and offers views toward the neighboring hilltops of Montalt and Burriac castles as well as the Cèllecs heights. The location is easy to find on online maps, though visitors are advised to bring a site plan, since the overgrown ruins can be hard to interpret without one.

What is the history behind the castle?

The name Dosrius derives from the Latin "Duos Rios" ("two rivers"), first recorded as early as 963 in reference to the valley the castle overlooked. The fortress itself is documented from 1114, appearing in records as "Duos Riuos." Historians place its construction in the 11th–12th centuries and link it to the defensive network guarding the passes between Maresme and Vallès, alongside the nearby Burriac Castle, whose origins go back to pre-Roman Iberian settlement in the area.

Who controlled the castle over the centuries?

For most of the Middle Ages the castle belonged to the Benedictine priory of Sant Pere de Casserres in Osona, part of the Cluniac order and tied to the diocese of Vic, while the Dosrius family held it as feudal tenants. Lordship passed to the Cartellà family in 1277, and in 1453 the Cartellà bought out the priory's remaining rights, becoming full owners of the castle and the barony of Dosrius. When heiress Elisabet de Cartellà married Galceran de Montserrat de Sentmenat, lord of Santa Fe castle, in 1437, it began the Sentmenat line's hold on Dosrius, which lasted until feudal jurisdictions were abolished. In 1690 the estate became the seat of the Marquessate of Castelldosrius.

What survives of the original structure?

The castle was badly damaged during the Remença peasant wars of the 15th century and fell into ruin soon after; it was never rebuilt or adapted for firearms. What remains today includes part of the rectangular keep, a roughly 6-by-6-metre section of the western wall with two rows of arrow loops, a fragment of the southeastern corner, and traces of the foundations at ground level. The walls were built from medium-sized, roughly worked granite blocks bonded with lime mortar. The site is protected as a cultural asset, and a detailed study of the remains was carried out in 2019.

Is it worth the visit?

Dosrius Castle suits travelers who enjoy hillside walks with historical depth rather than fully restored monuments. It sits along a route connecting several of Maresme's medieval castles, making it a natural stop on a longer hike across the surrounding ridgeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for Dosrius Castle? No. The ruins are freely and permanently accessible, with no ticket booth or opening hours.

How much of the original castle still stands? Very little — mainly part of the keep, a section of the western wall with arrow loops, and foundation remains; the rest was lost after the castle's ruin in the 15th century.

Where does the name Dosrius come from? From the Latin "Duos Rios" ("two rivers"), first recorded in 963 in reference to the valley below the castle.

What other castles can be seen from the site? Montalt and Burriac castles, along with the Cèllecs hilltops, are visible from the ruins.