Montbui Castle

Montbui Castle (Castell de la Tossa) crowns the summit of the Tossa de Montbui hill, right above the town of Santa Margarida de Montbui in Catalonia. Standing 620 metres above sea level, the fortress has watched over the Òdena basin and the roads leading to nearby Igualada for over a thousand years. Today it's one of the region's most rewarding viewpoints, mixing deep history with sweeping views over the Anoia countryside.

How do you get there?

The castle sits on the edge of Santa Margarida de Montbui, a short drive from Igualada, the area's main town with good connections to Barcelona. A marked footpath climbs from the car park at the base of the hill to the summit, usually taking 20 to 30 minutes at a relaxed pace. The final stretch gets steep, so sturdy walking shoes are a good idea, especially after rain. The ruins sit right next to the small Romanesque church of Santa Maria de la Tossa, making the short hike worth it on its own.

What's the story behind the castle?

Montbui Castle is first documented in 936, when it also oversaw the neighbouring fortresses of Ocelló (also known as Saió) and Tous. In 970, Count Borrell II handed the castle over to Ató, Bishop of Vic, and the bishopric held nominal authority over it for centuries — though real power shifted to the powerful Cardona family from the mid-12th century onward. The Cardonas secured full lordship once the territory returned to the crown in 1322. Late in the 15th century, they sold the estate to the Montbui family, who took the title of barons of Montbui, and by the mid-16th century the barony had passed to the Lanuza family, related to the counts of Plasencia. Their descendants held the lordship until feudal titles were abolished in the 19th century.

What will you actually see up there?

Only a single structure survives from the original complex: a building with a rounded, rectangular floor plan built from irregular stonework, with visible sections laid in the herringbone opus spicatum pattern typical of 10th- and 11th-century construction. That masonry detail is exactly what allows historians to date the oldest surviving walls. In 2020, a thorough restoration led by architect Meritxell Inaraja was completed, making the ruins safer to explore and better protected against further decay.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best windows, when the sun isn't directly overhead and the light flatters both the stonework and the wide view over the Òdena valley. Spring and autumn make for the most comfortable hiking conditions — summer heat in Catalonia can make the climb tough, and winter rain can leave the trail slippery. The castle also works well as a stop between exploring Igualada and a day of outdoor activity in the surrounding hills.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The ruins are an open archaeological site with free access and no fixed opening hours, not a ticketed museum.

Is the climb suitable for young children? Yes, the path doesn't require special preparation, though the final stretch is steep — hold younger children's hands and avoid the hottest hours of the day.

Are there other historic sites nearby? Yes. The Romanesque church of Santa Maria de la Tossa stands right beside the castle, and several other medieval fortresses of the Anoia region lie within a short drive.

How long does a visit take? Walking the ruins themselves takes 20 to 30 minutes, but allowing for the climb, the descent, and time to enjoy the views, plan for about an hour and a half to two hours in total.