Montsoriu Castle

Montsoriu Castle crowns a 640-metre hill on the boundary between the municipalities of Sant Feliu de Buixalleu and Arbúcies, in the La Selva region of Girona province. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic military architecture in Catalonia, with a history stretching back more than a thousand years.

How old is the site really?

The name Montsoriu first appears in writing in 923, in the document consecrating the church of Arbúcies. The hill itself was inhabited much earlier: excavations near the current keep uncovered traces of an Iberian settlement from the 4th–3rd century BC, and a polished stone axe found on site suggests the location may have been used as far back as the Neolithic period. The castle as a fortified structure took shape gradually between the 10th and 15th centuries, with the complex rebuilt and expanded repeatedly over five centuries.

What did the castle look like at its peak?

The layout visitors see today largely comes from reforms carried out in the 13th and 14th centuries, which gave Montsoriu its three concentric defensive walls. The uppermost enclosure surrounds the Torre de l'Homenatge, the keep that dominates the whole complex from the highest point of the hill. The second enclosure contains the large parade ground and the residential quarters. A third, outer perimeter wraps partially around the eastern and southern flanks, reinforcing the site's defenses.

By the mid-14th century, Montsoriu had become the main seat of the viscounts of Cabrera, serving as the military command center for their territories. Before that, it had already functioned as the administrative hub of a vegueria — the largest territorial district within the viscounty of Cabrera.

What happened to it after the medieval period?

In 1626, rights to the Montsoriu vegueria were bought by the Sarriera family, counts of Solterra. From that point on, the castle was no longer permanently inhabited — it was used only occasionally, mainly for military purposes, which set off a long period of gradual abandonment and decay of its walls.

How do you get to Montsoriu Castle?

There's no road access to the castle itself. Visitors park at a designated area and walk the rest of the way — roughly 2.8 km, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes on foot. Comfortable footwear and water are essential, and if you plan to spend time at the top, bring your own food, since there are no refreshment stands on site. For those unable to make the walk, a virtual tour of the castle is available through Google Street View.

What is there to see once you arrive?

The highlight is climbing the Torre de l'Homenatge, which offers sweeping views over the La Selva countryside and the Montseny mountain range. It's also worth walking the full length of the three defensive walls to appreciate the scale of the fortifications and picture how the castle functioned during the height of the Cabrera viscounty, with its courtyard, residential buildings, and multi-tiered defensive system spread across the slope.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the approach involves a real climb, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures. In summer, an early start helps you avoid the heat on a largely unshaded trail. Winter visits are possible year-round, though the ascent can feel colder and damper at altitude.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive up to the castle? No. You leave your car at the parking area and walk approximately 2.8 km each way.

How long does the whole visit take? The walk alone takes 30–40 minutes one way, so plan for around 2–3 hours total including the approach, exploring the site, and the return.

Is the castle suitable for children? The trail is long and uphill but doesn't require technical skill — children used to hiking should manage it comfortably.

What makes Montsoriu stand out from other castles in the region? Its scale and state of preservation: it's one of the rare Catalan examples of Gothic military architecture where all three concentric defensive walls survive alongside a clearly visible keep.