Puigcastellar

Puigcastellar is a hill with the ruins of an old farmhouse in Castellterçol, in the Moianès region of Catalonia. It's a spot where a scenic countryside walk doubles as a small archaeology lesson: the summit still holds traces of a settlement many centuries old, while lower down lie the remains of a rural farmstead that once stood on the slope.

What is Puigcastellar?

Puigcastellar is a hill rising to around 836 metres above sea level, within the municipality of Castellterçol. The name itself reflects a common pattern in Catalan place names, combining "puig" (hill) and "castellar" (a fortified or defensible spot) — fitting, since the site's history predates the Roman presence in Catalonia. On the hill's southern slope, near the ruins of an 18th-century farmhouse (masia), lie the remains of a much older Iberian settlement. The surrounding terrain, dotted with oak trees and large boulders typical of Moianès, gives the place a rugged, untouched feel.

What archaeological remains can you see there?

The site consists of two distinct structures. The first, closer to the summit, is a rectangular space partly carved into the rock, measuring roughly 6 by 2.5 metres inside, with walls preserved up to 1.5 metres high and masonry closing off both ends. The second structure sits about 50 metres to the northeast, at a lower point on the slope. It's formed by a set of walls outlining a living space of at least three rooms: two roughly square rooms measuring about 3 by 3 metres, and a smaller one with a rounded end on the northern side. The walls, around 0.6 metres thick, are built in masonry, and one stretch still shows a distinctive opus spicatum pattern — a herringbone arrangement of stones typical of older constructions in the area. In places, the walls still stand up to a metre high.

How do you get to Puigcastellar?

Access is via a track that leaves the C-59 road at kilometre 28, from where it's about 2.5 kilometres on foot to the site. The walk doesn't require special preparation and works well as a relaxed outing that combines nature with a bit of local history.

Why visit Puigcastellar?

It's a good choice for travellers who prefer quiet trails with a genuine sense of discovery — open-air archaeology without the crowds. Moianès sits in the transitional landscape between Vallès Oriental and Bages, known for its rolling hills, oak groves, and pastoral traditions. Puigcastellar fits neatly into that setting, layering an Iberian-era settlement and a later farming estate on the very same hillside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Puigcastellar? It's a hill in the municipality of Castellterçol (Moianès region, Catalonia), home to the ruins of an 18th-century farmhouse and, higher up, the remains of a much older Iberian settlement.

How high is Puigcastellar? The hill reaches an elevation of roughly 836 metres above sea level.

How do you walk to the site? The path to Puigcastellar starts at kilometre 28 of the C-59 road, followed by about a 2.5-kilometre walk.

What exactly can you see on site? Two archaeological structures: a rectangular room carved into the rock near the summit, and a cluster of walls forming a living space with at least three rooms, located about 50 metres to the northeast at a lower elevation.