Torre de les Bruixes

Torre de les Bruixes is a medieval watchtower standing on the Turó de Montsoriu hill, right next to Montsoriu Castle, in the municipality of Arbúcies in Girona province. The name translates as "Witches' Tower," and centuries of local folklore have grown around it, even though the structure itself served a purely military purpose.

What exactly is this place?

The tower was built between the 10th and 12th centuries as part of the defensive system of Montsoriu Castle, one of the most significant medieval fortifications in Catalonia. It wasn't a standalone structure — it functioned as a barbican, an advanced outer tower positioned roughly 100 meters from the main castle and linked to it by a fortified path. The rectangular building measures 11.70 by 7.85 meters, with walls between 0.95 and 1 meter thick, and what survives today reaches a height of about 3.5 meters. The tower had at least two levels, likely combining a lookout function with use as storage space or basic living quarters for the garrison.

What was it built for?

Its job was to watch over the Arbúcies valley and the Rieral road, which connected to Hostalric, an important communication route in the region. From this forward position, guards could spot approaching threats early and alert the main garrison at Montsoriu before an enemy got close. It's a textbook example of Catalan defensive architecture from the Romanesque period, when networks of towers and barbicans reinforced a castle's core fortifications.

How do you get there?

Torre de les Bruixes sits within the grounds of Montsoriu Castle, on the ridge of hills between Arbúcies and Breda, on the edge of the Montseny Natural Park. Marked hiking trails lead up to the castle and the tower, and they're popular with both history buffs and casual walkers — a route linking Arbúcies, Montsoriu Castle, and the tower is one of the more frequently walked options in the area. You can drive to a parking area at the foot of the hill, but reaching the tower itself requires walking uphill on foot.

What will you see once you're there?

Beyond the tower itself, it's worth exploring the whole Montsoriu Castle complex, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Catalonia. The hilltop offers sweeping views over the Montseny Natural Park and the surrounding forests, making it a rewarding viewpoint even for visitors who aren't particularly interested in history. Torre de les Bruixes itself, though modest compared to the main castle, gives a clear sense of how early-warning systems worked within medieval fortifications.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and trails that aren't baking under summer sun. In summer, the uphill approach can be tiring, so an early morning start is worthwhile. In autumn, the surrounding Montseny forests turn characteristic colors, adding extra appeal to the walk.

Frequently asked questions

Is Torre de les Bruixes a separate castle? No — it's a watchtower (barbican) belonging to the Montsoriu Castle complex, positioned about 100 meters from the main fortress and connected to it by a fortified path.

Where does the name "Witches' Tower" come from? The name comes from local legends and folklore associated with the site, though the structure itself had no actual connection to witchcraft — it was purely a military defensive feature.

Can you go inside the tower? The tower survives as a ruin standing roughly 3.5 meters high, so visiting means viewing the remaining structure rather than climbing through intact floors.

Is the walk to the tower difficult? Reaching it involves an uphill hike from trails starting in Arbúcies or Breda; the route is moderately demanding but manageable for most visitors with average fitness.