Torre de l'Esparra

Torre de l'Esparra is a medieval defensive tower standing on a hilltop near the small settlement of L'Esparra, within the municipality of Riudarenes, in the La Selva region of Catalonia. Locally it is also known as Força de la Roqueta, and among residents it carries the popular nickname Torre de les Bruixes — the Tower of the Witches.

What is the history behind the tower?

The structure was most likely built in the late 12th or early 13th century as a fortified noble residence, known as a domus. By the 14th century, records already refer to it as the castle or stronghold of Roqueta. The tower belonged to the Viscounts of Cabrera, who also held the nearby castle of Argimon, and it remained subordinate to that stronghold within the feudal hierarchy. Despite its historical importance, documented sources about the building are relatively scarce, leaving several details of its past unclear.

What will you see on site?

The tower takes the form of a massive, square structure roughly 10 metres tall. Its shorter sides measure close to 9 metres, while the longer ones run about 11.4 and 10.3 metres, with walls reaching nearly 2 metres in thickness — a clear sign of how solidly this defensive building was constructed. It rises across two floors, each with its own entrance framed by a semicircular arch. At ground level, seventeen narrow loopholes pierce the walls all the way around, underlining the tower's original defensive purpose. Inside, a pointed vault survives, still bearing traces of the reed formwork once used in its construction. A fortified enclosure originally surrounded the tower, though only scattered remains of it survive today.

How do you get there?

Torre de l'Esparra sits on a hill near the hamlet of L'Esparra, within the municipality of Riudarenes, in the province of Girona. The most convenient way to reach it is by car, following local roads toward the base of the hill, with the final stretch covered on foot as the path climbs to the summit where the tower stands. Sturdy footwear is recommended, since the terrain is uneven and the approach resembles a hiking trail.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit, offering mild temperatures and clear views over the surrounding hills of La Selva. Summer heat can make the climb more demanding, while in winter it is worth checking weather conditions beforehand, as the path can become slippery after rain.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the tower? As a historic monument set in open countryside, access to the interior may be limited, so it is worth checking current conditions with the Riudarenes town council before visiting.

Where does the nickname "Tower of the Witches" come from? It is a popular name used by local residents, tied to the legends that grew around this solitary, mysterious structure on the hilltop.

Who owned the tower during the Middle Ages? It belonged to the Viscounts of Cabrera, who also controlled the nearby Argimon castle, with the Torre de l'Esparra standing in a dependent relationship to that stronghold.

Are there other attractions nearby? Riudarenes lies within the La Selva region, known for its hiking trails and other medieval defensive structures, making it easy to combine a visit to the tower with a longer excursion through the area.