Castles around Garrigàs, a municipality in the Alt Empordà region of Girona, Spain, provide a historical exploration of the area. This region features various fortified structures, from well-preserved castles to impressive ruins. These sites reflect the medieval past and architectural heritage of the Alt Empordà.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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Medieval complex dating from the 11th to the 13th century. Currently inhabited castle... Romanesque in style. The church appears documented for the first time in 889.
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Very beautiful and impressive, as is the entire surrounding area.
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The octagonal fortress Castell de Sant Ferran, covering 32 hectares, was built to accommodate 6,000 people and 500 horses. It is the largest bulwark fortress built in Europe in the 18th century.
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Panoramic views of the Alt Empordar maritime mountains. You have two benches and a picnic area next to the motorhome and parking area. The neighborhood just below the castle is a bit problematic, so don't leave your bike behind because it can be stolen by the group of young people who come up to smoke boil and...
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https://castellsantferran.com/es/horarios https://castellsantferran.com/es/horarios https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB1WPtwXzCo The Castle of San Fernando in Figueres, known as Castell de Sant Ferran, is the largest bastioned fortress in Europe, its construction beginning in 1753 under the reign of Ferdinand VI of Bourbon. It was designed by military engineer Juan Martín Zermeño and could house a garrison of 4,000 men. During the War of Independence, it was occupied by Napoleonic troops and later recovered by the Catalan migueletes. In the Spanish Civil War, it served as a concentration point for the International Brigades and a refuge for the Spanish Artistic Treasure, and in 1939 it hosted the last meeting of the Republican Cortes in national territory. It was subsequently used as a barracks until the 1960s and was opened to the public in 1996. The fortress has suffered significant damage throughout its history, including the destruction of part of its walls and structures during explosions in the Civil War. .
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Located on a hill, at the end of the Castell pujada, it is a large bastioned fortification built in the 18th century following the project of the commander of the Corps of Engineers Juan Martín Zermeño. It occupies an area of 32 hectares with a perimeter of 3,120 meters, and the cisterns, located under the parade ground, hold 9 million liters of water. The castle of San Ferran, which had a capacity for 4,000 men, currently constitutes a heritage legacy of the first order, the largest monument in Catalonia and the largest modern fortress in Europe. Due to its enormous dimensions, the sophisticated construction techniques applied in the military engineering of the time, and its excellent state of conservation, a visit to the Sant Ferran castle constitutes a unique experience.
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The temple of Sant Martí del Far, located at the highest part of the town, was part of the castle built at the end of the s. XIII. It is a single nave church with a rectangular apse. The vault of the nave is pointed and followed, the presbytery has the same shape. The cover, located to the west, has three semicircular arches in gradation, lintel and smooth tympanum. The most remarkable element of this facade is the upper half-point arched window, of large dimensions and with saw-tooth decoration. A saddle bell tower with two semicircular arches and an upper corsair supported by nine corbels complete this facade. The walls of the apse rise above the level of its vault. In this area, on the roof, a set of long loopholes opens around this rectangular apse. The upper part of the wall is finished by a corsera formed by small pointed arches. The fortification of the apse and that of the bell tower on the front are from the same period as the rest of the temple; on the other hand, on the side walls of the nave are raised stone walls finished with rectangular battlements that correspond to a late reform, possibly from the 18th century. On each of the side walls of the nave there are also five gargoyles and in the apse we find four with a very simple decoration. The entire church presents a set of well-spaced ashlars that form perfectly consecutive rows. In the upper part of the apse where the loopholes open there is a frieze made up of three rows of ashlars of a darker color that stands out within the monument as a whole. The church of Sant Martí del Far has been documented since the 13th and 14th centuries. It seems that it was rebuilt during the 13th century, when the Count of Empúries had the castle built. It is a Romanesque temple that indicates the transition to the Gothic style.”
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The Garrigàs region is rich in medieval heritage, featuring various fortified structures, from well-preserved castles to impressive ruins. These sites offer a glimpse into the area's past, including its role in protecting against attacks and its architectural evolution. You can explore complexes like Sant Feliu de la Garriga Castle, which dates back to at least 1208, or the Historic centre of Vilaür, which preserves parts of its ancient protective wall.
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for family visits. Sant Morí Castle is considered family-friendly, offering an imposing historical building rebuilt in the 15th century. Additionally, the grand Sant Ferran Castle, though a bit further in Figueres, is also listed as family-friendly and is the largest modern fortress in Europe, providing a unique experience for all ages.
The area around Garrigàs offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. For example, you can explore trails like the 'Siurana waterfall and Mas Pastelles pool' for hiking, or the 'Historic centre of Vilaür – Church of Siurana loop' for cycling. Discover more options on the Hiking around Garrigàs, Cycling around Garrigàs, and Gravel biking around Garrigàs guide pages.
Many castles in the region boast unique architectural features. Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle, for instance, features a church with three semicircular arches, a pointed vault, and a large upper half-point arched window with saw-tooth decoration. Sant Feliu de la Garriga Castle is a large rectangular construction with battlements and various rooms covered with vaults, showcasing Romanesque elements.
Yes, several castle locations offer excellent viewpoints. Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle is situated at the highest point of its town, providing scenic views. Further afield, Sant Ferran Castle in Figueres offers panoramic views of the Alt Empordà maritime mountains from its elevated position.
While specific recommendations for Garrigàs are not provided, generally, the Alt Empordà region, including its castles, is pleasant to visit during spring and autumn. These seasons offer milder temperatures, which are ideal for exploring historical sites and engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling around the castles.
Parking availability varies by location. For the large Sant Ferran Castle in Figueres, there is a dedicated parking area next to the motorhome and picnic area. For other castles, parking might be available in nearby villages or designated spots, but it's advisable to check local information for specific sites.
Sant Morí Castle is a crucial part of the architectural heritage of Sant Mori's old town. Documented since 1149, the imposing building seen today was rebuilt in the 15th century. It has been owned by various noble families over centuries and even hosted Queen Joana Enríquez, mother of Ferdinand the Catholic, for a period, making it a testament to the area's rich cultural and aristocratic history.
While not explicitly 'hidden gems,' castles like Sant Feliu de la Garriga Castle and Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle offer significant historical value and unique architectural details that might be less frequented than larger, more famous fortresses. Espinavessa Castle, though not a highlight in the data, is also a medieval fortification built by the Peralada lordship to protect against attacks, offering a glimpse into local medieval defense strategies.
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical depth and architectural beauty of the castles. For example, Sant Feliu de la Garriga Castle is described as 'very beautiful and impressive,' especially within its surrounding area. The komoot community has shared 36 photos and given 33 upvotes, indicating a strong appreciation for the medieval castles, fortified churches, and historical sites in the region.
The duration of your visit depends on the specific castle and your interest. For individual sites like Sant Feliu de la Garriga Castle or Sant Morí Castle, you might spend 1-2 hours exploring. For larger complexes like Sant Ferran Castle, which is the largest monument in Catalonia, a visit could easily take half a day or more to fully appreciate its vastness and historical significance.


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