Top 10 Castles around Balenyà
Best castles around Balenyà are found in a region characterized by its varied topography, including the Cingles de Bertí and the Plain of Vic. This area features historical sites and natural landscapes, with many castles situated on elevated positions offering expansive views. The presence of ancient farmhouses and medieval structures highlights the region's long history. Exploring these sites provides insight into the area's past and its strategic importance.
Best castles around Balenyà
- The most popular castles is La Popa Castle (Castellcir), a castle documented since 1014. Its primary function was to defend the valley of the Castellcir-Tenes stream.
- Another must-see spot is El Clascar Castle, a ruined castle also known as Bertí's castle. It is located at the top of the Cingles de Bertí and has been classified as a Cultural Asset of National Interest.
- Visitors also love Can Boix Castle, a castle located on large rocks at an altitude of 803 meters. Below the castle is a large cave, and it offers good views of the Plain of Vic and the Pyrenees.
- Balenyà is known for its medieval castles, historical sites, and structures built into natural rock formations. Visitors can explore a variety of castles, from well-preserved ruins to those offering significant viewpoints.
- The castles around Balenyà are appreciated by the komoot community, with 53 photos and 105 upvotes shared by users.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
El Clascar Castle
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Casal de la Sala de Viladrau
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Mas d'Esplugues de Castellcir
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Although its name is already mentioned at the end of the 12th century, the building that stands today is the result of later renovations, especially from the 17th and 18th centuries. Some dates engraved in the stone still offer clues to these works. The façade, with its irregular and rustic appearance, blends elements of well-worked stone with simpler walls made of rubble and mortar.
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Can Boix Castle
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The Castle is located on a large grotto that makes it very characteristic. Currently some consolidation works have been carried out on the remains. There are remains from the 10th - 11th centuries, in the sector of the old chapel of Santa Cruz, now totally damaged, and the rest is a large wall of about seventy meters, from the 14th century.
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Castillo de Sant Martí de Centelles
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The wall has a length of approximately 200 meters and a width of 80 meters in the largest part. Although the large part of the structure that is preserved is from the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle already existed - with the name "castle of San Martín" - in the year 898. Originally, therefore, it was a border castle, to which Its first structure corresponds to the Sovereign Castle, documented as early as the 9th century, at a higher point than the current building that is preserved.
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This farmhouse is very special: it's built taking advantage of the natural shelter of a large rock and is located next to the Fontscalents stream. This spot has been home to different generations for over a thousand years, from medieval times until very recently, making it a place steeped in history. Although its name is already mentioned at the end of the 12th century, the building that stands today is the result of later renovations, especially from the 17th and 18th centuries. Some dates engraved in the stone still offer clues to these works. The façade, with its irregular and rustic appearance, blends elements of well-worked stone with simpler walls made of rubble and mortar.
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Time waits for no one, and it's currently inaccessible for security reasons 😞
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place that is part of the Serrallonga Bandits route
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Incredible places to take photos
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Exceptional farmhouse built under a balma, next to the stream of Fontscalents. This place was inhabited from the early medieval period until the beginning of the 21st century. The toponym has been documented since 1192 and the farmhouse itself, since 1408. The construction that has come down to us is later, built between the 17th and 18th centuries. From this century there are several dates inscribed on the lintels: 1748, 1755. The facade, completely irregular, preserves several doors and windows framed with well-cut stone, while the facing is made of pebbles and little or no worked stones tied with mortar
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Throughout history the castle was confiscated from the Centelles and became a royal residence during the Catalan Civil War during the period 1462-1472. It was also a gathering point for troops on more than one occasion during the Uprising of Catalonia (1640-1659) and later, in the War of the Spanish Succession (1705) it was the area from which the Vincentian migueletes supporting Archduke Charles blocked the Filipista troops of Viceroy Velasco. During the Spanish War of Independence, French troops, in 1809, occupied the town of Centellas and the castle. During the Carlist wars, the parties turned it into one of the dens from which they attacked neighboring towns.
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The owners have always been from the Centelles family, originating from a farmhouse in the area that was ennobled and became feudatories of the counts of Barcelona. It is the family name that the towns closest to the castle will adopt: San Martín de Centellas y Centellas. Later it was important as a stately place, from which an extensive barony was controlled that brought together the current municipalities of Centellas, San Martín de Centellas, Tona and Seva, and that reached the Vallés Oriental, controlling the entrance to the Congost valley and the plain. from Vic.
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Between the 9th and 15th centuries the castle was the center of the powerful barony of Centelles and, during the Catalan Civil War of the 15th century, it was chosen as the residence of Pedro IV of Aragon, called "the Constable of Portugal", king of the Catalans. . During this period, wars for control of the castle alternated with the expansion and ornamentation work necessary to turn it into a royal residence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most historically significant castles around Balenyà?
The region is rich in history. La Popa Castle (Castellcir), documented since 1014, played a key role in defending the Castellcir-Tenes stream valley. El Clascar Castle, also known as Bertí's castle, is a ruined site classified as a Cultural Asset of National Interest, with origins related to a medieval castle. Additionally, Castillo de Sant Martí de Centelles, existing since 898, was a border castle and later a significant stately place.
Are there castles with good viewpoints in the Balenyà area?
Yes, many castles in the region are strategically located on elevated positions. Can Boix Castle, situated at 803 meters, offers excellent views of the Plain of Vic and the Pyrenees. El Clascar Castle is located at the top of the Cingles de Bertí, providing expansive vistas. Castillo de Sant Martí de Centelles also offers panoramic views from its historic location.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Balenyà?
The area around Balenyà offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. For instance, there are moderate hiking routes like the 'Help – El Roc Gros Viewpoint loop' or more challenging cycling routes such as 'El Brull – Coll Formic Pass (1,145 m) loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Balenyà, Cycling around Balenyà, and Gravel biking around Balenyà guide pages.
Are there any family-friendly castle routes or sites suitable for children?
While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't always listed, many castles offer engaging experiences. Can Boix Castle, with its large cave below, can be an exciting discovery for children. Exploring the ruins of castles like El Clascar Castle can also spark imagination. When planning, consider the difficulty of the approach trails.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Balenyà?
The best time to visit the castles around Balenyà is generally during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November). The weather is pleasant for exploring, and the natural landscapes are vibrant. Summer can be warm, but still suitable, especially in the mornings or late afternoons. Winter offers a different, often quieter, experience with crisp air and clear views, though some trails might be muddy.
Are there any unique historical sites besides castles in the region?
Yes, the region features other unique historical sites. Mas d'Esplugues de Castellcir is a very special farmhouse built into a natural rock shelter next to the Fontscalents stream. This site has been inhabited for over a thousand years, from medieval times until recently, making it a place steeped in history and offering a glimpse into traditional rural life.
What should I wear for castle walks and hikes in Balenyà?
For castle walks and hikes around Balenyà, it's advisable to wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, as many castles are on elevated or uneven terrain. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, especially during spring and autumn. A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are also essential, particularly during warmer months.
Are there any hidden gem castles or lesser-known historical spots worth visiting?
While not strictly 'hidden,' Mas d'Esplugues de Castellcir offers a unique historical experience beyond a typical castle ruin. Its integration with the natural rock and its long history as a dwelling make it a fascinating, less conventional historical site to explore.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Balenyà?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance and the stunning views offered by these castles. Many enjoy the sense of discovery when exploring the ruins, such as El Clascar Castle, and the panoramic vistas from sites like Can Boix Castle, which provides views of the Plain of Vic and the Pyrenees. The blend of history and nature is a common highlight.
Are the castles around Balenyà generally accessible for all fitness levels?
Many castles in the Balenyà region are situated on elevated positions and may involve walking on uneven terrain or uphill paths to reach them. While some approaches might be moderate, others, especially to ruined sites like El Clascar Castle, can be more challenging. It's best to check specific route details for each castle to match your fitness level. There are also easier hiking routes in the general area, such as the 'Sant Jaume de Viladrover loop' mentioned in the Hiking around Balenyà guide.
Can I find circular walking routes that include castles?
Yes, the region offers various circular routes that can incorporate castle visits. While specific castle-to-castle circular routes aren't explicitly detailed in the provided data, you can plan your own by combining visits to nearby castles with existing hiking or cycling loops. For example, you can find several circular hiking routes in the Hiking around Balenyà guide that could be adapted to include a castle visit.
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