Top 7 Castles around Girones
Best castles around Girones offer a journey through Catalonia's historical heritage, featuring notable castles and fortifications. The region, part of the province of Girona, is characterized by its diverse landscape, including the Empordà plain, the Gavarres massif, and views towards the Pyrenees. These sites provide insight into the area's past, with structures ranging from well-preserved fortresses to significant ruins. Many castles are situated in strategic locations, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.
Best castles around Girones
- The most popular castles is Sant Miquel Castle, a castle that offers views of Girona city, the Empordà plain, the Gavarres massif, and the Pyrenees. This architectural complex includes a hermitage and an optical telegraphy tower, located at the top of Mount Sant Miquel.
- Another must-see spot is Castell de Palagret, a castle. This site is known for its spectacular location in a hidden environment, offering views of the Palagret creek valley.
- Visitors also love Juià Castle, a castle of which only a few walls remain. It was part of a series of fortresses in Les Gavarres and offers views, including towards the Pyrenees.
- Girones is known for various types of castles, including well-preserved fortresses, significant ruins, and historical sites. Visitors can explore a range of structures, from those offering panoramic views to those with architectural significance.
- The castles around Girones are appreciated by the komoot community, with 260 upvotes and 139 photos shared across 6 highlights.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Sant Miquel Castle
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Castell de Palagret
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(es) Obligatory stop for any route that passes through. A spectacular place in a par environment, half hidden and little known, but wonderful, with views of the entire valley of the Palagret stream.
(en) Mandatory stop for every near track. Wonderful hidden and unknown place with a fantastic landscape and environment.
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Juià Castle
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The castle, of which only a few walls remain, was part of a series of fortresses in Les Gavarres, including the castles of Palagret and Barbavella, which all belonged to the bishopric of Girona.
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Sant Grau Hermitage
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Santa Maria de Granollers de Rocacorba Church and Old Castle
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Prison Tower
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History of Sant Miquel Castle Currently, Sant Miquel Castle belongs to the municipality of Girona, but until 1974 it belonged to the municipality of Celrà. The architectural complex is located on the top of Puig del Castellar, at 394 meters above sea level. From its strategic location you can see the Valley of Sant Daniel, the town of Celrà, the plain of Empordà and the city of Girona. The complex, made up of a section of wall, a watchtower and a hermitage, dates back to medieval times.
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Built in the 14th century, it is an old defensive tower that was part of the medieval walls of the town. Later, it was used as a municipal prison, hence its name. With a circular plan and robust walls, it is one of the few vestiges of the original fortifications. Located in the old town, it is a historical symbol and a tourist attraction that reflects the medieval past of Llagostera.
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The castle of Palagret or Mabarrera is in the middle of the Palagret valley, at the top of a small hill, 178 m high, in the northernmost foothills of the Gavarres massif to the south-east of the Celrà center and to the south- west of Juià. Strategically located to control the Roman-era road that allowed access to Girona from the Baix Empordà through the Gavarres. Important medieval vestiges of the licorella walls of a rectangular construction as well as pre-Romanesque elements are preserved from the castle. The preserved remains could be dated to the 10th and 11th centuries,[1] and its last occupants left the premises between the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th.[2] It is a building in Celrà (Gironès) declared a cultural asset of national interest.
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The climb is demanding, but once at the top the views compensate for the effort.
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It is possibly the best known and practiced route in Girona. I recommend it to everyone. Doing this route at night is also spectacular.
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Ascent with steep gradients, especially when passing the Girona variant until connecting with the path that goes up to Sant Miquel through the Vall de Sant Daniel.
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The architectural complex is made up of the old hermitage dedicated to Santa Maria and Sant Miquel, built on top of the previous medieval fortification, from which the bases of a circular tower through the apse are used. It seems that the hermitage was occupied by hermits between the s. XVI and XVIII, although the documentation records the start of construction in the s. XV The location took on military importance during the French war (1808-1814), especially due to the sieges of Girona (1808-1809), where the domain of the castle alternated several times between the Napoleonic army and the Miquelets. After the war, the hermitage was already demolished. The other architectural element is the telegraph tower, erected during the second Carline war (1846-1849) to house the civil optical telegraph line, while the military line was located in the hermitage tower.
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Architectural complex formed by a hermitage practically in ruins and an optical telegraphy tower. It is located at the top of Mount Sant Miquel at the foot of the municipalities of Girona and Celrà (the Gironès). Its 395 meters above sea level allows control over large areas of the territory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in the Gironès region offer the best panoramic views?
For breathtaking views, visit Sant Miquel Castle, which provides extensive vistas of Girona city, the Empordà plain, the Gavarres massif, and the Pyrenees. The Girona City Walls also offer excellent panoramic views of the city's rooftops and distant mountains. Additionally, Juià Castle, though mostly ruins, offers views towards the Pyrenees.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit in Gironès?
While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always available, the Girona City Walls offer an engaging experience for families, allowing visitors to walk along ancient fortifications. For a more traditional castle experience, Sant Miquel Castle has a magnificent leisure area with wooden benches and tables, perfect for a family picnic after a hike.
What kind of historical experience do the castles in Gironès offer?
The castles in Gironès provide a deep dive into Catalonia's past. You can explore well-preserved fortresses, significant ruins, and historical sites. For example, the Castell Palau dels Bisbes de Girona showcases civil Catalan Romanesque architecture, while the Girona City Walls highlight the region's medieval defenses. Sant Miquel Castle includes a medieval watchtower and a Gothic hermitage, offering a glimpse into different historical periods.
Can I bring my dog to the castles or on nearby trails?
Many outdoor areas and trails around the castles in Gironès are dog-friendly. For instance, the trails leading up to Sant Miquel Castle are popular for walks with dogs. When visiting specific castle grounds or interiors, it's always best to check local regulations, as policies can vary. The Girona City Walls are generally accessible for leashed dogs.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Gironès?
The region around Gironès castles is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For hiking, consider trails that lead to Sant Miquel Castle or explore the Gavarres massif. For more options, check out the Hiking around Girones guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Girones guide for detailed routes.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Gironès?
The best time to visit the castles in Gironès is typically during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant for exploring, hiking, and enjoying the panoramic views without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter. The landscapes are also particularly beautiful with blooming flora or autumn colors.
Are there any castles outside the immediate Gironès comarca that are worth visiting?
Yes, several notable castles just outside the Gironès comarca are highly recommended. These include Montsoriu Castle in Arbúcies, considered one of Catalonia's most impressive Gothic castles, and Castell de Sant Ferran in Figueres, the largest bastioned fortress in Europe, offering unique jeep and boat tours.
How accessible are the castles in Gironès by public transport?
Access to castles in Gironès by public transport varies. Girona city itself is well-connected, making the Girona City Walls and Castell Palau dels Bisbes de Girona relatively easy to reach. However, many castles like Sant Miquel Castle or Castell de Palagret are located in more rural or elevated areas, often requiring a combination of public transport to a nearby town followed by a hike or private vehicle.
Where can I find parking near the castles?
Parking availability differs by location. For castles within Girona city, such as near the City Walls or Castell Palau dels Bisbes, you'll find public parking garages. For more remote castles like Sant Miquel Castle, there are often designated parking areas at the base of the ascent or nearby trailheads. It's advisable to check specific parking options for each castle before your visit.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles in the Gironès area?
While popular sites draw crowds, Castell de Palagret is described as a spectacular place in a hidden and little-known environment, offering wonderful views of the Palagret creek valley. Juià Castle, with only a few walls remaining, also offers a quiet spot with great views, away from the main tourist routes.
Are there any circular walks that incorporate castles in Gironès?
Yes, the region is ideal for circular walks that include historical sites. Many hiking routes in the Gavarres massif, for instance, pass by or lead to castles like Sant Miquel Castle or Juià Castle. These routes often combine historical exploration with natural landscapes. You can find detailed circular routes in the Hiking around Girones guide.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the castles?
The castles in Gironès are often set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You can expect to see the Empordà plain, the Gavarres massif, and views towards the Pyrenees. Many castles, like Sant Miquel Castle, are located on hilltops, offering a combination of historical architecture and stunning natural scenery. The area also features forests, valleys, and creeks, such as the Palagret creek valley near Castell de Palagret.
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