The Castle of Montesquiu: A Captivating Corner of Catalonia
The region of Catalonia, like its capital Barcelona, has a lot to offer. Its long Mediterranean coast filled with half-moon beaches, the rugged Pyrenees with their many national parks and villages tucked away in hidden corners, and the ancient, fort-like “masias” of the country people are an endless source of fascination.
One of these hidden corners of the pre-Pyrenees, straddling the Osona and Ripollès districts on the River Ter, is where you’ll find Montesquiu, a medieval castle.
Castle Montesquiu History
The castle of Montesquiu first appears in documents dating back to 1285, when it was a part of a defensive triangle that included the medieval castles of Besora and Saderra.
According to Barcelona’s park system, Montesquiu moved up in the castle world in the 14th century, when the regional ruler moved from Besora to Montesquiu.
Over the next few centuries, the castle underwent several structural changes. Its owners expanded the living space. They also added a small chapel dedictated to Saint Barbara.
The Barcelona Provincial Council acquired the castle in 1976. These days, the castle stands as the centerpiece of the park that bears its name.
Montesquiu Castle Highlights
The castle of Montesquiu is beautiful. It gives the impression of being indestructible, isolated, solitary and comforting all at once.
Its glass-ceilinged Gothic staircase provides an abundance of natural light, as do its many large windows. Streaming rays of sun add a very warm feel to the interior of this stone structure; darkness cannot take hold here while the sun shines.
Built high upon a summit amidst green rolling hills stretching for miles, the castle has no shortage of windows and each one offers its unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Part of the castle’s appeal is the luscious, green hills and valleys that surround it’s stone-laden flanks.
A three-kilometer loop trail near the castle affords great views and offers many quiet places for a picnic.
About half way through our hike you can cross a small creek to a rock island, where the sound of moving water provides a sweet melody while the sun keeps you warm.
A longer eight-kilometer hike affords you even more views, each of which makes you feel transported to a different age.
Interesting Facts About Castle Montesquiu
- The castle is actually a very large medieval manor.
- The area around the castle was the center of power for the region in medieval times.
- The castle began as a guard house in the 10th or 11th century, according to the Barcelona Provincial Council.
Montesquiu Castle in Images
Montesquiu Castle Hours & Contact Information
Opening Times for Montesquiu Castle are:
| Date | Opening Times |
| October-May | Saturday & Holidays Only: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| June & September | Saturday & Holidays Only: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
| July-August | Weekdays: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays & Holidays: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
Location & Contact Information:
- Montesquiu Castle address: Masoveria del Castell de Montesquium, 08585, Montesquiu
- Montesquiu Castle telephone number: +34 93 852 92 34
- How to get to Montesquiu Castle:By car from Barcelona it is about a 1.5 hour drive.
discover Barcelona Attractions & buildings:
- The Sagrada Familia never dissapoints.
The king of Barcelona’s tourist attractions, and one of the most unique and recognizable churches in the world.
- Casa Mila, better know as the Pedrera.
Also known as Casa Mila, it’s one of the few projects Gaudi saw to completion. A visit to the roof offers great views of the city and the Sagrada Familia.
- Casa Batlo
Few structures in Barcelona match the luxury and symbolism of this apartment building reformed by Antoni Gaudi.
- The cities mosst famous food market, the Boqueria.
Colors, smells and culinary dreams come alive at this open market located just off Las Ramblas’
- Rock formations that hide a monastery within.
The holy heights of this mountain, home to a nearly 1000-year-old monastery, have long been a haven for priests, protesters and mystics.
- The Santa Maria del Mar, a gothic church.
Tucked away amid apartment buildings and narrow streets, this gothic church is a hidden gem and a shining example of Catalan gothic architecture.
- The Hospital de Sant Pau
The Hospital Sant Pau is one of the most important, and lesser known, examples of Catalán Modernism architecture.
- This medieval castle is a short drive from Barcelona.
Montesquiu castle, a 13th-century medieval structure, holds stories of ages past.