Best castles around Valls are located within the Alt Camp region, providing historical insights into this area of Catalonia. The municipality is known for its cultural heritage, including the UNESCO-recognized 'castells' (human towers). Several historical castles in and around Valls offer a tangible connection to the region's past. These sites showcase architectural evolution and strategic importance across centuries.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
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The Selva Castle was for centuries the stately residence of the prefects of Tarragona and the archbishops of the metropolis. It belonged to the Papordia of the archbishop of Tarragona, and was probably built at the end of the 12th century. It was a residence very frequented by the paborde, but it mainly served as a storehouse for nuts and tithes. In 1411 Pope Benedict XIII decreed the abolition of the pabordia and the Castle was administered directly by the Archbishop of Tarragona and in the s. In the 16th century, the building was expanded with residential buildings and an upper floor accessed by a staircase. The action of the Constituent Courts during the Biennium of 1822 ended, in fact, with the lordships. This work was complemented by the confiscation laws of the middle of the 19th century, and thus the Selva Castle would become the property or usufruct of the Town Council. Passing through various users after the ecclesiastical confiscation, the Castle, the town's largest heritage building had become a ruin that the Selvatans have lived with for decades. Finally, in a municipal economic boom, the City Council, entering the new millennium, decided to carry out an ambitious project such as that of restoring the monument and giving it a function of public use in accordance with its identity , a first-rate cultural facility.
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The ruins of the castle of Prenafeta (11th century) also include part of the original nucleus of the population of Prenafeta. You can still see remains of the castle, the church and the fountain of Sant Salvador. The castle is also known as Torre del Moro.
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Imposing arrival at Montblanc, Tarragona
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Montblanc is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Catalonia. Take the opportunity to visit the Ronda Passage of the wall, a museum space where you will discover a very well preserved medieval military work. There are fantastic views of the town and its surroundings from the towers.
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The castle, mentioned as early as 1005, was the center of a lordship and, centuries later, became a manor house. Only the cemetery and some sloping walls remind us that it was once a slender fortification.
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Medieval building converted into a farmhouse. The castle still retains some old elements, although the multiple transformations it has undergone are also visible.
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The Castillo de la Selva, also known as the Paborde castle, is located in the town of La Selva del Camp. There are also remains of the medieval wall. Its construction dates from the 12th century.
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Paborde Castle, its construction dates back to the 12th century and was the residence of Paborde and later the Archbishop of Tarragona.
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The castles around Valls provide a deep dive into the region's past, with origins tracing back to the 11th and 12th centuries. For example, Prenafeta Castle features 11th-century ruins, while Castillo del Paborde dates back to the 12th century and served as a stately residence for centuries. These sites showcase the strategic importance and architectural evolution of the area through different historical periods.
Yes, the area offers options suitable for families. For instance, the Sant Jordi Wall, Montblanc, is categorized as family-friendly. It's a well-preserved medieval military work with fantastic views, offering an engaging historical experience for all ages.
The region around Valls is excellent for outdoor activities. You can combine castle visits with hiking, cycling, or mountain biking. For hiking, explore routes like 'Hiking loop from la Plana - Picamoixons' or 'Casteller World – Chapel of the Roser loop from Valls'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Alt de la Mussara – View of Alcover loop from Valls'. For more details on routes, check the Hiking around Valls, Cycling around Valls, and MTB Trails around Valls guides.
Castell de Vallmoll is a prime example of architectural evolution, with its structure reflecting a late Gothic palace-castle with Renaissance additions, built upon earlier Romanesque fortifications. Similarly, Castell de Rodonyà, while largely Renaissance in its current form, has a long history dating back to the early 13th century and has undergone significant restoration.
Yes, you can. Prenafeta Castle offers the ruins of an 11th-century castle, where you can still see remains of the castle, a church, and the Sant Salvador fountain. It's also known as Torre del Moro, providing a glimpse into very ancient history.
While not traditional stone structures, the 'castells' are a profound and globally recognized cultural phenomenon originating in Valls, often referred to as 'human castles.' They are human pyramids built by teams, emphasizing strength, balance, courage, and common sense. Valls is considered the birthplace of this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You can learn more about this tradition at the Casteller Museum of Catalonia (Món Casteller) in Valls.
Absolutely. The Sant Jordi Wall, Montblanc, is a notable example. It offers a well-preserved medieval military work with a Ronda Passage that serves as a museum space, providing fantastic views of the town and its surroundings.
The region generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are often ideal, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring historical sites and engaging in outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer or the cooler, sometimes wetter, conditions of winter.
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context, the architectural diversity ranging from Romanesque ruins to Renaissance structures, and the opportunity to explore well-preserved medieval fortifications. The community has shared over 15 photos and given more than 40 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and historical significance of these sites.
The Castillo del Paborde, located in La Selva del Camp, served as the stately residence for the prefects and archbishops of Tarragona for centuries. Its construction dates back to the 12th century, making it a significant historical site.
For more detailed historical information about Rodonyà Castle, you can refer to its Wikipedia page: Castell de Rodonyà on Wikipedia. It provides insights into its long history, documented references from the 13th century, and its various uses over time.
Yes, Castell de Rodonyà has undergone significant restoration, with phases completed as recently as 2016. These efforts have not only preserved its Renaissance-style stately architecture but also led to archaeological discoveries like medieval silos, making it a central point of the town's life and a key tourist attraction.
Yes, the Sant Jordi Wall, Montblanc, offers fantastic views of the town and its surroundings from its towers. While not a castle itself, it's a significant fortification providing excellent vantage points.


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