Best castles around Palau De Santa Eulàlia, a municipality in the Alt Empordà plain, offer a glimpse into the region's rich history. The area is home to significant historical sites, including the Castle of the Archdeacons, which features remnants from the 14th century. The traditional architecture, with cobblestone streets and stone houses, contributes to the authentic charm of this historical landscape. Visitors can explore various historical sites that reflect the area's past.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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Small but beautiful municipality
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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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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi0HgiBDuF0The imposing building that we can see today was built in the 15th century on the remains of a medieval castle documented since 1149 and that in the century XIII was owned by Bernat de Creixell. Historians do not agree on whether the monastery of Sant Miquel de Fluvià had the superior lordship. In any case, we know that the Creixells passed by marriage to the Vilaguts and from these to the Rocabertís, already in the 15th century. It was at that time when the first major transformation of the castle took place and when Queen Joana Enríquez, mother of Ferdinand the Catholic, settled there for a while. Since then it has been in the hands of the descendants of Pere de Rocabertí, the Cardona-Rocabertí and then the Sentmenat and the Moxó. Maria Mercè de Sentmenat i de Patiño received the title of Marchioness of Sant Mori in 1893. The castle is located in the middle of the town. It is configured as a large massive block, rectangular in plan, with a central courtyard. The main portal is dovetailed and on the facades there are several bigeminated crown windows, decorated with noble coats of arms, one of which shows the fleurs-de-lis of the Vilagut. Other windows are the result of modern restoration. swIf you want, you can rent it for rooms or weddings... https://www.airbnb.es/rooms/30806789?adults=1&children=0&enable_m3_private_room=true&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2024-02-29&check_out=2024-03-05&source_impression_id=p3_1704139137_peqk24%2FuplIlvbBN&previous_page_section _name=1000&federated_search_id=8a9627cf-4904-4024- 9e09-702153ebb233
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This church, of medieval origin, is part of the most important architectural heritage of the old town of Sant Mori, along with the Sant Mori Castle and other historical buildings. The church is an outstanding testimony of the history and architecture of the area, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the town.
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Beyond the castles, Palau de Santa Eulàlia offers other significant historical sites. You can visit the late Romanesque Church of Santa Eulàlia, dating from the 13th or early 14th century, which features a historical Romanesque baptismal font. The pre-Romanesque chapel of Sant Esteve and the chapel of Santa Maria are also notable. The village itself, with its cobblestone streets and stone houses, provides an authentic historical atmosphere.
Yes, the Castle of the Archdeacons, also known as Palau Sardiaca, is a cultural asset of national interest in Palau de Santa Eulàlia. While largely in ruins, you can observe preserved elements from the 14th century, including an isolated building with a semi-circular arched portal and a quadrangular tower with a biforated semicircular arch window. Its architectural details provide insight into the medieval history of the Empordà region.
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Sant Ferran Castle is a great option, being the largest modern fortress in Europe with vast grounds to explore. Sant Morí Castle is also listed as family-friendly, offering a glimpse into a Gothic-Renaissance palace. The historic center of Vilaür, with its medieval walls, can also be an engaging visit for families.
The Alt Empordà region generally enjoys pleasant weather for exploring historical sites. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild temperatures, making them ideal for walking and sightseeing without the intense heat of summer. These seasons also tend to be less crowded.
Yes, the area around Palau de Santa Eulàlia offers various hiking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Fluvià Cycling Route' or 'Lovely views towards Roses – Palau loop from Sant Miquel de Fluvià'. For more details and specific routes, you can explore the Hiking around Palau De Santa Eulàlia guide.
From castles like Sant Ferran Castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Alt Empordà maritime mountains. Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle, located at the highest part of its town, also offers scenic viewpoints of the surrounding landscape.
Parking facilities are generally available near the castles. For instance, Sant Ferran Castle has a dedicated parking area, which includes space for motorhomes. For other sites, parking might be available in nearby village centers or designated historical site parking zones.
Sant Ferran Castle stands out as the largest modern fortress in Europe. Built in the 18th century, it occupies an impressive 32 hectares with a perimeter of 3,120 meters. Its enormous dimensions, sophisticated military engineering, and excellent state of conservation make it a unique and significant historical monument.
Palau de Santa Eulàlia and the surrounding villages offer local amenities. While direct cafes within every castle might be rare, you can typically find cafes, restaurants, and bars in the nearby towns and villages, such as Palau de Santa Eulàlia itself or Sant Mori, where Sant Morí Castle is located.
Sant Morí Castle has a rich history, first documented in 1149. The imposing building seen today was constructed in the 15th century on the remains of that medieval castle, transforming it into a Gothic-Renaissance palace. It features a large rectangular block with a central courtyard and a dovetailed main portal. It has been owned by several noble families throughout its history.
Yes, Sant Feliu de la Garriga Castle is a medieval complex dating from the 11th to the 13th century that is currently inhabited. This Romanesque-style castle offers a glimpse into a living piece of history within a scenic area.
In addition to hiking, the region offers other outdoor activities. You can find various MTB trails around Palau de Santa Eulàlia, with routes like 'View of the Fluvià River' or 'Manol Footbridge'. There are also running trails available. For more information, you can check the MTB Trails around Palau De Santa Eulàlia guide and the Running Trails around Palau De Santa Eulàlia guide.


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