Top 15 Castles around Masarac
Best castles around Masarac are situated in a region known for its historical significance and varied landscape, featuring hills and views towards the Alt Empordà maritime mountains. The area offers a collection of historical fortifications, from medieval ruins to large bastioned fortresses. These sites provide insight into centuries of regional history and military architecture. Visitors can explore structures that have witnessed various historical events and architectural developments.
Best castles around Masarac
- The most popular castles is Fortress of Capmany,…
Last updated: July 30, 2026
Sant Ferran Castle
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Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle
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Church of Sant Esteve
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Castell de les Escaules
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Period 13th to 15th century
Location: Hill to the south of the town of Les Escaules
Special Interest
Protection Cultural property of national interest (BCIN)
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Peralada
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Tips from the Community
...short or long hike possible 👌🥾...great view
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Cantallops is built around the 11th century Castle and Church of Sant Esteve.
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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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It has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. On the facade we can see the portal of two arches, one half-pointed and the other pointed; two semi-circular arched windows also open there, transformed; they are double split. On the north side are the side chapels, added in the 18th century. The northern nave has a barrel vault and the one on the southern side is a quarter circle. The whole interior is covered with whitewash and painted in a modern way. Next to the door is a Gothic tombstone dated 1320. Although the church appears documented as early as 844, it seems that the current building dates mainly from the 13th century. . The current church was the old chapel of the castle.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest castle to visit around Masarac?
The largest castle in the region is Sant Ferran Castle. It is considered the largest modern fortress in Europe, occupying an area of 32 hectares with a perimeter of 3,120 meters. It was designed to house a garrison of 4,000 men.
Are there family-friendly castles around Masarac?
Yes, several castles are suitable for families. Fortress of Capmany is located within a charming medieval town and includes a courtyard restaurant, making it a pleasant stop. Sant Ferran Castle, with its vast size and historical significance, also offers an engaging experience for all ages.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views?
For stunning panoramic views, visit Sant Ferran Castle, which overlooks the Alt Empordà maritime mountains. Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle and Quermançó Castle, both situated on high hills, also provide excellent vantage points of the surrounding landscape.
Are there hiking routes to castles around Masarac?
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. You can find routes like 'Castillo de Peralada — circular by the Río Muga' or 'Dolmen del Mirgoler – Dolmen Among the Fields loop from Capmany'. For more options, explore the Hiking around Masarac guide.
Can I find cycling routes near the castles?
Absolutely. There are gravel biking and MTB trails available. Consider routes such as 'Gravel through the fortresses of medieval Empordà' or 'View of Requesens Castle – Douglas DC-6 crash site (1986) loop from Mollet de Peralada'. More details can be found in the Gravel biking around Masarac and MTB Trails around Masarac guides.
What unique historical features can I find at the castles?
Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle features a 13th-century single-nave church with a distinctive saddle bell tower. Quermançó Castle, originally from the 10th century, showcases ruins of a medieval keep and outer circular tower, reflecting centuries of renovations and expansions.
Are there any hidden gem castles in the Masarac area?
While not explicitly 'hidden,' Castell de les Escaules offers a fascinating glimpse into 13th to 15th-century fortification. Situated on a hill overlooking the village, its elongated enclosure and cylindrical tower provide a less-frequented but historically rich experience.
What is the best time of year to visit castles around Masarac?
The region generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring, avoiding the peak heat of summer. These seasons are ideal for combining castle visits with outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, Fortress of Capmany has a courtyard restaurant within its medieval setting, perfect for a meal or refreshment. For other castles, nearby towns and villages will offer dining options.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter around the castles?
The area around Masarac, with its varied landscape of hills and views towards the Alt Empordà maritime mountains, is home to typical Mediterranean flora and fauna. While specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you might observe various bird species, small mammals, and reptiles in the natural areas surrounding the castle ruins and historical sites.
Is public transport an option for reaching the castles?
While specific public transport routes directly to every castle might be limited, major towns in the Alt Empordà region, such as Figueres (near Sant Ferran Castle), are generally accessible by bus or train. From these towns, local taxis or shorter walks might be necessary to reach the castle sites. Planning ahead with local transport schedules is recommended.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Masarac?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and varied landscape. The komoot community has upvoted the castles 33 times and shared 36 photos, highlighting the blend of medieval ruins, large bastioned fortresses, and the panoramic views they offer. The opportunity to explore centuries of regional history and military architecture is a key draw.
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