Best castles around El Far D'Empordà are found in a region rich in historical architecture and diverse landscapes. El Far D'Empordà itself features the notable Sant Martí del Far Church and former Castle, offering historical insights and elevated views. The broader Empordà region provides a variety of castle experiences, from vast military fortresses to medieval palaces and artistically restored sites. This area combines cultural significance with natural beauty, making it a destination for exploring historical landmarks.
Last updated: May 23, 2026
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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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https://www.itinari.com/es/location/castillo-sant-mori https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi0HgiBduF0 It is an architectural jewel from the 15th century with Gothic-Renaissance influences. This castle-palace was significantly remodeled in the 16th century on the ruins of an earlier structure. Today, Sant Mori Castle is not only a testament to the region's rich historical past, but also offers a unique holiday experience, with its impressive architectural features such as a charming interior courtyard, three floors full of history, and a garden terrace with pool. In addition, its location allows easy access to cultural and natural attractions in the area, such as the Dalí House Museum and the beaches of the Costa Brava. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rocwax-EevA
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The region boasts several castles with deep historical roots. The Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle, located directly in El Far D'Empordà, is a Romanesque church from the 13th century, built as part of an older castle. Further afield, Sant Morí Castle, originally medieval, was rebuilt in the 15th century into a Gothic-Renaissance palace. For military history, Sant Ferran Castle stands out as a colossal 18th-century bastioned fortress, considered the largest of its kind in Europe.
Yes, several castles in the area are suitable for families. Both Sant Ferran Castle and Sant Morí Castle are categorized as family-friendly. Sant Ferran Castle, with its immense size and military history, offers a unique experience for all ages, while Sant Morí Castle provides a glimpse into a medieval palace setting.
The region around El Far D'Empordà offers various outdoor activities. You can explore cycling routes like the 'Circular de los Rios, from the Fluvia to the Muga' or the 'Peralada and Vilabertran Loop'. For running, consider the 'City running tour through Figueres - Dalí Museum and Sant Ferran Castle'. Gravel biking enthusiasts can enjoy routes such as 'Gravel through the fortresses of medieval Empordà'. Find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around El Far D'Empordà, Running Trails around El Far D'Empordà, and Gravel biking around El Far D'Empordà guides.
Yes, several castles offer excellent viewpoints. The Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle in El Far D'Empordà is situated at the highest part of the town, providing elevated views. Similarly, Sant Ferran Castle, located on a hill, offers panoramic views of the Alt Empordà maritime mountains.
Parking is available at Sant Ferran Castle, which is located on a hill and includes a dedicated parking area. For other castles, parking availability may vary, often requiring parking in nearby town centers.
Sant Morí Castle is unique for its transformation from a medieval castle, documented since 1149, into a Gothic-Renaissance-style palace in the 15th century. Today, it functions as a hotel and restaurant, allowing visitors to experience its historical architecture in a luxurious setting. It can even be rented for special events like weddings.
Sant Ferran Castle is a must-visit because it is the largest bastioned fortress in Europe, occupying 32 hectares with a perimeter of 3,120 meters. Built in the 18th century, it showcases sophisticated military engineering and offers a unique experience due to its immense dimensions and excellent state of conservation. You can check their official website for current opening hours: castellsantferran.com.
At the Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle, you'll find a Romanesque church dating back to the 13th century, which was once part of an older castle. It features a single nave, a rectangular apse, and a striking semicircular arched window with sawtooth decoration. The site also includes remnants of the original castle enclosure, such as a well-preserved escarped wall, offering insights into its military past.
While not exactly 'hidden,' the town of San Mori itself, where Sant Morí Castle is located, is a beautiful example of rural architecture in the Empordà. Exploring the small town alongside its castle and church offers a charming, less-traveled experience compared to larger, more prominent fortresses.
The castles in the El Far D'Empordà region span various historical periods. You can find medieval origins, such as the initial documentation of Sant Morí Castle from 1149 and the 13th-century construction of the Sant Martí del Far Church and Castle. The region also features significant 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance transformations, as seen in Sant Morí, and impressive 18th-century military engineering with Sant Ferran Castle.


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