The small settlement around Castell d'Empordà takes its name from the castle: the Castell, also known as Castell de Llaneres, gave the place its name. Anyone interested in architectural history can identify several distinct periods here. For the landscape, there are routes with different itineraries and a viewpoint whose panorama depends on clear weather.

Castle and chapel: different building phases

Castell d'Empordà was probably built towards the end of the 13th century by Count Ponç V of Empúries. The border settlement lay between the County of Empúries, Girona, which was under royal rule, and the bishop's lands of la Bisbal. The castle's history is therefore also connected with the region's different areas of rule.

The main tower, with its voussoir portal, and a Gothic window near the tower have survived from the Castell. Voussoirs are wedge-shaped building stones that form an arch. From the 16th century onwards, the Margarit family had the castle remodelled, fitted with a Renaissance window and converted into a residential palace. The surviving parts and later alterations show different stages in its architectural history, rather than assigning the Castell to a single period.

The Ermita del Remei is integrated into the castle complex. The chapel was built in 1600 and extended in 1750. Its rectangular, single-nave building has a semicircular apse and a lunette vault; a bell tower from a later period was also added. These features describe both the building's form and the additions made at different times.

Local history and a fixed annual festival date

The church of Sant Martí de Llaneres is also located near the settlement. It has been documented since 1101, while the present church building was constructed in 1584. The two dates refer to different milestones: the church's early documentation and the construction of the present building.

The Aplec del Remei, a traditional festival in Castell d'Empordà, is part of local customs. It takes place every year on the second Sunday in October. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check it in advance. In this way, the architectural history of the castle and religious buildings is complemented by a specific occasion in the annual calendar.

Routes and views

The names are useful when choosing a route with a particular theme. “Nucli medieval de Castell d'Empordà” is one of three easy family routes that start in the municipality of la Bisbal d'Empordà. The municipality indicates the routes' starting area; it does not mean that this route necessarily begins in the settlement of Castell d'Empordà. The “El Castell d'Empordà” route can be done on foot or by bicycle.

The “El riu Daró” route follows a different itinerary: it runs parallel to the Daró River up to the level of Castell d'Empordà, then continues along the left-bank embankment. It then passes the Riera de l'Rissec and returns to la Bisbal via the plain of Casavells. The selection of routes therefore offers different points of reference: the medieval place name, the castle, or the river and its further course.

The hill known as turó de Marenys offers a distinct connection with the landscape. In clear weather, its highest point provides a 360-degree panorama from which surrounding peaks and villages can be seen. Visibility explicitly depends on weather conditions. The castle and chapel provide an architectural focus, while the river route and hill draw attention to the landscape.

For the wider travel overview: La Bisbal D'empordà.