Castell de Montsoriu brings the history and way of life of feudal Catalonia to life over a period of more than 500 years. In Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, Romanesque architecture, historic churches and a distinctly rural character complement this castle theme. When planning your castle visit, the main point to bear in mind is the walk from the public car park to the entrance.
Castell de Montsoriu: History and Routes
Castell de Montsoriu gives visitors the opportunity to travel back more than 500 years and experience the history and way of life of feudal Catalonia. In the 13th century, the castle became the residence of the Counts of Cabrera. This transformation gives your visit a tangible connection to the history of the house and adds to your understanding of feudal life.
A 2.8-kilometre walking route leads from the public car park to the entrance and takes 30 to 40 minutes. Allow for this time when planning your visit, and check the latest access information before setting off, as route conditions can change.
Signposted routes for cyclists and hikers also lead to Castell de Montsoriu from Arbúcies, Breda, Riells i Viabrea and Sant Feliu de Buixalleu. Alongside the specified walk from the car park, marked cycling and hiking routes from four neighbouring municipalities offer different ways to reach the castle.
Churches, Chapels and Local History
Gorg d’en Perxistó, also known as Gorg Negre, is in Gaserans, below the farmhouse of Perxa d’Astor, now called Can Perxistó. The site is associated with the murder of Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Barcelona, known as Cap d’Estopes, on 5 December 1082. A memorial with the family tree of the entire Catalan dynasty of that period stands there. This site brings together a specific landscape name and a historical memory tied to an exact date.
Another story is told in the legend of Torre de la Mora: according to the tale, a Christian knight fell in love with a Moorish girl and imprisoned her in a tower on a hill. As a legend, it adds another kind of local history to the historical records; the story should be understood as a tradition.
The religious buildings can be readily distinguished by their dates. Ermita de Sant Segimon del Bosc dates from the 10th century, while Ermita de Santa Bàrbara dates from the 16th century. Santa Bàrbara is near the parish church of Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, at the highest point. Església de Sant Feliu de Buixalleu was first mentioned in a document in 1019 and has Romanesque origins. A distinctive architectural detail is the pair of arched windows on the lower section of its bell tower.
The parish of Grions is centred around the 17th-century parish church of Sant Gabriel de Grions. Casa forta de la Torre de Grions is another example of the area’s building history: the former fortified house is now an inhabited farmhouse. The walled enclosure and the base of a medieval tower remain.
Rural Landscape and Gastronomy
Sant Feliu de Buixalleu has a distinctly rural character. In the mountainous north, the municipal area lies on the foothills of the Montseny and Guilleries massifs. Holm oaks, cork oaks, stone pines and chestnut trees are common there. Visitors who want to understand the area through more than its buildings will find that this northern landscape offers another way to connect with its rural character.
Local gastronomy is another way to enjoy the area: visitors can sample it in the town’s bars and restaurants. Municipal services may change, so check the latest information about available services before making plans.
Discover more destinations: El Cros, Cruïlles, La Cellera De Ter, Espinavessa, Palau De Santa Eulàlia, Can Jordi, Maçanet De La Selva, Lloret De Mar.
For the broader travel overview: Girona.
