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The Hostalric castle has a long military history. Classified as a Cultural Asset of National Interest, the whole site is currently undergoing restoration. Hostalric has other points of interest, such as the Plaça dels Bous, the Town Hall in the former Franciscan convent, and the water mines that were part of the public water system. We recommend the 600-metre walk along the ramparts, Frares Tower, and Convent Tower with its exhibition of old photographs of Hostalric.
Take the C-35 towards Sant Celoni, turning off 8 km down the road along the GI-552 to Breda. A couple of kilometres after Breda, take a track leading to Montsoriu Castle, is one of the finest medieval castles in Catalonia.
Following the route:
Continue on the GI-552 until Arbúcies, in the heart of the Montseny massif, Natural Park. There is also an interesting Santiago Rusiñol route with panels showing eight of the landscapes that inspired the painter between 1927 and 1930. Drive on up to the C-25, leading to Sant Hilari Sacalm, with the ruins of Solterra Castle. Further on, in Santa Coloma de Farners, we find Farners Castle. A track four kilometres long leads up to the castle from Sant Salvador Park. In order to fully appreciate the beautiful countryside, it is recommended to do this stretch on foot. Shortly after, on the road to Anglès, there is a turnoff to the hamlet of Brunyola, site of a castle of the same name. Turn around and go back to the C-25 to Cassà de la Selva, from where the C-65 leads on to Llagostera, with a signposted walk along the old ramparts. Take the GI-681 to the coast until Tossa de Mar.
Set in one of the most exuberant nature spots on the Costa Brava, Tossa de Mar is the only fortified walled town on the Catalan coast. The medieval ramparts of the town are an internationally recognised image of the Costa Brava and were classified as a National Historical-Artistic Monument as far back as 1931.Tossa de Mar old town is well known for its artistic traditions and it is here that we find the Municipal Museum, one of the main modern art museums in the Girona area and The Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretative Centre.
Follow the pretty GI-682 that twists its way along the coast to Sant Feliu de Guíxols and Platja d'Aro, from where we turn off to Santa Cristina d'Aro and Castell d'Aro. The origin of Castell d'Aro goes back to the medieval Benedormiens Castle that protected the monastery of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. The castle, classified as a Cultural Asset of National Interest Continue on along the C-31 to nearby Calonge, where there is a castle dating from the year 1019 with a large interior parade ground surrounded by towers and ramparts. Follow the C-31 until Palamós and Palafrugell and turn off along the GI- 653 to Begur, a lovely small coastal town crowned by a round castle. Easily accessible on foot, the castle affords magnificent views of the coves beneath. Leaving Begur and drive on to La Bisbal d'Empordà.
The pottery centre has a large castle dating from the year 1180, residence of the bishops of Girona and classified as a national monument and as a Historical-Artistic Monument since 1972.There is another castle, documented from 1301, in the nearby hamlet of Castell d'Empordà. Leaving La Bisbal on the C-66, turn off along the C-252 and then take the C-31 to Torroella de Montgrí.
There is a medieval centre with several palaces and a large Gothic church. The castle on top of Montgrí mountain, 309 metres above sea level, was constructed by King Jaume II but never completed. The perimeter and four cylindrical towers still stand. A one-hour climb to the top affords spectacular views over the whole Empordà county and the Medes Islands.
Go back along the C-31 to Figueres, to visit Sant Ferran Castle. is a major European fortress. The well conserved fortress was opened to the public in 1997 and is classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest and a Historical-Artistic Monument.
Roses Citadel.
Take the C-260 to
Castell d’Empúries, another very interesting
medieval town, and on to
Roses, where we visit the monumental
Citadel. Go back to Figueres and take the AP-7 or the N-II up to the border town of La
Jonquera, from where we can see
Rocabert Castle and also the interesting
Requesens Castle in the heart of the Albera Natural Place.