Castell de Sant Esteve de Mar, Medieval castle in Palamós, Spain
Castell de Sant Esteve de Mar is a medieval castle perched on a cliff between La Fosca beach and Cala s'Alguer cove with visible wall remains and tower foundations. The structure spreads across the rocky terrain with partially preserved elements from different periods.
The castle was first documented in 1063 and came under King Pere II's control in 1277 when he established it as a royal port. This decision led to the founding of the city of Palamós and transformed the site's importance.
The grounds hold remains from Roman times, including pottery and walls built with the opus signinum technique. These finds show the area was inhabited long before the medieval period.
The castle can be reached by a marked walking path that is part of the GR 92 long-distance trail connecting La Fosca to S'Alguer. The route crosses rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear and care are needed when exploring the old walls.
A Russian prince named Alexis M'Dvani bought the castle in 1930 and planned extensive restoration work, but his early death prevented the project from happening. The ruins today stand as a reminder of this ambitious but incomplete undertaking.
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