Castell de Verdera, Medieval castle in El Port de la Selva, Spain.
Castell de Verdera is a medieval fortress sitting on a hilltop above a coastal village, with strong walls and several tower structures built to watch over the landscape. The site holds a Romanesque chapel and remains of living quarters that you uncover as you explore.
The fortress was founded in the early 10th century and played an important role in controlling the coastline. Over time it became linked with a nearby monastery, which changed how it was run and what it meant to the region.
The small church inside shows how faith and defense were deeply connected in medieval times. People used this place both for protection and for worship, which you can still sense walking through its spaces.
The climb to the fortress takes about an hour from the nearby monastery and requires good footwear for rocky and steep terrain. There are marked trails, but the route is challenging and involves steady uphill walking.
Inside the fortress sits a remarkable water storage tank with a pointed vault roof, showing how medieval people managed water at high elevation. This cistern was vital for survival in such an isolated location.
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