Castell de Barberà, cultural property in Barberà del Vallès, Spain
The Castell de Barberà sits on a gentle hilltop near the Ripoll river and now resembles a farmhouse undergoing restoration. The remains show a simple rectangular shape with visible walls about 26 feet (8 meters) long and about 3 feet (1 meter) thick, along with the base of a circular tower from the 1200s inside.
The castle's first references appear in the early 1000s when it served as a control point for lands granted to Barcelona's leaders by a local noble. A circular defensive tower was added in the 1200s, and ownership passed through various noble families like the Montcadas and Pinós before becoming part of the Marquessate of Santa Maria de Barberà in the 1700s.
The castle's name appears in records from the late 900s, reflecting its deep roots in the region's identity and power structures. Visitors can sense how this place served as a seat of authority for different noble families across the centuries, shaping the local community's sense of place and heritage.
The location sits on a gentle hilltop with a quiet atmosphere and is easily reached, though surrounded by some industrial areas. Wear comfortable shoes as the site is undergoing restoration work and the ground can be uneven in places.
The foundation of the circular tower was only fully uncovered during recent restoration work, confirming its original round shape and solid stone construction from the 1200s. This discovery gave experts new insights into the defensive strategies and building methods of that era.
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