Castell de Palafolls, Medieval castle in Palafolls, Spain.
Castell de Palafolls is a medieval fortress positioned on a narrow mountain ridge that runs parallel to the Tordera River, commanding views over the fertile plains and the lower valley. The structure includes a polygonal main enclosure with towers, residential spaces, and a chapel with Romanesque features from the 12th century.
The fortress first appeared in written records in 968 as part of a Benedictine monastery complex, with surviving structures dating from the late 10th to 14th centuries. The castle underwent multiple phases of construction and modification across these centuries to adapt to changing defensive needs.
The fortress was the administrative heart of the Barony of Palafolls and served as a key point for controlling movement along the royal road connecting inland territories to the coast. The structure embodied the power and reach of the local nobility over the surrounding lands.
Getting to the site involves walking on both paved and unpaved paths, with the asphalt Carrer Camí del Castell road being the most suitable for vehicles and regular access. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain, especially when weather conditions are wet.
The main enclosure features an uncommon polygonal design with a barrel-vaulted cistern engineered to store water at this elevated location. Faint traces of Romanesque painted decoration remain visible inside the chapel's apse, a rare surviving detail in this type of fortress.
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