Castell de Gelida

This fortress stands at 250 meters elevation on a rocky promontory between the Cantillepa and Sant Miquel streams, commanding extensive views over the Penedès region and surrounding valleys.

First documented in 945 AD, the castle served as a strategic frontier fortification between the Catalan counties and Al-Andalus during the medieval period, surviving the Almoravid incursion of 1108.

The structure combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements, featuring a 10th-century polygonal tower, a chapel dedicated to Saint Peter, and a 14th-century palace transformation commissioned by Barcelona banker Berenguer Bertran.

The castle offers guided tours through its interpretation center, educational activities, and visitor information services, remaining accessible year-round with flexible visiting schedules for heritage enthusiasts.

Archaeological excavations revealed a medieval necropolis with rock-carved tombs, including one distinctive burial oriented westward and missing its skull, similar to findings at nearby Olèrdola Castle.

Location: Gelida

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture, Gothic architecture

Elevation above the sea: 250 m

GPS coordinates: 41.43582,1.87034

Latest update: July 24, 2025 15:27