Castle of Cardona

Rhomboid-shaped fortress built on a conical hill for the purpose of defending the access to the near saline and as a noble residence for the lords of Cardona. Its location, 150 meters high over the banks of the river Cardener, provides an exceptional panoramic view of the town of Cardona and the surrounding area. The visit to the castle offers you the possibility to visit the modern fortress, from the 17th - 19th centuries, and parts of the old castle, Romanesque and Gothic style.

We are in front of one of the most important fortresses in Catalonia. In his history could never be conquered by force, despite withstand several sieges. The most epic episode took place during the War of the Spanish Succession, when the castle of Cardona was the last Catalan stronghold that surrendered to the Bourbon troops, in 1714, after a heroic resistance.

Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, currently the castle houses the National Tourist Parador "Duques de Cardona". In October 2010 it became the first parador - museum of Catalonia.

Highlights

✔ The Minyona tower, the former circular keep. It is 15 meters high and more than 10 meters in diameter.
✔ The church of Sant Vicenç de Cardona, built in the 10th century, one of the jewels of Catalan Romanesque.
✔ The duke's court (14th century).
✔ The fortifications, composed by defense bastions and outer gun batteries.