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Cardona Castle

506 Lloc Parador Nacional Turisme, Cardona, Catalunya

Description

Cardona Castle was built on a hill overlooking the Cardener river and its valley starting from the end of the 9th century and designed in Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is one of Spain's most important medieval fortresses, having been in the hands of the most powerful family of the Crown of Aragon since the 14th century and even to this day. Highlights include the Torre de la Minyona built in the 11th century and the Church of Sant Vicenç built in the Catalan Romanesque style. Note that part of the castle is now used as a luxury hotel.

Access & Transport

The castle is on the edge of the town or Cardena, a 30mins drive from Manresa. From Barcelona it is a 90km / 75mins drive in a north-western direction.

Instructions & Recommendations

There are 1.5h guided tours in Spanish and Catalans on weekends. It is possible to drive up to the entrance if needed (but park lower down)

Meta review

The castle is featured in most travel guidebooks and, overall, gets positive reviews from visitors who enjoy its massive look, renovated aspect and the beautiful views over the surrounding valley.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral Socially, it helps preserve the region's architectural and cultural heritages

Conclusion

Cardona Castle is an extremely impressive structure that dominates the town, but you will need to weigh that against its slightly isolated location and the "cost of opportunity" this represents to the rest of your itinerary. Logistics aside, it is worth visiting.

Key positive

Very well reconstructed medieval castle

Interesting historical background

Reasonable entrance fees

Key negative

Scarcity (or absence) of guided tours in English.

Requires some time investment to get there

Suitability

Partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: the courtyard, cloister, Collegiate Church of San Vicente and bastions are adapted.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission 30mins before closing time

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jun, 01

Season 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 19:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 19:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 19:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 19:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 19:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 19:30

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:30

Pricing
Free admission on the last Tuesday of every month between 1 October and 30 June
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€3
Adult
16 - 64
€5
Child
3 - 15
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
International Student Identity Card holders is €3,00

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