Cardona Castle
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Cardona Castle - by Pablo Valerio from Pixabay
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)
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
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Jun, 01
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
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