Dominating the wooded hills where the Montseny massif meets the Guilleries range, Castell de Montsoriu is the largest Gothic castle in Catalonia and one of the best-preserved medieval ruins in the region. It stands at an elevation of 583 metres and commands breathtaking views over the Girona pre-coastal range.
The first documented mention of Montsoriu dates to 966, though the current structure was largely built during the 12th to 15th centuries by the Viscounts of Girona and later the Counts of Cabrera, who used it as their primary residence. At its peak the complex covered nearly two hectares, including a large Gothic hall, a chapel dedicated to Sant Joan, cisterns, and multiple defensive towers.
The castle fell into decay after the 16th century when the Cabrera family’s power waned. It was further damaged during the various wars of the 17th and 18th centuries. However, an ongoing restoration project — one of the most ambitious in Catalan heritage — has been progressively consolidating the walls and excavating the site since the early 2000s.
Archaeological digs have uncovered thousands of objects including coins, ceramics, and weapons, many now displayed in local museums. Visitors today can walk through the restored outer walls, the Gothic hall skeleton, and the cylindrical keep, all while enjoying sweeping views of the pre-coastal landscape.