Cardona

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Shortened history of the castle:

The Castle of Cardona is arguably the most important medieval fortress in the Principality of Catalonia. The fortress was initially constructed by Wilfred the Hairy in 886.

In 986, it was decreed that the local population could have salt every Thursday in return for one days work a week maintaining the fortifications.

In 1714, even after a Bourbon siege destroyed a good part of the castle's walls, the garrison was one of the last to surrender to the Bourbon troops which supported Philip V. As the Bourbons and their heirs would go on to suppress Catalonian national identity, the fort has become significant to Catalonian nationalism.

Today, the castle's main jewel is the torre de la minyona (from the 11th century) a tower which measures 15 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter. Additionally, there is the romanesque church of Sant Vicenç de Cardona adjacent to the fort. The fort is currently used as a parador, a state-run luxury hotel.

Opening times and additionnal information:

Closed on Mondays except public holidays
Guided tours at 11am, 1pm and 4:30pm on SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS (except in July, August and September: 5pm)

Price for Castle only : Adults 5€, Reduced 3,75€
Price for Castle and Historic center : Individual 7,5€, Reduced 5,5€