Hostalric can be explored through several distinct features: the fortress shaped by sieges, the medieval old town with its battlement walk and towers, and a section of the Tourdera. When planning a stay, you can choose between historic sights, a route with a clearly stated distance, and an annual Easter event. Each offers a different focus: at the Castell, the fortress rooms and history take centre stage; in the old town, the route leads along the battlement walk and past the towers. Local products also give the town a culinary connection.

The history of the fortress at Castell d’Hostalric

The French siege of Castell d’Hostalric began in 1809. After a five-month siege, the fortress was occupied on 13 May 1810. These events shaped the Castell’s appearance today and provide the historical context for a visit. The focus is not only on its history, but also on specific rooms within the complex.

A self-guided visit takes you through the guardroom, the bastions, the powder magazine and the bombproof gallery. Audiovisual content and an interactive model enhance the tour. If you would rather explore the fortress with historical context, you can take a guided tour: it lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and explains its development from the medieval castle of the Viscounts of Cabrera to a modern fortress. This lets you choose between exploring independently and taking a guided tour, depending on your interests. Since practical visiting details may change, check the latest visitor information before you travel.

Battlement walk, towers and the Tourdera

To visit the medieval old town, you can use the key to the town and explore the area at your own pace. You can walk along the battlement walk, climb to the highest point of the Torre dels Frares and take in the view from the Torre d’Ararà. The focus here is on the route along the fortifications and the two towers, making this visit different from exploring the interior rooms of the Castell.

The Tourdera also provides a specific distance to help you plan. The section in Hostalric is 6.1 kilometres long: 5.5 kilometres follow the Tordera River, with a further 0.6 kilometres for the branch route at the Riera d’Arbúcies. This breakdown makes the difference between the main route and the branch clear, and together they add up to the stated total distance. If you include this section in your plans, take the two stretches into account separately. Check route conditions locally.

Easter event and products from Hostalric

Every year, the Festa Medieval takes place in Hostalric over the Easter weekend. The programme includes a large medieval market, costumed characters and activities inspired by the period. The event can therefore be a specific reason to plan your stay for Easter weekend. If you want to travel for the event, check the dates for the relevant year before making plans.

Hostalric is also known for traditionally made cured meats, as well as handcrafted sweets and desserts. Some of these products, made in Hostalric or representative of the town, are grouped under the name “Hostalric, producte Ric”. This offers another way to connect with local identity, alongside the fortress and medieval old town. The name refers to a selection of products, not to every product made in the town.

An architectural perspective on Hostalric

The Portal de Barcelona is made of basalt, as are the medieval town wall and the medieval towers. Their shared building material offers a concrete point of comparison between the portal, wall and towers. If you are interested in architecture, you can consider these three features together as architectural elements, without confusing them with the different visiting options at the Castell or in the old town. Together with the events that shaped the fortress’s appearance today, they provide a clear cultural focus for exploring Hostalric.

Discover more destinations: Santa Cristina De Aro, Gombrèn, Viladamat, Puigcerdá, Castelló D’empúries, Navata, Campdevànol, Les Llosses

For the broader travel overview: Girona.