Castell de Plegamans: A Medieval Fortress in Catalonia, Spain

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.castelldemusica.com

Country: Spain

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

The Castell de Plegamans is a medieval fortress situated near Palau-solità i Plegamans in what is now Spain. Originating from early medieval times, its earliest known structure was a rectangular tower erected between the late 10th and early 11th centuries by the local Christian communities of the region.

The location first enters historical records in 965 through a donation document to the Monastery of Sant Cugat del Vallès, showing that the area was an established settlement with farmland and houses. This strategic hilltop site, known as “la Serra,” served important defensive and surveillance roles during the frequently contested medieval era, particularly throughout the Reconquista—the centuries-long Christian effort to reclaim territories from Muslim control—and other regional conflicts.

By the early 12th century, the castle’s lordship was held by Guadall Gilabert de Plegamans, a noble whose family maintained influence for generations. Among them, Ramon de Plegamans stands out for his military service as lieutenant to King Jaume I and participation in the conquest of Mallorca in the 13th century. Over time, ownership passed through notable noble houses, including the Vilatorta family from the 15th century, followed by the Gualba, Clariana, and ultimately the Sentmenat family until the modern era.

In 1427, the castle’s territory was incorporated into the Crown, while feudal authority shifted with regional political developments and the nearby Monastery of Sant Cugat del Vallès playing a significant role in overseeing land tenure and peasant relations. In 1441, King Alfonso V granted the castle the status of “Castell Termenat,” a fortified jurisdiction, and authorized Antoni de Vilatorta, a Barcelona councilor, to undertake extensive rebuilding. Although the castle eventually fell into disuse and suffered damage over centuries, a restoration carried out in 1995 preserved its structure and adapted it for cultural use.

Local tradition maintains that the castle was once linked to the nearby masia of Can Cortès by a secret tunnel, reflecting the fortress’s role in security and discreet movement during turbulent times.

Remains

The Castell de Plegamans presents as a quadrangular fortress built upon the summit of la Serra hill, displaying features that trace its evolution from the early Middle Ages to late medieval times. Its core is a rectangular tower dating back to the late 10th or early 11th centuries. This original tower was constructed using river stones bound together with lime mortar, a common technique of the period, and now forms a central piece integrated within the larger castle complex.

Surrounding this ancient tower, a medieval wall once enclosed an adjacent courtyard. In the 12th century, a significant expansion took place with the addition of a large hall featuring two semicircular arches on the southern side of the enclosure. Alongside this hall, various supporting rooms were developed, shaping the castle’s now recognizable square layout around a central patio.

Between the 14th and 15th centuries, Gothic style renovations gave the castle much of its current character. The southern façade is distinguished by lobulated coronelle windows, some adorned with rosette-shaped moldings along their horizontal supports known as impost lines. Inside, the ceilings are decorated with wooden paneling called enteixinat, typical of the period’s craftsmanship.

The main entrance is located on the northern side and consists of a semicircular arched doorway formed by voussoirs—wedge-shaped stones that create the arch. This portal is guarded by three narrow vertical slits called loopholes on each side, which allowed defenders to observe and shoot while remaining protected. Above the entrance, a machicolation—a projecting gallery with openings between the supporting corbels—provided a defensive position to drop objects on attackers below. The eastern façade features thirteen loopholes arranged alternately in two levels, contributing further to the castle’s defensive capabilities.

The roofing has been reconstructed recently, combining a double-pitched tile roof supported by exposed wooden beams on most sides, except the western wing where a single-pitched roof covers the first floor. The roof tiles reflect Arabic influences, common throughout medieval Catalonia.

At the base of the ancient tower, an old bread oven survives in situ, offering insight into practical daily functions within the castle walls. Additionally, an intact tunnel reputed by local tradition to connect the castle with the neighboring Can Cortès farmhouse is preserved, highlighting the possibility of hidden passages for communication or escape during times of siege.