Castle History

Rising prominently on a limestone hill, Castelle de Montgri dominated the Empordà landscape with its stark, geometric form. Construction began in the late 13th century under King James II of Aragon as part of a strategic effort to control the region. The project was intended to assert royal authority over the powerful Counts of Empúries. Despite its ambitious design, the fortress was never fully completed, leaving portions of its interior unfinished. Its square layout and four cylindrical towers reflect a transition toward more modern military architecture for the era. The bare stone walls give the structure a severe, almost monastic appearance. From its vantage point, observers can see all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and the rolling plains below. The site's commanding position allowed it to function as a deterrent even without full completion. In later centuries, the fortress served more as a lookout point than an active defensive installation. Local legends and tales have woven themselves into its silent, wind-swept corridors. Archaeological studies have revealed layers of earlier human occupation on the hilltop. Climbing the steep path to the fortress has become a popular activity for hikers and history enthusiasts. Castelle de Montgri's enduring stone presence stands as a reminder of medieval tensions between monarchs and regional powers. The solemn, unfinished structure continues to fascinate visitors with its mix of grandeur and austerity.