Castelló d’Empúries, the ancient medieval capital of the Empordà

Castelló d'Empúries, ancient medieval capital of the Empordà

The history of the town of Castelló d'Empúries dates back almost 1,000 years, when the counts of Empúries, who had their residence in Sant Martí d'Empúries (the town of Empúries, heiress of the city of Empúries) , decide to move in 1064 their residence and, with it, the capital of the county.

The municipality of Castelló d'Empúries is located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, between the neighboring towns of Roses and Figueres , and only 30 kilometers from France . This municipality on the Costa Brava belongs to the Girona region of the Alt Empordà, and approximately 12,000 inhabitants live there , 4,000 of them in Castelló d'Empúries and 8,000 in the coastal and most tourist town of Empuriabrava .

Rich religious, artistic and cultural heritage

A visit to Castelló d'Empúries is an exciting journey through time and moving to the time when the city lived its greatest splendor, the Middle Ages. The old town preserves in very good condition the medieval remains of its walls and monuments. The Gothic basilica of Santa María , better known as “ La Catedral de l'Empordà ”, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, stands out .

Walking through its narrow streets, the visitor will be amazed by the valuable monumental heritage of a religious nature that he treasures such as the convent of Sant Domènec and Palau Comtal , the convent of Santa Clara, the convent of Santa Magdalena or the convent of La Mercè. Also, the town welcomed a well-known Jewry where two synagogs were based and lived more than 300 inhabitants, before being expelled in 1492 by decree from Kings Católicos.

Among the civil monuments that are also worth visiting are the Portal de la Gallarda, the only one of the eight entrances to the town that still stands; the 14th century Llotja building, which came to house the Town Hall; the Curia and Prison, also erected in the 14th century and in Gothic style; the Major or Customs Hospital; The Casa Gran, from the 14th century; the Pont Vell, which is located on the river Muga ; the Carlist Tower, from the second half of the 19th century, or the Laundry, from the 19th century.

Castelló d'Empúries. Privileged location to buy a home

One of the differentiating factors to consider when buying a house in Castelló d'Empúries is its excellent geographical location. Located just half an hour's drive from the famous town of Cadaqués or the important fishing port of L'Escala , it is a strategic point to live on the Costa Brava .

The sale of real estate in Castelló d'Empúries has grown significantly in recent years in the area, not only because of its extraordinary location, but also because of the great opportunities that have arisen. It is a formidable place to invest in your dream home or to experience a golden retreat in Spain, enjoying a well-deserved rest very close to the Mediterranean coast and the high mountains in the Pyrenees.

Are you interested in buying properties in Castelló d'Empúries to enjoy a few months of vacation a year or settle permanently in the town? Contact our real estate agency in Castelló d'Empúries to find an apartment, flat, house or villa in the town of your dreams .

What to do in Castelló d'Empúries

The beautiful bay of Roses is just a 10-minute drive from Castelló d’Empúries Old Town. During the summer months it receives the influx of thousands of tourists from all over the world , attracted by its miles of fine sandy beaches in a natural environment rich in contrasts. The municipality is also home to one of the most important wetlands in Catalonia, the Marenys de l'Empordà Natural Park , an oasis of vegetation and fauna in an incomparable landscape.

The tourism in the region is ideal for practicing all kinds of activities on land, sea or air during all seasons. The possibilities are many and include from hiking and cycling on different marked routes, a wide range of water sports such as kayaking, kitesurfing or scuba diving , to the practice of skydiving .

Gastronomy in Castelló d'Empúries

Another of the main attractions of the area is, without a doubt, its famous gastronomy . Here you can live a unique gastronomic experience savoring the rich dishes of the renowned Empordà cuisine . The products of both land and sea are characterized by their freshness. The stews that combine both elements stand out, such as the chicken with prawns, an Empordà classic. Also noteworthy are the magnificent wines of the region with a designation of origin, as well as rice, fish and seafood from the Catalan coast.

Do you want to buy property in Castelló d'Empúries to spend a few months of vacation a year or settle there permanently? Contact our real estate agency in Castelló d'Empúries to find the apartment, house or villa of your dreams.