Castelló d’Empuries 6 km away and Empuriabrava (Spanish Ampuriabrava ) together form the municipality of Ampuriabrava - Castelló d’Empúries. If you want a historic old town with mediaeval buildings and alleyways, Castelló d’Empúries is the place. It is the historic opposite of modern Empuriabrava. In the 11th century, after the counts of Empúries had relocated the capital of their county from Sant Martí d'Empúries to Castelló d’Empúries, the city started to prosper, its wealth lasting until the 17th century. The narrow winding alleys, small plazas and arches, the imposing basilica of Santa María, the fortress walls of Castelló d’Empúries and other historic buildings that are still there today date from this period. In mid-September, visitors can immerse themselves completely in the mediaeval Festival Tierra de Trobadors.

For more details, see Empuriabrava Festivals.

Places of interest in Castelló d’Empúries

Santa María basilica

This 14th century basilica is often known as Empordà Cathedral because of its architecture and size, and is one of the most notable examples of Catalan Gothic. It was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. The last element in the facade, an impressive marble portal, was installed in the 15th century. The 13th century clock tower has gothic elements but is in fact Romanesque. Inside the church are wonderful fonts, an alabaster altarpiece and other interesting objects. Other liturgical objects can be found in the adjoining museum.

Portal de la Gallarda city gate and Castelló d’Empúries city wall

The existing city gate is the only surviving example of the original eight. There used to be a much wider moat in front of the gate, spanned by a drawbridge. Legend has it that the monks of the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery used a boat to transport food to Castello.

Farinera eco-museum

This museum is located on the site of the former Molino del Medio mill, which gradually became a flour mill. The development and industrialisation of the milling process over time can be followed in today’s museum (entry: about 3 €. Tel.: +34 972 25 05 12).

Rentador public wash house

Close to the Castelló d’Empúries city wall, you can find the Rentador, the old public wash house in Castello, dating from the 19th century. The basin is in the centre of the atrium and is surrounded by Tuscan columns from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Barrio Judío Jewish district in Castelló d’Empúries

The former Jewish quarter is in the centre of the old town in Castellos Empuries. The Jewish community in Castello numbered some 300 people until they were expelled by the Spanish monarchs Isabel and Fernando in 1492. The district, whose mediaeval architecture can still be seen today, encloses the streets of dels Jueus, Peixateries Velles, del Call and the Plaza de la Llana.

Dungeons and curia

The 1336 gothic building that houses the current tourist office used to contain dungeons and the curia where sentences were passed. The dungeons can be visited. Drawings and messages from different generations of prisoners in Castello Empurias can be seen on the cell walls.

Entry: about 1 €.

Puente Viejo (old bridge)

The old bridge from the 14th century spans the Muga River outside the city walls, close to the old Sant Marc district. It used to be called the Puente Nuevo (new bridge), because of an old bridge that no longer exists today. The tourist office also organises group tours through Castelló.

Depending on the tour, group prices are around 100 €.

Get to Castelló d’ Empúries

Distance to the centre of Empuriabrava: 5 km

On foot/by bike: Castelló d’Empúries is on the far side of the C-260 (C-68). The nicest route from Empuriabrava to Castelló d’Empúries is the Via Verde along the Muga River. See Aiguamolls for description.

Instead of taking the wooden bridge (half way) in the Aiguamolls (although it’s worth a side-trip), you have to stay on the right-hand side of the river to get to Castelló d’Empúries.

By car: Take the C-260 (C-68) from Empuriabrava. Follow the signs to Castelló d’Empúries.

Parking: There is free public parking very close to the centre. Signs show the way.

Public transport: There is a city bus between Empuriabrava and Castelló d’Empúries. There are several stops in Empuriabrava: Av. Europa, Av. Pompeu Fabra, beach promenade, Carrer Xaloc, Av. Joan Carles, route C-260 (C-68).

One-way ride: about 1 €.