Castell d'Empordà: Castle, Chapel and Routes

Castell d'Empordà, also known as Castell de Llaneres, was presumably built towards the end of the 13th century by Count Ponç V of Empúries.

History

The castle was built at a border location between the County of Empúries, Girona, which was under royal rule, and the episcopal territory of la Bisbal.

The Castell gives its name to the small settlement surrounding it.

The main tower with its voussoir portal and a Gothic window near the tower have been preserved at Castell d'Empordà.

From the 16th century onwards, the Margarit family had Castell d'Empordà fitted with a Renaissance window through alterations.

The complex was thereby converted into a residential palace.

The Castell therefore preserves both the original castle complex and the later alterations. The surviving main tower, portal and Gothic window are among the visible structural elements; the Renaissance window is associated with the conversion into a residential palace.

Culture

The Ermita del Remei is integrated into the castle complex; its chapel was built in 1600.

The chapel was enlarged in 1750.

The Ermita del Remei consists of a rectangular, single-nave building with a semicircular apse and a lunette vault.

The Ermita has a bell tower dating from a later construction period.

Sant Martí de Llaneres has been documented since 1101.

The present church building of Sant Martí de Llaneres was built in 1584.

The information about the Ermita links its integration into the castle complex with a clearly described architectural form. For Sant Martí de Llaneres, by contrast, the early documentation from 1101 and the present church building from 1584 stand side by side.

Routes

“Nucli medieval de Castell d'Empordà” is one of three easy family routes that begin in the municipal area of la Bisbal d'Empordà.

The “El Castell d'Empordà” route can be undertaken on foot and by bicycle.

The “El riu Daró” route runs parallel to the Daró River as far as the level of Castell d'Empordà.

There, it continues along the left bank embankment and passes the Riera de l'Rissec.

The route returns to la Bisbal via the plain of Casavells.

The route names retain their different points of reference: one refers to the medieval town centre, one to the Castell and one to the Daró River. On the Daró route, the section along the river is followed by the left bank embankment before the route returns via Casavells.

Festivals and Panorama

The Aplec del Remei is a popular festival in Castell d'Empordà.

The festival takes place every year on the second Sunday in October.

From the highest point of the turó de Marenys hill, a 360-degree panorama can be enjoyed in clear weather.

From there, surrounding peaks and villages can be seen.

The festival date is therefore tied to a recurring Sunday in October each year. The panorama from the turó de Marenys is explicitly dependent on clear weather; both peaks and villages in the surrounding area are visible.

For the higher-level travel overview: La Bisbal D'empordà.