🏰 At The Sun Places, we know that luxury is also found in places that have witnessed history and human greatness.
That's why we invite you to discover Sant Ferran Castle, the largest fortress in Europe, an imposing 18th-century military construction that stands majestically over the city of Figueres and the landscape of the Alt Empordà.
Stay in our Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava and let yourself be enveloped by the history and grandeur of a fortress that defies time.
Sant Ferran Castle, located in the city of Figueres, is the largest fortress in Europe.
With an area of more than 32 hectares and a length of more than 3 kilometres of walls, this masterpiece of 18th-century military engineering is a testament to the defensive power of the era.
Built between 1753 and 1766 by order of King Ferdinand VI, the castle was designed to protect the border with France and control the strategic pass of the Pyrenees.
Its architecture, inspired by the fortification treatises of the French military engineer Vauban, is an example of geometric perfection and defensive functionality.
Today, Sant Ferran Castle is one of the most important tourist destinations on the Costa Brava, attracting travellers interested in history, architecture and panoramic views.
We invite you to discover this jewel of Catalan heritage, which perfectly complements other nearby destinations such as the Dalí Museum, the magic of Cadaqués and Púbol Castle.
🏛️ What does Sant Ferran Castle represent for the region and for The Sun Places?
Sant Ferran Castle represents the military power and architectural grandeur of the 18th century, but also the capacity of a society to build great works that endure over time.
For Figueres, it is the most emblematic monument and a source of pride for its inhabitants, who have seen how this fortress has witnessed the history of their city.
For the Alt Empordà, it is a top tourist attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year.
And for The Sun Places, Sant Ferran Castle embodies the luxury of knowledge and connection with the past: the luxury of walking through corridors that have seen thousands of soldiers pass by, of contemplating the landscape from its walls, of understanding how a walled city was built and defended in the 18th century.
Our Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava are located near this historic site, and we can arrange private tours with expert guides, access to restricted areas and exclusive experiences that will allow you to discover the best-kept secrets of the fortress.
We are committed to cultural, relaxed and exclusive tourism.
🏗️ History of Sant Ferran Castle: a fortress for the border
The history of Sant Ferran Castle begins in the mid-18th century, when King Ferdinand VI ordered the construction of a fortress that could withstand French attacks and protect the northern border of Catalonia.
Military engineer Pedro Martín Cermeño was entrusted with designing the castle, based on Vauban's principles of fortification. Work began in 1753 and continued until 1766, but the castle was never fully completed.
During the Peninsular War (1808-1814), the castle was occupied by French troops. Later, in the 19th century, it served as a military prison and weapons depot.
In the 20th century, during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the castle was used as a military equipment depot and as a shelter for the civilian population.
In 1961, the castle was acquired by the Figueres City Council, which has restored it and opened it to the public. Today, Sant Ferran Castle is one of the most visited monuments in Catalonia.
🏛️ What to see at Sant Ferran Castle?: walls, bastions and underground tunnels
A visit to Sant Ferran Castle is an experience that combines history, architecture and spectacular panoramic views. These are the points you cannot miss:
- The walls and bastions: The castle has more than 3 kilometres of walls and several bastions that offer impressive views of the city of Figueres, the landscape of the Alt Empordà and, on clear days, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
- The moat and underground tunnels: The castle is surrounded by a deep moat and has a network of underground tunnels that were used for defence and supply. Exploring them is a fascinating experience that transports you to another era.
- The parade ground: This large central space of the castle was where troops were formed and military exercises were carried out.
- The powder magazine and warehouses: The castle had large supply warehouses and a powder magazine for storing gunpowder. These spaces are a testament to military life in the fortress.
- The viewpoint: From the highest point of the castle, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Costa Brava.
🕒 Practical information for visiting Sant Ferran Castle in 2026
Sant Ferran Castle is open to the public all year round, with seasonal opening hours:
Winter hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Summer hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
We recommend booking in advance for guided tours, especially during weekends and summer months.
The full tour, including the underground tunnel route, lasts approximately two hours.
The castle is accessible for people with reduced mobility, and there are adapted routes for wheelchairs.
🚗 How to get to Sant Ferran Castle? and where to park
Sant Ferran Castle is located on Carretera del Castell, s/n, in the city of Figueres.
By car: From Barcelona, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the AP-7 motorway heading north. From Girona, it is about 40 minutes via the AP-7. There is free parking next to the castle.
🍽️ Where to eat near Sant Ferran Castle?: gastronomy in Figueres
After exploring Sant Ferran Castle, we recommend enjoying the gastronomy of Figueres and its surroundings.
In the city, you will find a wide range of restaurants serving traditional Catalan cuisine. We suggest trying suquet de peix, black rice or grilled meats.
If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, we recommend booking at Celler de Can Roca or Compartir, two temples of haute cuisine that reinterpret traditional Empordà dishes.
For more options, check our guide on the Gastronomy of the Costa Brava.
🏌️♂️ Luxury can also be active: golf, nature and history near Sant Ferran Castle
The surroundings of Sant Ferran Castle offer other luxury activities to complete your experience:
A short distance away you will find the golf courses of the Empordà, such as Empordà Golf Club or Golf de Peralada, both less than 20 minutes away by car.
You can also combine your visit with a tour of the medieval villages of the Empordà (Peratallada, Monells, Cruïlles) or with a route through the Montgrí Natural Park and the Pals Rice Fields.
For sea lovers, the Medes Islands offer diving and snorkelling experiences in a marine environment of great beauty.
And, of course, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Dalí Museum and Púbol Castle to complete your immersion in the Dalinian universe.
🗓️ Perfect plan with The Sun Places to discover Sant Ferran Castle
Would you like to immerse yourself in the history and grandeur of Sant Ferran Castle with all the comfort? We propose a 2-day itinerary:
Day 1 (Arrival and castle):
- Afternoon: Guided tour of Sant Ferran Castle, including the underground tunnel route and the climb to the bastions to enjoy the views.
- Dinner at a restaurant in Figueres recommended by our concierge.
Day 2 (Dalí and farewell):
- Lunch at a restaurant in Figueres with views of the Town Hall square.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the historic centre of Figueres or excursion to Cadaqués to visit the Portlligat House-Museum.
- Luggage collection and transfer to the airport.
📌 Practical tips for visiting Sant Ferran Castle in style
- Book your accommodation with The Sun Places at least 2 months in advance in high season.
- Guided tours of the castle require prior booking. We recommend booking in advance through the castle's website.
- The best time to visit the castle is spring and autumn (mild climates, fewer tourists). Summer is hotter, but the views are spectacular.
- Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. The castle is extensive and most of the tour is outdoors.
- Combine your visit with the Dalí Museum and Púbol Castle to complete the Dalinian route.
- Enjoy a nearby golf course, such as those you can find around Perelada Castle
- Take advantage of The Sun Places concierge services to organise private visits, restaurant bookings and tailor-made experiences.
📞 Contact The Sun Places and let us organise your luxury getaway to Sant Ferran Castle.
We advise you on the best accommodation, cultural and gastronomic experiences so you can experience the history of the Alt Empordà with maximum comfort.
If you liked this article, we invite you to discover other incredible destinations with The Sun Places: Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Seville, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús, Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Luxury Apartments in Córdoba.
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