Located in Catalonia in the province of Girona, the municipality of Hostalric preserves an exceptional heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. The surrounding landscape is made up of gently sloping mountains, and the village offers a variety of exceptional views of this nature, which can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle. But let's go back to the medieval town to mention what makes it so rich: the great wall and the impressive castle that proudly dominates the town and the surrounding area. Guided tours, culinary and festive experiences, a visit to Hostalric allows you to discover another facet of Catalonia, a gentle journey to a distant era that has left behind priceless treasures. Hostalric was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest in 1963

Visit to the medieval enclosure and the castle

The oldwalled enclosure is a not-to-be-missed part of Hostalric's heritage. It is a 600-metre-long wall consisting of eight extremely well-preserved medieval cylindrical and semi-cylindrical towers that run along the old royal road. In addition to the architectural and historical interest, you should take the time to climb to the top of the towers that are open to the public. The tower of Ararà or the tower of the Brothers are superb viewpoints from which to enjoy an exceptional panorama of the surrounding natural environment and the village. The medieval enclosure can be visited accompanied by a guide, who will be happy to provide you with information to help you understand the place and its history. But visitors can also take a tour and receive the keys to the town for an unusual and totally independent cultural walk. From the Tourist Office, they leave with a road map and stop at the most emblematic places of the medieval city: along the wall and at the foot of the towers, in the Relliguer cave and its 26-metre tunnel, as well as under the arches of the four gates such as the gate of Barcelona and the Vinyes. When the places require it, they are the ones who open the doors with the keys, they are thus actors of their own visit and the journey to distant times is all the more intense

Another visit leads to the castle. Situated on a mountain of basalt rock, this spectacular military fortress was first built in the 12th century. It is also a formidable testimony to the city's military past, which had to face various conflicts, including that with its northern neighbour France in the 17th century and the War of the Spanish Succession. The present fortress, which was rebuilt in the 18th century, follows the model of Vauban's military defence. The elements that catch the curiosity of visitors are, among others, the walls, the bastion of Santa Tecla, the main powder magazine and the small powder magazine, the gallery and the ravelin. For a visit to the castle, lovers of beautiful heritage have the choice between a guided tour or a self-guided tour that leads to the main areas of the fortress. Videos and interactive models are at your disposal to learn more about this monument which cannot leave you indifferent by its location and history

Festivities at the heart of the heritage

Hostalric hosts various events at different times of the year. An opportunity to enjoy its heritage and celebrate it in a relaxed and always good-natured atmosphere

At the end of September, the Fira de Sant Miquel de Hostalric takes place. In the past, it was the breeders who used to meet in the Plaça dels Bous. However, this was stopped during the Spanish Civil War. It was reborn from its ashes in 1990 and is now another popular festival in the municipality with craftsmen and women who run stands, theatre, exhibitions, children's activities and guided tours. It is a good time to discover Hostalric in the late summer sunshine

And then how not to mention the Fira Medieval, which is held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Easter. The village takes a step back in time to the Middle Ages. Within the medieval enclosure, people dress up in the costumes of the time and visitors can browse through a large medieval market that offers handicrafts and many regional products: cold meats, cheeses and other pastries. Demonstrations of the trades of the time are given as well as sword-fighting and horseback fighting sessions. The architectural heritage is visited free of charge, theatrical shows and parades are held while children enjoy workshops. And to celebrate Hostalric's medieval splendour, everyone is invited to join the grand dinner in the evening, with medieval accents, of course.

More information on the Hostalric Oficina de Turisme website and on the Facebook and Instagram pages.