From castle to castle

The first ascent is to Claramunt Castle, strategically located to dominate the point where the Anoia river gorge opens into the Òdena basin. There are references that date back to the 10th century, and a thousand years later it was thoroughly renovated, making this fortress an ideal place to discover what those magnificent constructions were once like. You can see different rooms, defensive towers, staggered walls, and the Romanesque Santa Maria church. The walk, which takes about a half an hour from the centre of La Pobla de Claramunt, is completely worth it.

The castle in the town of Calaf is well-known thanks to the popular weekly market held there. It's in the upper part of town, located between two strategic routes: one runs from north to south and connects the north of Catalonia to a branch of Via Augusta, the other from east to west linking Segarra and Lleida with central Catalonia. It's important to put the 11th-century construction of the castle in the context of repopulation of the territory. It stands out for its polygonal shape, with five sides and rounded angles. If you want to see inside, be aware that free guided tours take place on the first Saturday morning of each month.

Now it's time to head to Santa Margarita in Montbui, where, at the end of the Miralles – Queralt mountain range, you'll find Montbui Castle among a Romanesque architectural ensemble from the 10th and 11th centuries. You can see the Santa María de Gràcia church and the defense tower, as well as spectacular panoramic views in surroundings of great natural beauty.

On the border with the Conca de Barberà region, in Sant Martí de Tous, stands a phenomenal (and phenomenally restored) fortress that presides over the town and surrounding area. Welcome to the Tous Castle. Although the Tous family died out more than five centuries ago, the castle has kept the name and given it to the town as well. Today the castle is a private residence, but it's open to visits on specific days or at times arranged in advance. It's an impressive place, because of its long history (both Wilfred the Hairy and the Bishop and Abbot Oliba walked the grounds) and because it's the subject of several legends. It's no wonder that since 2010, the Festival of Legends of Catalonia (FESLLECAT) has been held in this region every July.

This getaway ends at the Boixadors Castle in the municipality of Sant Pere Sallavinera, which has been documented back to the year 1015. From the 15^th century to the 19th century, the castle was part of the barony of the Boixadors, under the power of the Boixadors family. Again, the views from here are fantastic, up on the Calaf plateau and surrounded by mountains, valleys and streams. Ask for a guided tour, and enjoy one of the cradles of the Anoia.

Find more information about these and other Anoia castles through at Anoia, Terra de Castells.