Log in to your account
The Castle of Sant Ferran in Figueres, one of the 10 most representative castles and fortresses of Girona and the Costa Brava, was built in the XVIII century and is considered to be the largest bastioned fortress in Europe. Declared of Cultural Interest and classified as a Historic Artistic Monument, it is worth a visit. It is located on a hill 1000 meters from the center of Figueres, 800m from the Dalí Theatre Museum and close to the plain of Empordà. It offers panoramic views of the Albera, a border area between France and the Bay of Roses, which is why it was built in this spot free of visual obstacles as a fortress to fulfill the function of border surveillance.
Many neighbors of Figueres walk daily on the round path that skirts the Castle for exercise. The panoramic views are extraordinary, and on a tramuntana day with a clear and serene sky, you can contemplate part of our most notable mountains and mountain ranges: Montgrí, Gavarres, Montseny, Rocacorba, Alta Garrotxa, the Canigó massif, Salines, Albera, Serra de Rodes, and to end the 360-degree view, the bay of Roses.
As the dimensions of the Castle are exceptional, visits to the Castle of Sant Ferran are grouped into two types: inner enclosure visits and visits to the grounds and underground spaces.
Visits to the inner enclosure are made following a route signposted and last approximately 1 hour.
But if you desire to step into the underground and unknown worlds of this fortress, you can not miss the tour of the water Cathedral. We have done it and it is highly recommended, you will spend some fun and entertaining time. It is an active commented visit to the moat of the fortress (2500 m) on board of 4×4 army vehicles, quite an experience. It includes a visit to the underground countermine galleries and navigation on board by pneumatic boats inside the Fortress tanks.
As a curiosity, the tanks, which are large, retain the same water than 40 years ago, however, it is quite clear as it does not see the sun. The visit inside the tanks is spectacular and, both young and old, will make you feel like real explorers. This visit takes about an hour and 45 minutes and booking is essential. Of course, if you have claustrophobia or you do not like dark indoors this is not for you!
As you approach its doors, the dimensions of the Castle of Sant Ferran (320,000 m2), its ramparts, the great patio or the underground galleries will leave you speechless.
