Castle near Barcelona

Historic Fortress with Panoramic Views 

Overview 

Rising on a prominent hill above the Mediterranean, the Castle of Creixell dates back to the 11th century. For decades it served as a private summer residence and is now ready for a new chapter as a holiday retreat, boutique hotel, restaurant or event venue.

From its towers and terraces the castle offers sweeping views of the Costa Dorada coastline as well as the gentle inland hills – a rare combination of sea and mountain landscape.

History

Medieval records indicate that between 1015 and 1022 the castle belonged to the Benedictine abbey of Cluny. The name Creixell first appeared in the 12th century.

In 1572 it passed to the priory of Sant Pere de Caserres. Following the death of the last prior, King Philip II incorporated the priory into the Jesuit College of Barcelona – a link still visible in the Jesuit emblem above the entrance.

In 1767 King Charles III expelled the Jesuits and the property was absorbed into the royal estate.

The defensive walls and towers largely date from the 16th and 17th centuries, when repeated pirate raids required stronger fortifications.

A colourful layer of history is added by accounts of Queen Isabella of Castile staying here in the 15th century during one of her journeys. A bed said to have been used by her remains in one of the chambers.

The construction itself is remarkable: traditional dry-stone masonry, recognised since 2018 as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, gives the castle a distinctive and authentic character.

Location

The castle stands in the heart of Creixell, a medieval coastal town on Catalonia’s Costa Dorada (province of Tarragona).

• 5 minutes by car to long sandy beaches
• 20 minutes to Tarragona city centre
• 45 minutes to Barcelona Airport

Tarragona offers Roman heritage, museums, a vibrant food scene and a large marina. The renowned wine regions of Penedès, Montsant and Priorat are close by, as is the Ebro Delta with its unique natural landscape.

Nearby towns such as Torredembarra, Altafulla and Sitges provide further cultural and leisure options. Two golf courses and the Port Aventura theme park are also within easy reach.

Layout

The castle is reached by a cobbled driveway leading to the entrance hall. From here, visitors access:

• A chapel
• A small historic prison
• A central courtyard
• The main staircase to the upper floors

Accommodation currently comprises:

• Nine bedrooms
• Three bathrooms
• A large salon
• Open-plan kitchen and dining room
• A gallery and roof terrace with sea views

Additional features include a 49-metre-high tower, a library, wine cellar and a courtyard with a well. Hidden passages once connected the castle with the coast and outer defence towers. Except for the western façade, all walls are crowned with battlements.

The grounds also contain a garden and a 14th-century annexe with an oil mill.

Furnishings, paintings, armour and decorative objects may be acquired by separate negotiation.

Heritage Status

Creixell Castle is officially listed in the Registre de Béns Culturals d’Interès Nacional of the Generalitat de Catalunya.

This designation confers both privileges and responsibilities:

• Exemption from property tax
• Significant inheritance tax reductions
• Eligibility for grants
• Obligation to maintain the building (demolition not permitted)
• Flexibility of use, provided it does not involve large-scale commercial or industrial activity

A Living Monument

Creixell Castle combines over 900 years of history with the potential for new uses in hospitality, culture and private life. It remains not only a historic landmark but also an extraordinary place to live, work and welcome guests.

More Information

Discover our other historic properties and wine estates around Barceona.