Castell de Llaés

Llaés, Spain, Spain

---

Castell de Llaés is a 10th-century medieval fortress perched at 998 meters atop Sant Bartomeu mountain in Llaés village, Ripollès region, Girona province, Catalonia, Spain, first documented in 919 AD when Countess Elo donated it to Sant Joan de les Abadesses monastery.

Built by Wilfred the Hairy as part of Catalonia's frontier defenses during the Reconquista, it features a prominent homage tower, walled courtyard, Romanesque Sant Bartomeu church, and small cemetery within its religious enclosure, retaining its authentic castle appearance through centuries of feudal ownership.

Abandoned by the 14th century after losing defensive purpose, the ruins were extensively restored starting in 1994 by one couple over 16 years, then taken over in 2013 by two former teachers who converted it into a rural house and Airbnb rental, preserving its Cultural Asset of National Interest status amid stunning Pyrenean landscapes.