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Sign in with GoogleHostalric Medieval Festival & artisan market with castle visit
Easter weekend Medieval festival in walled town with castle. Festival includes a market, street food and displays of arts and crafts
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About Hostalric & the Easter Medieval Festival
Every Easter weekend — from Friday to Monday — the historic centre of Hostalric transforms into a vibrant medieval town. The Hostalric Medieval Festival celebrates the town’s rich heritage as the former capital of the Viscounty of Cabrera, one of Catalonia’s most powerful medieval territories.
The festival unfolds across two main areas: the imposing Hostalric Fortress and the charming medieval quarter. The streets of Carrer Raval and Carrer Major become a bustling artisan market, filled with stalls selling hand-crafted sweets, cured meats, cheeses, toys, and medieval-themed goods. Expect the scent of grilled meats, the sound of live music, and costumed performers weaving through the crowd.
At the Fortress, visitors can explore a medieval camp with historical reenactments, weapon displays, and a fascinating exhibit of period artefacts — including a torture chamber that’s sure to spark curiosity (and maybe a few chuckles from parents imagining medieval discipline!). Guided tours of the castle are offered at a reduced rate during the festival.
Throughout the weekend, the town comes alive with children’s workshops, street theatre, craft demonstrations, and live music. Entry to many of Hostalric’s heritage sites is free during the event, making it a fantastic day out for families, history lovers, and curious travellers alike.
A Town Carved into Volcanic Rock
Hostalric is no ordinary medieval town — it’s perched dramatically on a long, narrow ridge of volcanic basalt, the hardened remains of ancient lava flows that erupted over two million years ago. This natural spine rises above the surrounding countryside, offering sweeping views and a built-in defensive advantage that shaped the town’s medieval identity.
The town’s architecture is inseparable from its geology. Stone towers, fortified walls, and homes are built directly into the basalt ridge, blending seamlessly with the terrain. As you walk through Hostalric, you’ll notice how the streets curve along the rock’s contours, and how the medieval walls seem to grow out of the earth itself.
At one end of the ridge stands the imposing Hostalric Castle, its towers rising above citrus trees and flag-lined battlements. From here, you can trace the town’s layout like a map — narrow lanes winding through fortified gates, market stalls nestled between towers, and the medieval quarter hugging the volcanic spine.
Whether you’re gazing out from the castle walls or wandering the cobbled streets below, Hostalric offers a rare blend of natural drama and architectural intimacy. It’s a place where landscape and legacy are fused — and where every view tells a story shaped by both human hands and volcanic fire.
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Visiting Hostalric During the Medieval Festival
If you’re planning a trip to Hostalric, Easter weekend is the time to go. For four days — from Friday to Monday — the town transforms into a living medieval village, offering a rich blend of history, entertainment, and hands-on experiences that are especially magical for families and children.
During the festival, Hostalric Castle is only accessible via guided tours, which are enhanced for the occasion. These tours take you through the fortress’s towers, battlements, and hidden chambers — including the torture room, a darkly fascinating exhibit that adds a touch of theatrical intrigue. Guides often dress in period costume, adding drama and storytelling flair to the experience. In one of the castle’s inner courtyards, there’s even a pop-up bar serving local Catalan beers like Estrella Damm and Moritz — my personal favourite. It’s the perfect spot to relax after climbing the ramparts and soaking in the views.
One of my favourite memories from visiting during the festival was walking along the medieval defensive walls, which are open to the public. You access them through a quiet courtyard shaded by a lemon tree, a peaceful moment before climbing up to the ramparts. From the top, the views are spectacular — rolling farmland stretches out below, and in the distance, the Montseny mountains rise like a painted backdrop. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause and take it all in.
The medieval quarter becomes a vibrant artisan market, with stalls lining Carrer Raval and Carrer Major. You’ll find hand-crafted goods, traditional sweets, cured meats, cheeses, and medieval-themed toys — all set against the backdrop of stone towers and fortified gates. One stall near Plaça de la Vila is a personal favourite: they serve fresh empanadillas, both meat-filled and vegan options like spinach and raisins. It’s the kind of snack that hits the spot while you wander the lanes, soaking in the music and medieval flair.
Children can take part in workshops, games, and theatrical performances designed just for them, while adults enjoy historical reenactments, craft demonstrations, and the chance to explore Hostalric’s heritage sites — many of which offer free entry during the festival.
The main food stall area during the festival is located in Plaça dels Bous, right in front of the historic Can Calls building and the imposing Torre dels Bous, a cylindrical medieval tower built directly into the town’s defensive walls. This square becomes a lively hub of activity, with colorful banners, sizzling grills, and the scent of roasted meats filling the air. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best snacks.
As you explore the medieval quarter, don’t miss two standout landmarks: the Ajuntament d’Hostalric (Town Hall) and the towering Torre dels Frares. The Town Hall occupies a historic building with arched balconies and flags fluttering above Plaça de la Vila — a central hub of festival activity. Just steps away, the Torre dels Frares rises 33 meters above the town, making it the tallest and most iconic tower in Hostalric.
During the festival, Torre dels Frares opens for rooftop visits, offering one of the best viewpoints in the region. From the top, you’ll see the entire medieval layout of Hostalric, the surrounding basalt ridge, and the distant Montseny mountains. The tower itself is a marvel — built in the 13th century using volcanic stone, it features three restored interior levels and a rooftop terrace accessible by stairs or lift.
Just below the castle, you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria, a simple yet elegant stone structure with a circular rose window and a bell tower flanked by cypress trees. It’s a peaceful spot to pause and reflect, and its elevated position offers another angle on the town’s castle.
For those who love discovering hidden corners, don’t miss the Portal de Carros — a semi-secret tunnel that leads directly into the castle grounds. You’ll find it by walking up the wooden steps from the parkland below the fortress, following Carrer Via Romana. This historic passage was once the main access point for carts and supplies entering the fortress, and today it offers a dramatic, slightly mysterious way to arrive at the castle — especially during the festival, when the route is lined with banners and bustling with visitors.
The tunnel’s stone walls and arched ceiling evoke the defensive architecture of the 18th century, and the descent into its cool interior feels like stepping into another time. Emerging onto the castle inner wall, you’re greeted by views of a flag-covered stone wall and the hum of festival life.
The Hostalric Medieval Festival offers a full day of discovery and delight. It’s not just a visit — it’s a time-travel experience wrapped in music, storytelling, and the scent of roasted meats.
Accessibility & What to Bring
The Hostalric Medieval Festival takes place in the historic town centre, which sits on a gentle incline rising from the train station. While many pedestrian streets are cobbled and some include steps, there are alternative step-free routes that allow access to key areas like Plaça de la Vila, Plaça dels Bous, and the castle entrance. Signage and volunteers during the festival help guide visitors along accessible paths.
Some heritage sites — including Torre dels Frares and the castle ramparts — involve staircases and uneven surfaces, so comfortable footwear is essential. If you're planning to climb towers or explore the defensive walls, closed shoes with good grip are recommended.
Here’s a quick checklist of what to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes — cobbled streets and castle steps await
- Water bottle — especially if the sun’s out
- Cash — some market stalls may not accept cards
- Camera or phone — the views and costumes are worth capturing
- Layers — spring weather can shift quickly between sun and breeze
Toilets are available near major squares and inside the castle grounds, and there are plenty of food and drink options throughout the festival area. Whether you're visiting with kids, friends, or solo, Hostalric is welcoming and easy to navigate — just follow the flags and music.
Hostalric Medieval Festival Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 12.30
€ 6.00
Children, Students, Over 65 years, 4.00 Euros
Child
€ 12.30
€ 4.00
Free for undrer 12 years
Notes
Consult Website for dates of festival
Getting to Hostalric
Address: Avenida Fortalesa S/N, Hostalric, 17450
Hostalric is easily accessible by train from Barcelona and Girona, making it a convenient day trip destination — especially during the Easter festival. The town is served by both the RODALIES R2 Nord line and the REGIONAL R11 and RG1 lines, all operated by Renfe.
Trains depart from major Barcelona stations like Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and Clot-Aragó, with journey times to Hostalric averaging around 1 hour. From Girona, the trip is even shorter — typically under 30 minutes.
A quick tip: the Renfe website doesn’t always display Rodalies train times reliably, especially for the R2 Nord line. To avoid confusion, it’s best to check both Rodalies schedules and Regional train listings when planning your trip.
The Hostalric train station is located just north of the town center. From there, it’s a 10–15 minute walk to the medieval quarter and castle. During the festival, signage and crowds make the route easy to follow — just head toward the towers rising above the rooftops.
If you’re driving, Hostalric is located just off the AP-7 motorway, with free parking available near the town center and castle. However, trains are recommended during the festival due to limited parking and road closures around the event zone.