Visit Sant Ferran Fortress in Figueres – Europe’s largest bastioned castle
Explore Sant Ferran Fortress in Figueres, Europe’s largest bastioned castle. Discover underground cisterns, Civil War history, and panoramic Empordà views
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About Figueres Sant Ferran Fortress
The Castle of Sant Ferran (Castillo San Fernando) in Figueres is considered the greatest monument in Catalunya and remains the largest bastioned fortress in Europe. Built as an 18th‑century military stronghold, it occupies an area of 550,000 square metres at the top of the hill overlooking Figueres. As a frontier castle, its location was strategic, offering panoramic views of the Serra de la Albera, which marks the border with France, and the Gulf of Roses on the Costa Brava.
The fortress was constructed to reinforce the border after the Peace of the Pyrenees (1659) and was named after King Ferran VI (Ferdinand VI). Designed by military engineer Juan Martín Zermeño, the fortification began in 1766 and was completed in 1892. It consists of two vast enclosures that showcase the scale of 18th‑century military engineering.
The interior, covering more than 325,000 m², includes six bastions connected by defensive walls. Visitors can still see the enormous stables with capacity for 500 horses, warehouses capable of storing food for 10,000 people for a year, the main square, officers’ pavilions, and four huge cisterns with a total capacity of nine million litres of water. These features highlight why Sant Ferran Fortress was once considered one of the most advanced military complexes in Europe.
The exterior enclosure, with a perimeter of 3,120 metres, is made up of three hornworks, seven ravelins, and two counterguards. It is separated from the outside by a moat covering 10 hectares. Today, visitors can explore this area, including the underground galleries and defensive structures that make Sant Ferran a unique destination for fortress tours.
During the Spanish Civil War and the Francoist regime, Sant Ferran Fortress took on a darker role. From May 1940 to December 1942, it was used as a concentration camp for republicans returning from France. Later, it served as a prison for citizens opposed to Franco and those who promoted democratic elections. From 1956 until 1991, the fortress functioned exclusively as a military prison before opening to the public in 1997 as a heritage site.
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Visiting Figueres Sant Ferran Fortress
Since 1997, the Sant Ferran Fortress has been open to the public for tourist visits. There are two main types of visit:
1 – An unguided tour following a set route around the fortress. This includes the main square, barracks, underground stables, moat, and defensive walls.
2 – A special tour of the underground cisterns by 4x4 vehicle. This must be arranged in advance and is subject to availability.
Note that the official website does not publish prices for either the unguided tour or the cistern tour. When I visited, I paid 4 euros for the unguided tour without prior reservation, but I plan to return specifically to experience the cistern tour.
Why visit Sant Ferran Fortress together with the Dalí Museum? The fortress is located just a 10‑minute walk from the Dalí Theatre‑Museum in Figueres, making it an ideal companion visit. While the museum immerses you in Salvador Dalí’s surrealist world, Sant Ferran Fortress offers a striking contrast with its vast military architecture and Spanish Civil War history. These two attractions make a complete day trip to Figueres.
Figueres Sant Ferran Fortress opening hours
Summer: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (1st July to 15th September).
Winter: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (16th July to 30th June).
Easter Weekend: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Friday to Sunday).
Winter last Sunday of October, November, December, January, February and March: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Closed: Mondays except public holidays; 1st and 6th January; 25th and 26th December.
Admission is permitted up to 1 hour before closing time.
Accessibility & What to take for Figueres Sant Ferran Fortress
For a day trip to Figueres and the Sant Ferran Fortress, I recommend packing a small 10L rucksack with essentials. A fleece jersey is useful in cooler months, and if rain is forecast, a lightweight waterproof poncho is advisable. Carrying water and snacks is optional, but the fortress grounds are extensive, so it’s good to be prepared.
The fortress does not currently provide an audio guide, so there is no need to bring headphones. Instead, plan for a self‑guided tour, which involves walking approximately 3km around the site. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the paths are uneven and cover both interior and exterior sections of the fortress.
Accessibility is mixed: most of the self‑guided route is via ramps, making large areas of the fortress wheelchair accessible. However, the final section leaving the underground gallery stables requires stairs, and I did not see any elevators on the tour route. Visitors with mobility needs should plan accordingly, and families with pushchairs may find some areas challenging.
Overall, the fortress is a family‑friendly day trip, but it’s best to travel light, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for uneven terrain when exploring this vast 18th‑century bastioned castle.
Figueres Sant Ferran Fortress Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 24.00
€ 4.00
Students, Over 65 years, 2.50 Euros
Child
€ 24.00
FREE
For under 10 years
Group/Family Ticket?
See Website.
Notes
Consult website for opening hours.
Getting to Figueres Sant Ferran Fortress
Address: Pujada del Castell S/N, Figueres, 17600
Figueres is well connected by train from Barcelona and Girona, making it an easy day trip. The town has two stations: the central Figueres station served by Regional trains, and the modern Figueres‑Vilafant AVE station on the outskirts, located about a 20‑minute walk from the town centre and close to Sant Ferran Fortress.
The Regional trains depart from Barcelona‑Sants, stopping at Barcelona‑Passeig de Gràcia, Girona, and other intermediate stations before reaching Figueres. There are two types of Regional service: the MD train, which makes fewer stops and offers more comfortable carriages with tables, arriving about 20 minutes faster; and the R11 train, which stops at every station along the route and takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.
The AVE high‑speed trains connect Barcelona‑Sants to Figueres‑Vilafant in just 50 minutes. From there, visitors can walk to the fortress or take local transport into the town centre.
For a train map comparing all routes from Barcelona or Girona to Figueres, see the documents section.
If travelling by car, convenient parking is available at Parking Saba El Garrigal, located directly behind the Dalí Theatre‑Museum in Carrer Canigó. From here, it is a short walk to both the museum and Sant Ferran Fortress, making it easy to combine visits.
Documents for Figueres Sant Ferran Fortress
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