Sant Ferran Castle Figueres
Explore Europe's largest military fortress, a vast 18th-century marvel in Figueres with unique underground tours and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Sant Ferran Castle Figueres
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Europe's largest military fortress, a vast 18th-century marvel in Figueres with unique underground tours and stunning views.
"The scale of the place is stunning – from the thick stone walls to the underground tunnels and the huge water cisterns."
Wear Comfortable Shoes! 👟
The castle is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Book Guided Tours Ahead 📅
Unique tours like the water cistern boat trip are popular and require advance booking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rampart Views
Castle Walls
Walk along the expansive ramparts for breathtaking panoramic views of Figueres and the Empordà region.
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Underground Tunnels & Cisterns
Beneath the Fortress
Explore fascinating underground tunnels and the impressive water cisterns, a testament to the fortress's engineering.
4x4 Moat Tour
Outer Moat
Experience a unique guided tour by 4x4 vehicle around the vast outer moat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Sant Ferran Castle
Getting Around the Fortress
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes! 👟
The castle is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Book Guided Tours Ahead 📅
Unique tours like the water cistern boat trip are popular and require advance booking.
Don't Miss the Audioguide 🎧
It's large but packed with info to enhance your exploration.
Check Opening Days 🚫
The castle is closed on Mondays, but you can still walk the perimeter.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes! 👟
The castle is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Book Guided Tours Ahead 📅
Unique tours like the water cistern boat trip are popular and require advance booking.
Don't Miss the Audioguide 🎧
It's large but packed with info to enhance your exploration.
Check Opening Days 🚫
The castle is closed on Mondays, but you can still walk the perimeter.
Affordable Entry Fee 💰
Entry is very reasonably priced, with tours costing a bit extra but offering great value. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sant Ferran Castle for its immense scale, historical significance, and well-preserved military architecture. The unique guided tours, like the 4x4 moat ride and water cistern boat trip, are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. While the castle is largely an empty site, its impressive structure and the stunning views from the ramparts make it a highly recommended visit for history enthusiasts and families alike. +2
"I visited the Sant Ferran Castle in Figueres and it was a truly impressive experience. It’s a massive military fortress, very well preserved, and you can really get a sense of how these defensive structures worked up close.
The scale of the place is stunning – from the thick stone walls to the underground tunnels and the huge water cisterns. One of the highlights was a short 4x4 guided tour around the outer moat, which was both fun and informative. You can even walk along the ramparts and enjoy amazing views over the Empordà region.
There are original cannons, vast courtyards, and fascinating stories behind every corner. The staff were friendly and passionate about the history of the site.
Highly recommended if you're in the area – a great stop for history lovers or anyone curious about military architecture!"
Aniol Esteban
"A very interesting place to visit, lots to see. Watch the video before you walk around and visit the photographic exhibition.
Next time we visit we will book the water cathedral tour in advance as this looks like it would be an amazing experience.
There is free parking with no height barrier.
Don't visit on Monday's as its closed, but you can walk around the perimeter which is fairly spectacular in itself.
Not expensive, only 5€ each. The tours cost more, but are still good value.
We are definitely visiting again."
Elizabeth Jackson
"This castle visit costs €6pp. It is an empty site of historical buildings only. Few exhibition to see. Most buildings are occupied with no entrance for tour."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sant Ferran Castle is about a 20-minute walk from the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. There is also free parking available on-site, with no height restrictions.
Yes, there is free parking available at the castle, and it has no height barrier, making it suitable for most vehicles.
Absolutely! It's a pleasant 20-minute walk from the center of Figueres, offering a nice introduction to the area.
While walking is recommended, taxis are readily available in Figueres. Public transport options might be limited, so check local schedules if considering buses.
Public transport options directly to the castle can be limited. Walking from Figueres center or taking a taxi are the most common methods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Sant Ferran Castle is very affordable, typically around €6 per person. +1 Guided tours and special experiences like the boat trip in the cistern have additional costs but are considered good value.
While general entry tickets can often be purchased on arrival, it's highly recommended to book specific guided tours, such as the water cistern boat tour, in advance as they are popular and have limited capacity. +1
Sant Ferran Castle is closed on Mondays. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can vary seasonally.
Yes, besides general admission, there are options for guided tours that explore different aspects of the fortress, including tunnels and the water cisterns. +1
The castle is closed on Mondays. Visitors can still walk around the perimeter on these days, which is described as spectacular in itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore vast courtyards, ramparts with stunning views, underground tunnels, and historical exhibitions. Unique experiences include a 4x4 tour of the moat
+1 and a boat trip in the water cisterns.
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Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. You can opt for an audioguide or book specialized tours like the 4x4 moat ride
+1 or the water cistern boat tour.
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The audioguide is described as large and carried like a backpack, providing extensive historical information about the fortress.
Much of the castle is accessible for self-guided tours with a map. However, some buildings may be occupied or have restricted access, making guided tours valuable for deeper exploration.
From the ramparts of Sant Ferran Castle, you can enjoy amazing views over the Empordà region and the surrounding landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts offer stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots.
Photography is generally allowed within the accessible areas of the castle, including the tunnels. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or guide instructions.
While no major restrictions are commonly mentioned, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and any areas that might be undergoing restoration or have specific access rules.
Daylight hours offer the best natural light, especially on the ramparts. Inside the tunnels and cisterns, lighting can be more atmospheric and may require adjusting camera settings or using a flash.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to ensure safety and preservation. It's best to check with the castle administration directly for any specific regulations regarding drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏰 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 Take advantage of the audioguide for detailed historical context 📸 Photographers
+1 The imposing architecture, including the stark lines of the tunnels and the vastness of the courtyards, offers unique compositions. +1 The atmospheric lighting within the underground sections can create moody and compelling shots. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for the expansive views and consider a tripod for low-light conditions inside. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scale and History of Sant Ferran Castle
+1 Built between 1753 and 1762, its primary purpose was to defend the region from potential French invasions. The fortress is a prime example of military architecture of its era, designed with extensive ramparts, bastions, and a complex network of underground passages. Its sheer scale is often described as breathtaking, with vast courtyards, living pavilions, and stables that speak to its former grandeur and strategic importance. The castle's history is rich and varied. Beyond its military function, it has also served as a prison.
Today, Sant Ferran Castle is a significant historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction. It offers a unique glimpse into military history and engineering. The site is actively used for events and tours, ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility to the public.
Unique Experiences at the Fortress
Another engaging activity is the 4x4 guided tour around the outer moat. This allows visitors to traverse the expansive perimeter of the fortress in a rugged vehicle, offering a different vantage point and a touch of adventure.
For those who prefer to explore independently but still want detailed information, the audioguide is a comprehensive option. Described as large and carried like a backpack, it provides extensive historical context and stories about the castle's past.
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