Castillo de Fonolleres is located at the highest point of the small village of Fonolleres in the province of Lleida, within the municipality of Granyanella, and is surrounded by the green fields of La Segarra. As a cultural asset of national significance ("Bien Cultural de Interés Nacional"), it is listed in the Spanish Central Register of Monuments. The castle was built at the end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th century. Its thick walls and stones tell a 900-year-old story. The monument has been meticulously renovated, and all rooms have been thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail.
Amenities
- 6 rooms with private, fully equipped bathrooms. All rooms are furnished with large beds, high-quality mattresses and textiles, modern 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and a desk. Enjoy the tranquility and views of the La Segarra landscape. Some rooms can be expanded to accommodate three or four people.
- Spacious salons with comfortable sofas, a fireplace, sound system, desks, and a 50-inch TV – ideal for relaxing and spending time with family or friends.
- A dining room with a large, elegant table worthy of a castle, comfortable chairs, and a sophisticated crystal chandelier ceiling.
- A game room featuring a competition pool table (Gran Match), a well-maintained library, and a children’s corner with small games, including a charming kitchen, a dollhouse, and books.
- A modern, spacious, and bright kitchen, decorated in warm red tones with stone walls, fully equipped with all the necessary appliances for maximum comfort.
- Courtyard with a saltwater pool, sun loungers for sunbathing, a chill-out area with colorful sofas, perfect for relaxing naps. There is also a barbecue area with a fridge-freezer, gas grill, and large tables with comfortable chairs.
- Terrace at the highest point of the castle with a pergola, furniture, and sun loungers, offering breathtaking views of the La Segarra fields. This area is often referred to as "The Tuscany of Catalonia."
- WiFi and elevator.
- Spacious parking area.
- An outdoor area with a rustic garden, ideal for relaxing walks. Here you can enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants, including native and healing plants such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, calendula, lemon balm, peppermint, and sage.
Castle Structure and Architecture
The "Castillo de Fonolleres" stands at the highest point of the small village of Fonolleres and consists of a ground floor with a courtyard (the former weapons yard), a first and a second floor. The walls are made of irregular stone, and the intricately designed doors and windows give the building a unique character. Arrow slits frame the gate, which is adorned with a round arch and a vaulted ceiling. Above the gate, an old "matacán" (firing hole) can be seen.
The Tower
To the right of the main building stands the square tower, the "Torres del Homenaje." The lower part of the tower features an opening with a semicircular arch and barrel vault, through which you can enter the Church of Santa María – a Romanesque church from the 11th to 12th century.
Historical Significance
From the 10th to the 12th century, this region marked the border with the Muslim territory, with a powerful fortress in the city of Lleida. Therefore, the area was dotted with numerous castles and defensive towers. The first references to the Castillo de Fonolleres date back to 1113.
Historical Mention and Noble Families
In 1150, Berenguer of Fonolleres is mentioned as the lord of the influential Cervera family. In 1130, the castle of Cervera and its estates came under the sovereignty of the Count of Barcelona to secure the strategically important Royal Road from Lleida to Barcelona with a series of neighboring castles. Even today, some of these castles can be seen from the walls of the Fonolleres Castle.
Over the centuries, the area of Fonolleres belonged to several noble families, including the Cervera family (12th century), Satorre family (14th-15th century), Ivorra family (15th century), Pocurull family (17th century), and Durán y Cerdá family (19th century).
The Church of Santa María
At the foot of the castle stands the well-preserved Church of Santa María, dating from the 11th to 12th century, which has retained its original Romanesque style.
Castle Location
Located in central Catalonia, approximately 100 km from Barcelona and 50 km from Lleida, which are connected by the A2 highway just 1 km from the castle. From here, you can reach Andorra and the Pyrenees in just an hour and a half, and the beaches of the Costa Dorada in a short time as well.
