MILITARY ROUTE

The Viscountcy of Cabrera was structured through a network of castles and fortified houses, which served as the seats of **political** and military power for the medieval nobility. This defensive system was complemented by a number of walled towns and watchtowers.

The oldest structures at Montsoriu Castle date from the late 10th century, when it was established as a rock castle. During the 12th and 13th centuries, it underwent major reconstruction, and the chronicler Bernat Desclot described Montsoriu as “one of the most beautiful and noble castles in the world.” The castle’s present appearance is largely the result of its final major transformation, carried out by Viscount Bernat II de Cabrera in the mid-14th century. This created an impregnable concentric castle with three main areas: the upper ward, the highest, oldest and strongest part of Montsoriu; the parade ground, conceived as a true Gothic palace; and the lower ward, designed as a bailey.