Turisme Hostalric

On the weekend of September 27 and 28, Hostalric 1810, returns an immersive weekend that will transport us back to the 19th century with a spectacular historical reenactment set in the Napoleonic era. For two days, the Fortress of Hostalric will become a real Napoleonic camp from 1810, with soldiers, scenes of daily life, and a grand battle in the castle moat. Historical context The year is 1810. The fortress of Hostalric is under siege by French troops. General Duhesme, after nine days of bombardments, is preparing to strike the final blow and conquer the stronghold. In this critical situation, Coronel Estrada is preparing to save the remaining troops inside the fortress. He has a risky plan: to lead around 700 men out and reach Vic without being discovered. To succeed, he will rely on the help of about a hundred wounded soldiers and “miquelets”, who will try to hold off the French as long as possible to buy time. Visit the Napoleonic camp With your ticket you will have access to the historical reenactment camp set up in the Fortress of Hostalric and explore it at your own pace. During your visit, you’ll be able tointeract with the soldiers and experience their daily life firt-hand: Opening hours Rates Book your ticket in advance in the buttom “book your visit”! Show “The Battle: Attack on the Fortress” On Saturday, September 27 at 7pm, the moat of the Fortess of Hostalric will host a thrilling battle between two opposing sides: the French troops and the defenders of the fortress. A historical reenactment spectacle that will take you back to the 19th century! Free activity — no reservation required! Participating associations Live history first-hand! We look forward to seeing you at Hostalric 1810!

It is known that in the 12th century, a castle stood atop a basalt hill, controlling the route between Girona and Barcelona along the royal road. This castle became the nucleus around which the village developed, founded by Viscount Guerau VI of Cabrera in 1243. This village grew under the protection of its walls and the castle, eventually becoming the administrative capital of the Cabrera viscounty, a strategic point for territorial control and regional communications. To reach the castle from the village, one had to pass through three gates, each with its own defensive structures. Both the village and the castle endured sieges and renovations due to various conflicts, but it was during the War of Succession that the need to adapt to new forms of warfare led to the transformations of the medieval castle into a bastioned fortress. Between 1712 and 1713, in the context of the War of Succession, the first works on the modern fortress began under the design of engineer Francisco de Santa Cruz, consolidating its role as a military stronghold in the 18th century. However, it was between 1794 and 1795, during the Great War, that the construction was completed, making the fortress operational.

The castle of Hostalric was built on an ancient volcano that dates back around 2 million years. Specifically, it is located on remnants of volcanic lava and other materials expelled during eruptions. Forming a circle around it. Today, one can still see the remains of a lava flows from gentle eruption, as well as fragments thrown into the air during a stronger, more explosive eruption. The landscape visible from the fortress, with its mountains and valleys, is related to this volcano. At the main bastion, or the Bastion of Sant Francesc de Pàdua, you can clearly see the interior of this volcanic view. The magma that formed these volcanic rocks had a special composition, with specific characteristics that led to the formation of basalt, the rock visible at this point. The presence of underground basalt tells us that, a long time ago, this area had active volcanoes. These volcanic rocks, known as igneousbecause they originate from volcanic fire, form when lava reaches the surface, cools down and solidifies. Basalt is a tough and durable rock that provides a stable base, resistant to erosion and potential attacks, perfect for building defensive fortifications like the Castle of Hostalric. The qualities of basalt have helped the castle of Hostalric withstand the passage of time and reach us today as a remarkable monumental complex. The medieval quarter also has basaltic roots, as the houses are built upon ancient rocks and volcanic materials.