Castell d'Espinalbet: The remains of a tower on the rock

Castellar del Riu (Berguedà) is home to the Castell d'Espinalbet, a building declared a cultural asset of national interest. The remains of the structure consist of a few rows of what was a square plan building built directly onto the rock.

The remains belong to what was likely a defense tower that controlled the sector of Castellar del Riu but was never completed as a castle. No remains of walls or other constructions are visible because the stone of the tower was likely used for later buildings, including neighboring farmhouses and the rectoria of Sant Vicenç. Remains of an access staircase can still be seen on the hill dominating the valley.

Historical records for the castle are related to the Vescomtal family of Berguedà. In 1187, the Castell d'Espinalbet is mentioned in the testament of the troubadour Guillem de Berguedà as one of the possessions he bequeathed to his brother Berenguer.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons