The Contested Legacy of the Castle de Les Sitges: A Bé Cultural d'Interès

The Castle de Les Sitges, located in Les Sitges, Torrefeta i Florejacs, Segarra, is a National Monument of Interest. While its origins are unknown, it was first documented as 'castrum de Ciges' in the 12th century. The castle's ownership has been the subject of contention since the 12th century. The castle was originally owned by the Cervelló family, then the Lords of Guimerà in the late 13th century. The castle was eventually confiscated by King Philip V at the end of the War of Succession, as they had pledged allegiance to Charles of Austria.

However, it has since remained in the same family, under various titles. Families such as the Cervelló, the Josa, the Cortit, the Bartomeu, the Agulló de Pinós, and most recently, the Ribera, have owned the Castle de Les Sitges. The castle was returned to the Ribera family in 1725 after being confiscated. In the 18th century, the castle belonged to the marquesses of Gironella, who held the jurisdictional domain until the end of the Ancient Regime.

The castle’s main gate is on the south side and is preceded by modern stairs. The exterior of the castle appears defensive, with a large tower and fortified walls. There are two counterforts on the right side of the main gate and one on the left. There are four windows on the second floor on the left side of the main gate. There are several small windows on the north façade. There is a wide counterfort on the east side at ground level. There is a room with a grill on the right side of the first floor.

The first floor is occupied by the noble hall, which has a large fireplace and Renaissance-style windows. The second floor was used as a walking passage and is now an open terrace on the south side. There is a Romanesque door to the tower and a staircase to reach the top, where there is a beautiful view of the Lleida plain. There is a church called Sant Pere del Castell de Les Sitges nearby.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons