The High Medieval Ruins of San Salvador de Verdera

The ruins of San Salvador de Verdera, situated in Sant Salvador Saverdera at an elevation of 670 meters, are the highest peak in the Serra de Rodes within the municipality of El Port de la Selva (Alt Empordà). Declared a cultural asset of national interest, the ruins comprise two main historical and constructive phases. The first, from the 9th to the end of the 13th century, saw the construction of the initial rock castle, known as 'castell de Verdera'.

The second phase, initiated in the last quarter of the 13th century, involved the expansion and fortification of the structure, which then came to be known as 'castell de Sant Salvador'. The name change reflects the structural renovation and change of ownership that occurred during this period. In the late 13th century, disputes over ownership arose between the count and the abbot regarding Castell de Verdera.

In June 1285, the French occupied Castell de Verdera and held it for six months. After their expulsion, Sant Salvador was returned to the possession of Ponç Hug. In 1299, Sant Pere de Rodes filed lawsuits against the Count of Empúries over multiple jurisdictions and property acquisitions, including Castell de Sant Salvador. The court ruling in 1301 went against the Count, threatening him with excommunication. The Count of Empúries signed a concordat with Sant Pere de Rodes in 1303, relinquishing all jurisdictions except for Castell de Sant Salvador.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons