There are places where the weight of the centuries seems to have come to a standstill within their walls—corners that have witnessed everything from the echoes of the ancient Roman Empire to the flight of fictional dragons. Less than fifty kilometers from the streets of Barcelona, hidden away in the natural surroundings of Canet de Mar, stands the Castle of Santa Florentina. This imposing structure, which began as a defensive fortress and eventually blossomed into a majestic palace, offers visitors a fascinating architectural journey that intertwines the genius of Catalan Modernism with the most acclaimed television fantasy of recent times.
Today, from Tuesday through Saturday, anyone curious can step through its doors by paying a twelve-euro admission fee to discover its secrets. The tour—which requires British punctuality so as not to disturb the residents who still live in part of the complex—allows visitors to explore an astonishing heritage treasure. It’s the perfect opportunity to walk on the same glazed ceramic floors that withstood naval sieges, sheltered kings in the early 20th century, and served as an international film set—proving that the living history of our province continues to hold an undeniable allure.
From Attacks in the Mediterranean to Architectural Splendor
To understand the amalgam of styles in this building, one must peel back several layers of history. Although the almost imperceptible remains of a Roman domus lie at its base, its true silhouette began to take shape in the 11th century. At that time, the original farmhouse had to be fortified to survive constant pirate raids—a threat so persistent that, three centuries later, it necessitated the construction of the two distinctive towers that now dominate the complex.
However, we owe the building’s aesthetic soul to Modernism. The property has been linked to the same family since its origins, passing into the hands of the Montaner lineage in the late 16th century. It was precisely a member of this family, Ramon de Montaner i Vila, who commissioned the extensive renovation of the complex from his nephew, the illustrious architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The result is a display of stained-glass windows, wrought iron, and mosaics that coexist, in the main courtyard, with elements of an original 15th-century cloister salvaged from the former Priory of Tallat.
Papal relics, monarchs, and apparitions
The grounds are brimming with anecdotes that enrich every corner. Its very name pays homage to a relic of Saint Florentina, gifted in the 14th century by Pope Benedict XII to Ferrer de Canet. Later, in 1908, King Alfonso XIII himself spent the night at the castle—an event still commemorated by chains installed on the imposing Gothic arch at the entrance. The walls also hold art steeped in history, such as a painting illustrating the legend of Guifré el Pilós and the origin of the four stripes on the Catalan flag.
And like any self-respecting castle, mystery is in the air. It is said that the ghost of a man dressed in a light-colored suit wanders through the upper galleries of the fortress. Local legend claims that it is none other than Lluís Domènech i Montaner himself, who has supposedly even snuck into mid-20th-century photographs, eternally overseeing his work.
Game of Thrones’ Catalan Stop
Beyond its heritage value, the site rose to global fame during the sixth episode of the sixth season of *Game of Thrones*. The location scouts for the HBO series chose this site to bring Horn Hill—the ancestral home of the Tarly family—to life.
Over nine days of intense filming, the castle was transformed into the continent of Westeros with very few digital touches. The Montaner coat of arms on the stairbaluster was replaced by the Tarly emblem, the courtyard was covered with dirt, and the throne room was transformed into a purely medieval setting to host Samwell Tarly’s tense family dinner. Today, fans of the series can easily identify the locations of these scenes and enjoy an entire room dedicated to photographs from that production.
How to Plan Your Visit (Without Getting Left Out)
Visiting the castle requires some planning. The property is divided: one half currently belongs to a Russian foundation and is open to the public, while the other remains the private residence of the Capmany family. Because there are shared areas, the gates to the grounds open strictly from two minutes before the reserved time until two minutes after. Arriving late means you’ll literally be left out in the cold.
Access is via the Camí de Canet del Mar, a dirt road just past the highway. It’s best to park your car in the paved area or, if you prefer public transportation, take the train; the Rodalies station in Canet de Mar is about a 25-minute walk away. The castle is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and designated holidays, offering 45-minute audio-guided tours or longer guided tours at 11:00 a.m., depending on the season.
