Description
Walking excursions through the castles of the Penedès
Book summary
A practical guide that combines hiking with the medieval history of the Penedès. This manual proposes 18 walking itineraries that connect 47 castles, watchtowers, and fortified farmhouses built between the 9th and 13th centuries. Each route is complemented by detailed fact sheets for the monuments and accounts of local legends that transport the reader to life on the county's frontier. A work designed both for planning the trip from home and for consulting during the hike.
What is it about?
The book structures its content into three levels of use: pre-reading, on-site consultation, and route guidance. It presents a catalog of 47 heritage elements, including Romanesque castles, watchtowers, signal towers, and fortified farmhouses. A descriptive sheet is provided for each, including historical and architectural data. The 18 proposed itineraries traverse the Penedès territory, following a narrative of tales that explain the legends of the area from castle to castle. Thus, the hiker not only discovers the landscape but also understands what life was like on the medieval frontier of the County of Barcelona.
Main themes
- Hiking and trekking in the Penedès
- Medieval military architecture: Romanesque castles and defense towers
- History of the County of Barcelona frontier (9th-13th centuries)
- Penedès legends and oral traditions
- Fortified heritage and historical farmhouses
Who is it recommended for?
For hikers and trekkers interested in combining walking routes with medieval history. Also for enthusiasts of the architectural heritage of the Penedès who wish to see castles, towers, and fortified farmhouses in person. Especially useful for those looking for a guide that integrates practical route information with historical context and legendary narrative.
What this book offers
- 18 detailed routes connecting 47 heritage elements of the Penedès.
- Descriptive fact sheets for each castle, tower, or fortified farmhouse.
- Local legends that enrich the tour experience.
- A practical approach: valid for planning at home and consulting during the excursion.
- Understanding of the physical and historical environment of the medieval frontier.
Technical specifications
- Author: Borrego Pérez, Juan Carlos
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: Catalan
- Subject: Hiking and trekking
- Collection: Electronic Books
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: December 2010
- Number of pages: 116
- Weight: 190 g
Editorial assessment
An original proposal that merges a hiking guide, heritage catalog, and collection of legends. Its manageable format and fact-sheet structure facilitate its use both at home and in the field. It is especially attractive for those who wish to explore the Penedès from a historical and cultural perspective, beyond a simple scenic route. The inclusion of traditional tales provides a differential narrative value that enriches the hiker's experience.