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Torre Bellesguard is one of Antoni Gaudí’s most remarkable projects in Barcelona. At the foot of the Collserola hills, the castle lies on a site with over two thousand years of history. Remains from the Iberian and Roman periods have been found there. It was also once a hideout for outlaws and home to King Martin I the Humane, the last monarch of the Casal de Barcelona.

In the early 20th century, Gaudí drew inspiration from that past to build a residence on the site for the Figueres family. The building is reminiscent of a castle, with ramparts, Gothic-style windows and a large spire topped by a four-armed cross. However, Gaudí takes a liberal approach to the Gothic style and combines it with his own architectural innovations, such as the use of slabs, ceramic mosaic benches and stained-glass windows.

The tower is built from greenish stone quarried from the site itself, which blends the building seamlessly into the landscape. Inside, the light-filled spaces, the staircase courtyard and the attics with exposed brickwork highlight the architect's ingenuity.

Declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1969, Torre Bellesguard is now open to the public, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover one of Gaudí’s most hidden treasures and the site’s long history.

Castelldefels Castle is perched on a hill at 59 metres above sea level. This monumental ensemble, which lends its name to the town, was built in the 10th century over what had been an Iberian settlement and, later, a Roman villa.

The castle was strategically constructed overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, overlooking a commanding position to control the territory and the coastal strip.

It was used for centuries as a fortress to defend the Eramprunyà barony, and was restored and fortified in the 16th century against attacks by Berber privateers.

Piracy began to fade away in the 18th century, and the castle fell into the hands of several noble families. One name that is closely associated with the fortification is the banker Manuel Girona, who bought and spearheaded the restoration of this iconic city landmark in 1897.

During the 20th century, it was used as a military training centre by the Republican authorities during the Civil War in 1937 and early 1938. Shortly afterwards, the castle and church were converted into a prison for international brigade members in March of the same year. Visitors can see original graffiti by these brigadiers in Santa Maria church in Castelldefels. This 10th-century church is the part of the ensemble that retains the oldest remains, with walls dating from the Iberian, Roman, medieval, modern and contemporary periods.

Both the castle and the church have been declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest.

Another impressive feature is the Fencing Room, which is decorated with 18th century paintings, and the Institutional Room, or the Noble Room, which bore witness to the grand feasts and celebrations attended by the Catalan bourgeoisie at the beginning of the 20th century, and which retains its neo-Gothic décor.