Castell de Sant Ferran
Somewhat surreally, on a hilltop just outside Figueres stands the largest bastion fortress ever built in Europe. Unless you’re a military history buff you probably wouldn’t make the trip to see it, but since you’re here it may be worth a look. Built in the late 18th century as a bulwark against French invasion, it covers an immense 32 hectares (79 acres) and could comfortably garrison 4,000 men. Nevertheless, Napoleon’s troops occupied it without a fight at the beginning of the Peninsular War in 1808, before being turfed out in a surprise attack by Catalan militia. It’s so vast that guided visits are conducted in off-road Land Rovers and inflatable craft, which explore the fortress’s immense water reserves—enough to survive months of siege.
Somewhat surreally, on a hilltop just outside Figueres stands the largest bastion fortress ever built in Europe. Unless you’re a military history buff you probably wouldn’t make the trip to see it, but since you’re here it may be worth a look. Built in the late 18th century as a bulwark against French invasion, it covers an immense 32 hectares (79 acres) and could comfortably garrison 4,000 men. Nevertheless, Napoleon’s troops occupied it without a fight at the beginning of the Peninsular War in 1808, before being turfed out in a surprise attack by Catalan militia. It’s so vast that guided visits are conducted in off-road Land Rovers and inflatable craft, which explore the fortress’s immense water reserves—enough to survive months of siege.
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