Free walking tours in Cardona and what to see

Must-sees

Cardona is dominated by its castle, a medieval fortress on a hill that was the seat of the Dukes of Cardona. Inside the walls is the 11th-century collegiate church of Sant Vicenç, one of the finest works of Lombard Romanesque in Catalonia. Next to it stands the Torre Minyona, the oldest part of the complex. From the walls you have a sweeping view of the Cardener valley.

At the foot of the castle, the old town keeps narrow streets, the Plaça Major and the Gothic church of Sant Miquel. The other great attraction is the Salt Mountain, a salt diapir mined since antiquity. It is now part of the Salt Mountain Cultural Park, where you can go into an old mine gallery.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours are not usual in Cardona. The norm is paid guided visits, and the two main ones are worthwhile. The castle and collegiate church tour explains the history of the dukes, the crypt and the cloister. The Salt Mountain tour takes you inside the mine, with a helmet, to see salt formations and learn how it was worked. There are also guided walks of the old town and trips combining Cardona with Solsona or Montserrat.

How long to spend

One day is just right for Cardona. Spend the morning at the castle and the collegiate church, have lunch in town and keep the afternoon for the Salt Mountain visit. If you have time left, stroll through the old town at dusk. With a second day you can head to Solsona or explore the Cardener valley.

Where to stay

The most special option is to sleep inside the castle, now a Parador. It lets you see the complex after visiting hours and enjoy the views at nightfall. The old town has small guesthouses and rural houses, handy for walking everywhere. If you are driving, the surroundings have quiet farmhouses and rural stays a few minutes from town.