The Cabrera Route is a fascinating journey into the Late Middle Ages, exploring the remains of one of the most powerful dynasties in Catalonia.

It all began in the 11th century with a strategic marriage alliance between Ermessenda de Montsoriu and Guerau de Cabrera. Unknowingly, they laid the foundation for a lordship that would span the present-day regions of La Selva, Osona, Vallès Oriental, and Maresme. To fully immerse yourself in this legacy, the route offers four thematic itineraries, each with its own character.

The military route

The Viscounts of Cabrera secured the defense and control of their territory through a network of castles and fortified houses, which served as the political and military strongholds of the medieval nobility. A highlights is Montsoriu Castle, considered the supreme symbol of the Cabrera family’s military power.

Vescomtat de Cabrera.David Rueda.Castell de Montsoriu.

The administrative route

The viscounty had its own governance systems, centralized in the walled town of Hostalric, the capital of the viscounty. This town concentrated much of the high administration and the main judicial court of the Cabrera family domain.

Foto Vescomtat: Castell d’Hostalric.

The religious route

In terms of faith, the viscounty comprised several parishes, with their churches and chapels providing religious services to society. Additionally, several monasteries of different orders were established. The most significant was the Benedictine monastery of Sant Salvador de Breda, founded by Viscounts Ermessenda de Montsoriu and Guerau de Cabrera in the year 1038.

Vescomtat de Cabrera.David Rueda.Monestir de Sant Salvador.

The commercial route

Commerce in the viscounty was dynamic and well-represented by markets. It was organized around communication routes connecting various towns, with strong links to maritime routes sailed by prominent navigators.

Vescomtat de Cabrera.David Rueda.Palau Vescomtal

You can find all the information related to the Viscounty of Cabrera on the Cabrera Route website, and discover over 200 heritage, digital, and museum elements in the heritage section of Enselva’t.