Cartellà Tower – Maçanet de la Selva

The Cartellà Tower stands out for its unique structure and the various annexes added over time. This magnificent residence is arranged over three levels and has an irregular floor plan. Its façade reveals remarkable harmony in its decorative elements, especially on the lower and middle floors, where windows with monolithic lintels and stone jambs predominate. In contrast, on the third floor, where the attic is located, a three-arched mullioned window stands out. The roof, typical of regional architecture, has sloping sides.

Inside the enclosure, an inner courtyard houses a chapel dedicated to Saint James, characterised by a semicircular apse and a stone-arched doorway that invites exploration of its interior, enriched by pilasters attached to the wall decorated with motifs referring to the saint, as well as a male bust. The façade of the chapel, adorned with Renaissance details, adds a touch of elegance and distinction to the ensemble. A particularly notable element is the tower located at one of the corners of the property. Circular in shape and four storeys high, it is topped with battlements and contains, beneath the upper window, a niche with an image of the Virgin and Child. The tower suffered significant damage during the First Carlist War, around 1840.

The history of the Cartellà Tower is closely linked to the Cartellà lineage, which dates back to 1159, with the union of Arnau Guillem de Cartellà and Ermessenda from the Maçanet family. The peak of its prestige came in 1729, when Philip V granted the title of marquis to the owners of the estate at that time. Throughout the 18th century, the property changed hands until it was finally auctioned for charity in 1865.

Enselva't. Torre de Cartellà. Maçanet de la Selva.

KEY INFORMATION

Maçanet de la Selva

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