Cardona is a village located 30km from Manresa, direction Solsona with an important medieval heritage.
Cardona Castle
Built on a hill dominating the central basin of El Cardener, from the 11th to the 15th century Cardona Castle was the residential center of the lords of Cardona.
The castle's geographical position corresponded to the ancient need to be able to have absolute control over the territory.
The site is divided between the seigniorial pavilions and the Canonical Church of Sant Vicenç. Landmarks include the “Minyona” (Maid) Tower, from where there is an excellent view of Cardona, the Duke's Courtyard, the defence bastions and its views over the Vall Salina (Valley of Salt mines), a physical and natural setting where surface outcrops of salt can be found. One part of the castle is now a Parador de Turismo (hotel).
Canonical Church of Sant Vicenç
Built in the 11th century, is a magnificent example of the Romanesque style, showing a basilica floor plan with three naves finished off by a transept with three semi-circular apses attached. The central nave is presided over by a wide presbytery and the nave itself is covered by a round barrel vault. Under the presbytery, there is a crypt occupying the entire space of the presbytery and central apse. There are also various important tombs and pantheons, such as that of Duke Ferran and Count Joan Ramon Folc I.
The Cardona Historical Foundation organizes the guided tour service to the Cardona Castle.
The historic center
The historic center, declared to be a Historical Site of Cultural Interest, has outstanding sights not to be missed if you visit Cardona. In this part of the village we can found the Church of Sant Miquel. This was the parish church of the merchants. It consists of a Gothic nave and two lateral ones. Inside the church, the outstanding lateral altarpieces.
Walking through the historic center, you will also find the Plaça (square) de la Fira and the Plaça (square) del Mercat, two nerve centers of the town which are the setting for many activities held there throughout the year.
Without leaving the Plaça de la Fira, under the vaults, you will find the Cardona Medieval Centre. It is a permanent exhibition with a wide range of graphic and audiovisual materials explaining the origin and development of the town through to the construction of the walls.
Salt Mountain Cultural Park
The visit to the Salt Mountain Cultural Park offers you the opportunity to discover the salt outcrops of Cardona and the distinctive natural and cultural heritage making this place unique in the world. The Park is inside the old Nieves mine, one of the biggest potassium salt operations in Europe until 1990. There you can see the salt mountain and enjoy a museum area, as well as the mine shafts and machinery of one of them.
Cardona
