Castell de Requesens lies in the Serra de l’Albera, not far from the French border. The castle also served as a backdrop for the film “Perfume”. Access, route and questions are set out here.
Castell de Requesens at a glance
- Location: in the Serra de l’Albera, south of La Jonquera
- Access: via La Jonquera and Cantallops, then about 6 kilometres on an unpaved forest track
- Hiking: according to Komoot up to 2 hours and about 300 metres of ascent, sure-footedness required
- Film: a filming location for “Perfume”
a film set
scenes of the film “The Perfume” were filmed in Catalonia. The scene was also that Castell de Requesens. The imposing ruins of the Castell de Requesens are located in the middle of the Serra de l’Albera Near the Spanish-French border. The wild flora and fauna of the Serra de l’Albera is unique. Stone and cork oak forests, pine trees, chestnuts and elms alternate with Mediterranean meadows and shrubs. In the
Numerous animals hide undergrowth: including Wild boars, deer, wildcats, golden eagles, falcons, lizards and snakes.
Many hiking trails lead through these mountains, one of them around the castle of Requesens, today’s destination.
access route
In La Jonquera we bend from the nii from after cantallops. The small road winds up the mountain. The castle is signposted from Cantallops. Attention: The paved road ends in Cantallops. It continues on a gravel road (not for low-lying cars). Then suddenly you stand in front of a gate gate. Just open, drive through and close behind again. Continued driving is allowed. From here, free-roaming cattle graze in the forests. The gate is intended to prevent the animals from getting lost in the valley. Dull, quiet bells announce the herds of cows. The relatively small Albera beef is considered a rarity and enjoys the luxury of roaming around wildly in the Albera area.
History of Castell de Requests
The Requesens Castle once controlled the surrounding area. Located on a hill, the mighty fortress dominates the region to this day and is Starting point for hikes through the Albera Mountains. We cross the Rio Anyet And follow the signposted steep path left up to the castle. With good visibility you have a fantastic view of the often snow covered until early summer Canigou massif of the Pyrenees.
The origins of Requesens Castle date back to the 11th century. from the Dukes of Rousillon Built as a border fortress, it changed hands several times over the course of its history and was eventually abandoned to decay. Toms Rocabertí de Damento, Duke of Peralada indulged his soft spot for romantic castles and castles. In the 19th century he also commissioned the reconstruction of the dilapidated walls of Requestens and let his romantic fantasies run free. Since then, the playful style of Romanticism has shaped the building. With winding halls and chambers, battlements and towers, the ruins are still reminiscent of an enchanted knight’s castle. The former pomp later fell victim to Franco’s garrison. After the military had withdrawn, the looting began. Anything that wasn’t nailed down disappeared, never to be seen again. In the 1960s, hippies moved in. Later considered Salvador Dali The purchase of the castle, but then decided on the smaller model of Púbol Castle as a gift to his muse gala. The Castell de Requesens is considered an impressive film set and came e.g. »El Caballero del Dragón« and “The Perfume” effective for use.
The key for the old walls is currently only available on request. It is best to inquire at Masia near the castle. Here you can also have a great lunch. In the “La Cantina” I’ve been cooking Nurí for a short time. The map shows what is thriving on her farm and in the garden. We enjoyed deliciously fresh salad and lamb from the grill to a delicious “Pan con Tomato”. In an almost private atmosphere, you quickly get into conversation with other guests and the owner. For larger groups, it is better to reserve in advance with Nurí on Tel.: 972193081.
hiking maps you can get e.g. in Tourist Office La Jonquera -tel. 972 55 40 05, www.lajonquera.net.
Frequently asked questions about Castell de Requesens
How do you get to Castell de Requesens?
Via La Jonquera and Cantallops, followed by a forest track of about 6 kilometres. The track is not paved.
Can you drive there in an ordinary car?
According to the Finca de Requesens it can be done slowly in an ordinary car; the track is easier in an off-road vehicle. For very low cars it can be a problem. The speed limit there is 30 kilometres per hour.
Was a film shot at Castell de Requesens?
Yes, the castle was one of the filming locations for the film “Perfume”.
Sources: Finca de Requesens, Komoot, Castell de Requesens, Filmtourismus.de, Das Parfum, Burgenwelt, Castell de Requesens.
