Stay 
Besora Castle (ruins)
approx. 3.5 km
Ruins on a hilltop at 1,023 m, once the centre of the Besora territory. The castle is first documented in 921; part of a Romanesque church with its apse survives.
Photo: Antoni Grifol, CC BY-SA 3.0
Castell de Llaés: sleep in a medieval castle near Ripoll, Catalonia
The Castell de Llaés crowns a rocky hill above the hamlet of Llaés, in the municipality of Ripoll, and has been documented since the year 919. A stone vault, a rock-cut cistern and a zig-zag access path still tell of its medieval past. Expedia lists a self-catering holiday let called “Medieval Castle SX” a few hundred metres from the site, in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
At a glance
- Location
- Llaés, municipality of Ripoll (Ripollès, province of Girona, Catalonia), about 7 km as the crow flies from the town of Ripoll
- Accommodation
- Self-catering holiday let listed as “Medieval Castle SX”, offered by a private host; it does not name the building, and its coordinates lie about 300 m from the Castell de Llaés
- Highlights
- Hilltop mountain setting, garden with barbecue and outdoor furniture, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, 4 bathrooms, free Wi-Fi in the rooms, on-site parking
- Guest rating
- 10.0/10 from 21 reviews on Expedia (as of 14 Oct 2026)
- Check-in & check-out
- Check-in from 5 pm · check-out at 12 noon
- Good to know
- Pets not allowed (assistance animals only) · non-smoking · the nearest station is a 68-minute drive away
Staying at the Castell de Llaés: a hilltop holiday let in a medieval castle
Expedia presents “Medieval Castle SX” as a castle for families in the mountains, run by a private host. In practice it is a self-catering holiday let rather than a hotel: there is a fully equipped kitchen with oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, toaster and kettle, a separate dining area, four bathrooms and a washing machine. The listing does not give the name of the building. Its coordinates fall about 300 m from the Castell de Llaés, and Wikipedia notes that a rural-tourism business has brought the castle back to life for some ten years, so this guide treats the stay as part of that hilltop.
The photos in the listing show rustic rooms with stone walls, leather sofas and a timbered kitchen ceiling, a balcony with a stone parapet and wooden benches, and a historic stone house with a tower among trees and mountains. Every room is said to have a fireplace, which fits the cool Pyrenean foothills; central heating is also listed.
Outside there is a garden with a barbecue and outdoor furniture. Guests also find books, games, a DVD player and a TV with cable or satellite channels, plus laundry facilities and a concierge service. Parking is available on the grounds, and Wi-Fi is provided in the rooms.
Photos of Castell de Llaés
The history of the Castell de Llaés
- 919 – The first written mention of the castle of Lacesse (Llaés), in a purchase of land by Abbess Emma of the monastery of Sant Joan.
- 960 – The first church of Sant Bartomeu, built by Abbess Ranlo, is consecrated by Bishop Ató; Abbot Oliba later consecrates its replacement in 1025.
- 1221 – Udalard II, Viscount of Bas and lord of Milany, swears fealty to the abbot for the castle of Llaés.
- 1230 – The abbot pledges the rock, fortress and parish of Llaés to the viscounts of Castellnou for 30,000 sous; it is returned three years later.
- 1342 – Abbot Ramon de Bianya buys the high and low jurisdiction of Llaés and other places from King Peter the Ceremonious; the king confirms the deal in 1351.
- 16th century – The present rectory, built on the site of the old castle, dates from this period.
Llaés lay in the sphere of the monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. In the 11th and 12th centuries jurisdiction passed to the lords of Milany, who were also viscounts of Besalú, and in 1342 it returned fully to the monastery. The site is now a protected cultural asset of national interest in Catalonia.
The summit measures about 72 m from east to west and 23 m from north to south, ringed by a small cliff 6 to 8 m high. A cobbled zig-zag path climbs to the entrance, whose arch is made of twelve carefully cut stones. Wikipedia also records a stone-vaulted chamber, a cistern cut into the rock, a well and a substantial part of the keep. The church and cemetery occupy the eastern end, the rectory the west. From the hill the Pyrenees are visible and, on a clear day, the Montserrat massif.
Facilities at the Castell de Llaés holiday let
The details below come from the Expedia listing (as of 14 Oct 2026); please check the exact setup when booking.
Living and sleeping
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms
- Fireplace in the rooms
- Central heating
- 4 bathrooms with shower
- Bed linen and towels provided
- Cable or satellite TV and DVD player
- Books and games
Kitchen
- Fully equipped kitchen with cookware, crockery and cutlery
- Hob, oven and microwave
- Dishwasher and refrigerator
- Toaster, blender and kettle
- Spices and kitchen roll
- Separate dining area
Outdoors and services
- Garden with barbecue
- Outdoor furniture
- Mountain setting
- Parking on site
- Washing machine and ironing board
- Concierge service
- Non-smoking
Where the Castell de Llaés is: between Ripoll and Santa Maria de Besora
Llaés is a small hamlet in the south of the Ripollès comarca, in the municipality of Ripoll, on the border with Osona. The castle hill stands at roughly 1,000 m above sea level. Ripoll, with its famous monastery, is about 7 km away as the crow flies, and the village of Santa Maria de Besora about 3 km.
A car is the practical way to get around. According to Expedia, Sant Quirze de Besora-Montesquiu station is a 68-minute drive and Girona-Costa Brava airport a 122-minute drive; the listing’s restaurant suggestions are 39 to 53 minutes away by car, so many guests will want to cook in the well-equipped kitchen.
Within a few kilometres there are several castles: the ruins of Besora and of Milany, the visitable castle of Montesquiu and its park, and the Salt del Mir waterfall. In winter Expedia mentions cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowmobiling in the area.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distances (as the crow flies from the Castell de Llaés)
| Santa Maria de Besora (village) | approx. 3 km |
| Besora Castle (ruins) | approx. 3.5 km |
| Milany Castle (ruins) | approx. 3.5 km |
| Montesquiu Castle and Park | approx. 5.5 km |
| Salt del Mir waterfall | approx. 5.5 km |
| Ripoll (monastery) | approx. 7 km |
| Sant Joan de les Abadesses | approx. 9.5 km |
| Camprodon | approx. 20 km |
| Olot | approx. 20 km |
| Vic | approx. 25 km |
Distances are calculated as the crow flies from the Castell de Llaés; driving times to the station and airport come from the Expedia listing.
Things to see around the Castell de Llaés
Milany Castle (ruins)
approx. 3.5 km
Ruined fortress on the summit of the Milany range at about 1,530 m, the highest-built castle in Catalonia. It is first recorded in 962; a keep and cistern remain.
Photo: Seruba, CC BY-SA 3.0
Montesquiu Castle and Park
approx. 5.5 km
A castle documented since the 13th century, probably begun as a 10th–11th-century watchtower and reshaped in the 17th century. Today it is open to visitors within a protected park.
Photo: Enfo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Salt del Mir waterfall
approx. 5.5 km
A 35 m waterfall in the Bellmunt range, among the highest in Catalonia. After rain it carries plenty of water; in summer it can run dry. There is a bathing spot and an old mill.
Photo: Mikipons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll
approx. 7 km
Benedictine monastery founded around 880 by Count Wilfred the Hairy and burial place of the counts of Barcelona and Besalú. Its 12th-century portal is a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture.
Photo: Gennadii Saus i Segura, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sant Joan de les Abadesses
approx. 9.5 km
Town at the confluence of the Ter and the Arçamala, known for its monastery, founded around 885 for Emma, the first abbess. Until 945 it was the only women’s monastery in Catalonia.
Photo: Espencat, public domain
Tours & activities near Castell de Llaés
Experiences in the region that you can book online with Viator:
Olot Espai Cràter Ticket and City Audio Tour
• Ticket to Espai Cràter and a self-guided audio tour of Olot's volcanoes, art and history - all in one WeGoTrip app • Joaquim Vayreda and the 1880 …
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Besalu & 3 Medieval Towns Small Group Tour with Hotel Pick-Up
Travel back in time to discover Besalú and with several other medieval towns, discover Catalonia's medieval past and explore the rich heritage of the …
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Pre-Pyrenees Balloon Flight with Optional Pick-up in Barcelona
- You will have unforgettable views over Catalonia including the Montserrat, the Pyrenees, the Pedraforca, Montseny Natural Parc, Vic City's old town …
View details ›
Montserrat Mountain Hiking Tour to Sant Jeroni, Small Group
Other things we'll discover: Our Lady of Montserrat La Moreneta, The Via Crucis (Stations of the Crosses), Oliba Abbot of Ripoll, Monks and the …
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3 Hour Gravel Cycling in Barcelona. Private guided tour w/pick up
This gravel cycling tour in Barcelona offers a remarkable outdoor experience featuring stunning views, diverse terrain, and local culture …
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Montsacopa: An audio tour in the Volcano in the Centre of the City
Do you want to walk in the crater of a volcano? Do you want to touch volcanic rocks? You can if you join me on this self guided audio tour through La …
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Private Tour to Vall de Nuria with the Pyrenees Mountain Train
Your professional guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin a scenic journey from Barcelona to the Pyrenees. Along the way, you will pass through …
View details ›Who is the Castell de Llaés for?
Families and groups
A self-catering house with a kitchen, four bathrooms and a garden is a flexible base for families or friends travelling together.
Castle and history fans
Within a few kilometres you find the ruins of Besora and Milany, the castle of Montesquiu and the great monasteries of Ripoll and Sant Joan de les Abadesses.
Walkers and nature lovers
The hills of Osona and the Ripollès offer mountain paths, the Salt del Mir waterfall and, in winter, snow sports nearby.
Quiet getaways
A hamlet on a hill with views of the Pyrenees and a fireplace for the evenings suits anyone looking to slow down.
Good to know before booking the Castell de Llaés
- Check-in is from 5 pm and check-out is at 12 noon.
- Pets are not allowed; only assistance animals are welcome.
- The property is non-smoking.
- It is a self-catering holiday let run by a private host: bring or buy your own food, as the nearest restaurants listed are 39 to 53 minutes away by car.
- Parking is available on the grounds.
- The listing is titled “Medieval Castle SX” and does not name the building; check the description and photos on Expedia before you book.
Find available dates at Castell de Llaés
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay overnight at the Castell de Llaés?
Expedia lists a self-catering holiday let called “Medieval Castle SX” at Llaés, about 300 m from the Castell de Llaés site. The listing does not name the building, so check the description before booking.
Are pets allowed?
No. According to Expedia, only assistance animals are welcome.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 5 pm and check-out is at 12 noon.
Is there a kitchen?
Yes. The listing mentions a fully equipped kitchen with hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and a separate dining area.
Is there parking?
Yes, Expedia states that parking is available on the grounds.
How far is the castle from Ripoll?
The town of Ripoll and its monastery are about 7 km away as the crow flies. The nearest station, Sant Quirze de Besora-Montesquiu, is a 68-minute drive according to Expedia.
Photos, guest reviews and available dates are all in the Medieval Castle SX listing on Expedia.
Fancy a self-catering stay on the hill of a medieval castle in Catalonia? Check availability and current prices for “Medieval Castle SX” at Llaés on Expedia.
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