Castellet Castle Prepares for its Medieval Fair

Discovering a vibrant past on a cycling journey through Baix Penedès

It was a serendipitous stop. While out cycling today, I stumbled upon a scene just beginning to unfold, a quiet anticipation in the air. Perched majestically behind the Foix reservoir, Castellet Castle dominated the landscape, its ancient stones holding court over the verdant countryside.

In its prime, this wasn't just a picturesque ruin; it was a strategic sentinel, commanding a vital sector of the Baix Penedès plain. Even now, its grandeur is undeniable: behind a stout circular master tower, the castle enclosure stretches, punctuated by square towers crowned with formidable battlements, a testament to its formidable past.

And then, as I readied myself to move on, the vision of what this place was preparing for truly captivated me. This wasn't just a castle; it was a portal. For two days, this medieval village would shed its modern skin and travel back in time. Its cobblestone streets, currently hushed, would soon burst forth with the vibrant clamour of a bustling market. Vendors, their voices ringing with invitations, would lay out exquisite fabrics from the East, their silks and patterns shimmering in the sun. Country salons would offer respite and conversation, while tables laden with handmade jewellery would glitter, each piece a tiny treasure.

The aroma of freshly baked artisanal bread would mingle with the sharp scent of local cheeses and savoury sausages, inviting all to sample the bounty of the region. As visitors wandered, their senses alive with the sights and sounds, they'd find themselves swept into the lively throng, rubbing shoulders with troubadours whose melodies would weave through the air and musicians whose instruments would add a rhythmic pulse to the medieval revelry. It was a scene I knew I had to return for, a chance to step not just into a village, but into a living, breathing history.