Costa Brava Guide

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  Peralada

Peralada is another important fortified precinct with several noteworthy buildings. The main attraction is the impressive castle of the Rocaberti family which stands in the midst of a large park. The castle is now the site for the luxurious Casino of Peralada, with roulette, blackjack, baccarat, chemin de fer, and one-arm-bandits. The crenalated walls are of the fourteenth-century, and the original Renaissance palace has been added to throughout the centuries. The castle has a good collection of Flemish carpets, and a library with of over 60,000 volumes. Adjacent to the castle is the Convent of Nuestra Senora del Carme, founded 1206, formerly a Dominican friary, with a particularly beautiful cloister and patio. The capitals were brought over from Sant Pere de Rodes.

The convent houses a fine collection of glass, ceramics and paintings, as well as items of Gothic sculpture. The old town just below the castle has some nice buildings and a fine arcaded plaça. The Casino and grounds are the site for an important summer Music Festival which brings the world's top classical music talent to the Costa Brava.

Ca l'Iter on Dr. Clos 4 is the commercial outlet and museum for the Cavas del Ampurdan, a sister of the cava house of Castillo de Peralada, which make the popular white 'Pescador' and red 'Cazador', as well as an oaky red 'Castillo de Peralada' reserva. Their cava is first-rate. The dry, round and flowery 'Gran Claustro' is aged for five or six years in cellars beneath the adjacent church. (Visiting hours: 10-12, 16:30-18:30; closed Sundays.) Check out the foundry Can Pitu Ferrer on the same street at no. 21.