Torre Baró Castle: A Scenic Icon on Barcelona’s Outskirts
Perched on one of the easternmost hills of the Collserola ridge stands Castell de Torre Baró, a building protected as a Site of Cultural Interest. Today, it’s the most emblematic symbol of the neighborhood it gave its name to—Torre Baró—and was the first castle ever built in the area.
Originally, there was a tower on this site—Torre Baró—where the Baron of Pinós lived until 1714. Although that original structure no longer stands, some of its stones can still be seen piled up in a nearby clearing. The current building is a 1905 reconstruction, intended to be a luxury hotel. However, the project was abandoned due to poor transport connections with nearby towns.
Today, the castle serves a new purpose. It houses the Environmental Information and Education Center for the Serra de Collserola Natural Park, managed by the Barcelona City Council. It’s also a key hub for preserving the historical memory of the Nou Barris district.
Walking Routes Around the Castle
There are two walking trails that take you through the beautiful surroundings of the castle, offering some of the best views from the Collserola hills:
Font Muguera Route
- Distance: 4.95 km
- Duration: Around 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This route passes through must-see spots like Torre Baró Castle, Font Muguera, and a section of a 19th-century aqueduct that once carried water from the Ripoll River in Sabadell to the Besòs power station. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Montcada i Reixac, the Vallès region, and the Barcelona skyline.
The Turons Route
- Distance: 5 km
- Duration: Around 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
This is a flat, open, panoramic walk, perfect for beginners. It loops around Turó Blau and Turó de Roquetes, offering contrasting views of both sides of the mountain: the Vallès plains and the city of Barcelona. It also passes by the Font de Santa Eulàlia, a great spot to rest in the shade and cool off.
A Viewpoint Like No Other
In 1989, Torre Baró Castle was restored, and the surrounding area was officially declared a historic heritage site by the Barcelona City Council. As part of this recognition, a stunning viewing platform was built around the castle to let visitors soak in the incredible scenery.
Today, it’s one of Barcelona’s best viewpoints, offering sweeping views over the districts of Nou Barris, Horta, Sant Andreu, and Sant Martí. And if you look beyond the city, you can spot the Besòs River, the foothills of Collserola, and the towns of Santa Coloma, Sant Adrià, and Badalona in the distance.
This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.