Can Borrull Fortress

17200 Palafrugell, Girona
Coordinates: 41.9073600000, 3.1722050000 (map)

The estate and stronghold Can Borrull in the township of Santa Margarida in Palafrugell stands out from other structures of its kind by having two watchtowers instead of one and containing an integrated chapel, known as Santa Margarida or Sant Ponç de la Vilarnau. The chapel is significantly older than the house itself—it dates back to the 10th century, while the estate appeared in the township a whopping six centuries after.

The Borrull family had no land, no money and no power up until the 15th century when one of the family members distinguished himself during the Catalan Civil War of 1462-1472 by showing uncommon leadership and courage. He assembled a squad of volunteers to march to Girona, to the rescue of the crown prince Ferdinand and his mother Queen Juana Enríquez, trapped in the besieged Força Vella fortress. Upon becoming king, Ferdinand II of Aragon bestowed a military rank onto Borrull, laying the foundation of the family's good fortunes. Soon after, the Borrulls controlled a significant part of the lands between Palafrugell and the coast.

Coordinates: 41.907360, 3.172205