If you weren't quick enough to get a free castle from Italy, there's still a way you can live out your own medieval fairytale. Right in the center of Ripollès, Spain, between rivers, valleys and mountains stands a majestic ancient castle called Llaés. The unique place is exceptionally beautiful, offering absolute tranquility amidst lush nature for €381 ($413.25) a night. And if you gather a crew that fills its 16 beds, the price comes down to €23.81 ($25.83).
More info: castelldellaes.com | airbnb
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
Yes, there's also a €59.5 ($64.53) but split it and you've got yourself a bed in an authentic 10th-century castle for under €28 or $30. But the host of the property, Marc, offers 25% off if you stay for a week and a 50% discount if you book it for a whole month.
The castle is available to rent throughout the whole year.
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
Home to the castle, Ripollès is the comarca (county) where the Gironese part of the Pyrenees mountains are located. The Puigmal peak is the highest part of the range, standing at 2,913 meters (9,557 feet).
According to Metropolitan Barcelona, the natural beauty of Ripollès is enhanced by other Romanesque churches and castles spread all over the region. These architectural treasures were mostly constructed between the 10th and 12th centuries. This was just after the Count of Barcelona, Wilfred the Hairy, made huge efforts to increase the Catalan population in the area in the ninth century.
The castle was built in the 10th century and has maintained its authentic vibe
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
If you do choose to stay at the Llaés castle, you can get a better understanding of Romanesque buildings by visiting the monasteries of Santa Maria in Ripoll (the comarca's capital), Sant Joan de les Abadesses and Sant Pere in the town of Camprodon. Of course, as mentioned before, there are many smaller examples to be explored as well.
But Ripollès is known for more than its landscape and architecture. The region has a rich industrial history, and its efforts accelerated the development of Catalunya in general. People have been mining iron and coal for centuries there, as well as undertaking other metalwork, papermaking, and other endeavors.
Stone walls and ceilings with exposed beams allow guests to really immerse themselves into its history
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
And there's plenty of space to relax in
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
Even a pet lives at the castle full time
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
Chandeliers and wooden furniture add a lot to the unique experience as well
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
The property has 11 beds in 8 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
A veranda overlooking the breathtaking surroundings
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
100% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
The hosts live on the property, offering to help their visitors around the clock with anything they need
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
There's even a church on the property
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
And plenty of rivers, valleys, and mountains to explore
Image credits: Marc/Airbnb
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