The Castillet

From the banks of the Bassa, it’s hard to miss the building that has become one of Perpignan’s most iconic landmarks. Striking, unusual, and above all, historically significant, the Castillet bears the marks of time — a clear sign of its importance in the city’s past. Built around 1368 by order of Infante John of Aragon — King of Aragon, Majorca, Valencia, Sardinia, and more — the monument is one of the last surviving remnants of Perpignan’s medieval ramparts, along with the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Resembling a small fortress, it once served as a northern watchtower and checkpoint, guarding the entrance to the city. It also connected Perpignan to its now-vanished suburbs, where tanners, weavers and textile finishers once worked. When the Catalan city came under French control, King Louis XI expanded the structure by adding the Notre-Dame Gate in 1478. Later, in 1659 — when the Treaty of the Pyrenees brought Roussillon under French rule — the Castillet was turned into a state prison. Windows were fitted with iron bars, and the drawbridge was removed. This prison function is said to have continued until the mid-19th century. Around 1542, Charles V — the most powerful monarch of his time — had the building reinforced with a bastion, using materials from the demolished Notre-Dame-du-Pont chapel. A statue of the Virgin from the chapel was placed on the façade facing Place Verdun. Later, King Louis XIV’s famous military engineer Vauban also restored the Castillet’s defensive structure. After the city’s fortifications were dismantled in 1904, the Castillet stood alone and was used to store city archives for 20 years, before becoming what it is today: the Casa Pairal, a museum dedicated to the arts and popular traditions of Perpignan. And if you’re looking for a great photo to wrap up your visit, head to the top of the monument for a lovely view over the city — just be aware that the climb includes 142 steps, and admission isn’t free. For a budget-friendly alternative, try the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette, just across the river — the view is well worth it!