The castle of Bufalaranya, on a hill in the Can Berta sector, remains one of the most visible heritage enclaves in the Roses area. The fortress dominates the Bay of Roses and the plain of Alt Empordà, and its ruined silhouette can still be identified from the road connecting Roses with Cadaqués.
A medieval enclosure with centuries of occupation
The fortress is documented since the 10th century and research relates it to the castle of Pinna Nigra, cited in the documentation linked to Sant Pere de Rodes. The archaeological studies carried out subsequently have expanded the sequence of occupation of the enclosure and point to a more prolonged life than had been initially proposed for the initial centuries of the Middle Ages.
The interventions have allowed redefining the chronology of the castle and maintain that its occupation was maintained for several centuries. That historical review places Bufalaranya as a relevant piece to understand the evolution of settlement and of the control of the territory in this sector of Cap de Creus.
Remains still visible in the complex
Although the castle is currently in ruins, the site preserves prominent elements of its original structure. Among them is the main tower or keep, in addition to several sections of wall that still allow recognition of the defensive organization of the enclosure.
One of the most singular features is the preservation of the opus spicatum masonry, with the arrangement of the slabs in a herringbone pattern. This type of masonry is maintained in some points of the complex and forms part of the elements that have focused the interest of the archaeological works developed over the years.
Excavations to understand the enclosure
The prospecting and excavations carried out in Bufalaranya have allowed locating and documenting different structures of the castle. The works have brought to light part of the keep, walls of the enclosure, accesses and different interior spaces, which has helped to reconstruct with more precision the configuration of the enclave.
The castle of Bufalaranya is part of the history of Cap de Creus and maintains a prominent value within the medieval heritage of Alt Empordà. Its strategic position, its visibility over the territory, and the results of the investigations reinforce the importance of a site that, despite its ruinous state, continues to provide key information about the historical evolution of the area.