The fortress was initially constructed by Wilfred the Hairy in 886; it is now a hotel belonging to the state-owned Paradores chain.

[1] During the 14th century, Wilfred's heirs and successors, the dukes of Cardona, came from the most important family related to the Crown of Aragon, second only to the royal house itself.

Because of this, they were called "kings without crowns", as they had extensive territories in Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia, and dynastic ties with Castile, Portugal, Sicily, and Naples.

The Church of Sant Vicenç de Cardona, adjacent to the fort proper, is in the Lombard Romanesque style.

Fragments of these "painted vaults" were restored in 1960 and are now displayed at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona.