This Catalan city is known for its Salvador Dalí museum, housed in a striking red building. It's also home to a regional history museum and historic architecture.
Figueres, a town in Catalonia, Spain, is the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, with its distinctive egg-topped facade, is the town's main attraction. Figueres also has other interesting sites such as the Toy Museum of Catalonia, the massive Sant Ferran Castle, and the Gothic-style Church of Sant Pere. Located near the French border, the town is a convenient starting point for exploring the Costa Brava region.
The Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum
The Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum is the centerpiece of Figueres. Dalí himself designed this former theater as his final resting place and the world's largest surrealist object. Inside, you'll find an extensive collection of Dalí's works, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The museum's exterior is eye-catching, adorned with giant eggs, golden figurines, and loaves of bread. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring this labyrinth of surrealist art.
Other Museums in Figueres
While the Dalí museum is the main attraction, Figueres has several other interesting museums. The Toy Museum of Catalonia displays over 4,000 toys and games from various periods, including some that belonged to Dalí himself. The Empordà Museum showcases works by local artists alongside pieces by painters like Sorolla and Tàpies. The Museu de la Tècnica de l'Empordà exhibits over 3,000 mechanical antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Sant Ferran Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking Figueres, Sant Ferran Castle is one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Built in the 18th century, this massive structure covers 32 hectares with a perimeter of over 3 kilometers. You can explore the castle's extensive grounds, which once housed 4,000 soldiers. The fortress offers views of Figueres, the Empordà plains, and on clear days, the Pyrenees mountains. Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about the castle's history and architecture.
Exploring Figueres' Old Town
Take a stroll down La Rambla, the main pedestrian street in Figueres, to experience the town's atmosphere. This tree-lined avenue is flanked by shops, cafes, and examples of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Modernista architecture. As you wander through the old town, you'll come across squares like Plaça de l'Ajuntament, where locals gather to socialize. The Gothic-style Church of Sant Pere, which dates back to the 10th century, houses some of Dalí's early works.
Catalan Cuisine in Figueres
Figueres' restaurants reflect its location between the mountains and the sea. Try local specialties like suquet de peix (fish stew) or pollastre amb llagosta (chicken with lobster). The town's restaurants often use fresh produce from the Empordà region, known for its wines and olive oils. For a taste of local history, visit the Duran Hotel & Restaurant, where Dalí himself was a regular patron. The restaurant's wine cellar displays photos and sketches of the artist.
Getting to Figueres
You can reach Figueres by rail from major cities in Spain and France. High-speed trains from Barcelona arrive in Figueres in about 55 minutes, while the journey from Paris takes around 5.5 hours. The town's main train station, Figueres-Vilafant, is located on the outskirts, but a shuttle bus connects it to the town center. If you're driving, Figueres is about 140 kilometers north of Barcelona via the AP-7 motorway.
Day Trips from Figueres
Figueres' location allows for easy exploration of the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees. Visit the coastal town of Cadaqués, where Dalí had a home, now converted into a museum. You can explore the Cap de Creus Natural Park, known for its rugged coastline and unique rock formations. The nearby town of Besalú has a well-preserved Romanesque bridge and medieval architecture.
