Posted by Figueres is a famous city in northern Spain and home to the world famous artist Salvador Dali. The city (about 50,000 inhabitants) is located only 20 km south of the French border and is the first stop for many tourists who travel to Spain by car, camper van or train. The busy motorway E15 (in France A9, in Spain AP7) between France and Barcelona leads directly past Figueres. Just behind the border Spain shows itself from a beautiful side. Figueres is certainly one of the most interesting cities in Spain and has an outstanding sight: the world-famous Dali Museum, one of the most visited art museums in Spain. Figueres is both the birthplace and the place of death of Salvador Dali. In Spanish, the city is called Figueras, but the Catalan name Figueres is used much more frequently. Figueres is the most popular day trip destination of the many tourists on the Costa Brava, the Spanish coast north of Barcelona. The city is about 20 km from the sea.
Dali Museum Figueres
Almost everyone comes for the Dali Museum, the dominant attraction in the city. Even from the outside, the “Teatro Museu Dali”, as it is officially called, is a sight to behold.
You can buy the tickets for the Dali Museum in Figueres on the Internet on this website.
There are also good guided tours of the museum in Spanish and English. Link to book a guided tour of the Dali Museum.
Places of interest Figueres
Almost all come because of the Dali Museum, the dominant sight in the city. Even from the outside, the “Teatro Museu Dali”, as it is officially called, is a sight to behold.
Picture: © Denis Babenko – Fotolia.com
Above the entrance there is a huge globe, on the playful towers huge replicas of chicken eggs. The bright red walls are decorated with “rolls”. In the Dali Museum one finds mainly works of the surrealistic, eccentric artist Dali. There is also a special exhibition of other artists of the surrealism style. By the way, Dali was not only a painter, but also a stage designer, sculptor and designed art objects. One of the most famous stands in the courtyard of the Dali Museum Figueres, the rain taxi.
By the way, Dali also designed most of his museum himself. He lived from 1904 to 1989, the Dali Museum opened in 1974. Salvador Dali loved his museum so much that he even had himself buried there. Opening hours: In the summer from 9-20 o’clock, in the winter from 9-18 o’clock. In summer 7 days a week, in winter daily except Mondays. Entrance fee for adults: Currently 12 euros (in 2013). The Salvador-Dali Museum is located near the centre of Figueres. Early in the morning there are queues in front of the entrance, the museum is very popular. If possible, you should come at unusual times and not on weekends. During our visit on a Saturday in January we had to wait in line for about half an hour at 10 o’clock in the morning. In the summer, of course, there is much more going on.
You can buy the tickets for the Dali Museum in Figueres on the Internet on this website.
There are also good guided tours of the museum in Spanish and English. Link to book a guided tour of the Dali Museum.
The Dali Museum in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain is a unique and fascinating museum dedicated to the life and work of Salvador Dali, one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Designed by Dali himself, the museum is housed in the former Municipal Theater of Figueres, which was renovated during the Destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and later rebuilt by Dali as a tribute to his hometown.
The Dalí Museum is not only a museum but also a work of art in itself. The building itself is a surreal masterpiece, with a gigantic egg-covered facade, an imposing spire topped with a giant gilded mannequin, and an interior adorned with bizarre sculptures and extravagant paintings. The visitor enters the museum through a courtyard full of bizarre and surreal sculptures, including a statue of a man with a bicycle on his head and a giant stone snail. Inside the museum, visitors can explore numerous galleries dedicated to the life and work of Salvador Dali. The museum’s collection includes more than 1,500 works by the artist, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints. Many of Dali’s most famous works are on display here, including Persistence of Memory, Soft Construction of Boiled Beans and Sphere Galatea. The museum also displays a wide range of lesser-known works, including sketches, studies, and experimental works that provide insight into Dali’s creative process.
One of the most striking features of the Dali Museum is that the museum itself is integrated into Dali’s work. Many of the galleries are designed to mimic the surreal landscapes and dreamlike imagery that characterize Dali’s paintings. For example, the gallery dedicated to Dali’s famous Mae West Room is modeled after a giant face, with furniture and decorations modeled after the actress’ facial features.
Another highlight of the museum is Dali’s jewelry collection, which includes many extravagant and fantastic pieces, including a ruby red lip bracelet and a gold ant necklace. The museum features a collection of Dali’s film and photographic work, as well as numerous objects from his personal collection, including a mummified hand and a taxidermized armadillo.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Teatro Museu Dali offers numerous temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. These exhibitions shed light on various aspects of Dali’s life and work, as well as the broader context of surrealism and 20th-century art. Overall, the Dali Museum is an immersive and surreal experience that offers a unique insight into the mind and art of Salvador Dali. Whether you’re a fan of Dali’s work or just want to explore the weird and wonderful world of surrealism, this museum is not to be missed.
You can buy the tickets for the Dali Museum in Figueres on the Internet on this website.
There are also good guided tours of the museum in Spanish and English. Link to book a guided tour of the Dali Museum.
Other sights in Figueres
Another good museum in the city is Museum De l’Empordà. Emporda is the name of the region around Figueres, which is well known for its wine growing. Who has time should look around in the wine areas a little, they belong definitely to the objects of interest of north Spain. In the museum one finds historical from the region with many objects from the early time, in addition, works of art from the region from different epochs. Dali was by far not the only artist from the area. Those who have already been to the Dali-Museum and still have the ticket, have free entrance to the museum De l’Emporda, otherwise the entrance fee is 5 Euro.
The old town of Figueres, in the province of Girona in Catalonia, Spain, is a charming and historic neighborhood that offers visitors a glimpse of the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Steeped in history, the old town of Figueres is a must for anyone visiting this beautiful region of Spain.
The old town of Figueres is characterized by narrow, winding streets and alleys lined with beautiful buildings and historical monuments. One of the most famous landmarks in the old town is the Castell de Sant Ferran, a massive 18th-century fortress that is considered one of the largest and most impressive military forts in Europe. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its history and architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The old town of Figueres is also home to a number of historic churches and other religious monuments. One of the most impressive is the Church of Saint-Pierre, a 14th-century Gothic-style church with an impressive rose window and beautifully carved altarpiece. Other notable religious buildings in the old town include the Church of St. James and the Chapel of St. Sebastian.
In addition to the historical architecture and cultural sights, the old town of Figueres is also known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant street life. Visitors can stroll through the city’s many squares and enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for its colorful festivals and celebrations, including the Carnaval de Figueres, which takes place in February and features parades, music and dancing.
Overall, the old town of Figueres is a fascinating and beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique insight into Catalonia’s history, culture and architecture. Whether you are interested in art and history, or just want to soak up the atmosphere of this charming city, the Old Town of Figueres is not to be missed.
The Castell de Sant Ferran is a large fortress in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain. It was built in the 18th century to protect the city’s border with France. With an area of over 320,000 square meters, it is considered one of the largest military fortresses in Europe.
The fort was designed by the French military engineer Louis de Léquesant and construction began in 1753. Construction took more than ten years and the fort was completed in 1764. The castle was built as a modern and efficient military fortress, equipped with the latest military technology of the time.
The fortress is surrounded by moats and walls up to 4 m thick in places. It has an impressive network of tunnels and underground rooms that were used to store supplies and ammunition and to house soldiers during conflicts. The fortress also features an impressive parade ground and chapel.
During the Spanish Civil War, the fortress served as a prison for political prisoners. In the 20th century it was also used as a military base and finally closed in 2000. Today the castle can be visited and guided tours are offered explaining the history and architecture of the fortress.
Visitors can explore the fortress and its grounds, scale the ramparts for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and learn about the castle’s role in Spanish military history.
The Rambla de Figueres is a beautiful pedestrian street in the center of the city of Figueres in Catalonia, Spain. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, it is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful architecture and variety of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Lined with trees, flower beds and benches, the Rambla invites you to relax and enjoy the view. It also houses some important sights such as the Church of San Pedro, the Plaza del Gra and the Dali Theater Museum.
Besides the beautiful architecture and cultural attractions, Las Ramblas is also a popular shopping destination. There is a wide variety of shops here, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and local specialties. There is also a wide range of restaurants ranging from traditional Spanish to international cuisine.
Las Ramblas hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including live music, art exhibitions and street performances.
Otherwise, a walk through the old town of Figueres is worthwhile. One sight is, for example, the church of San Pere. Outside of Figueres, the castle Castell de San Ferran is a frequently visited sight. It is considered the largest castle complex in Europe!
Salvador Dalí
Salvador Dali was born on May 11, 1904 in the small town of Figueres in Catalonia, Spain. He was the son of a respected notary and his mother encouraged his artistic talent at an early age. There he was heavily influenced by the avant-garde movements of the time, including Cubism and Futurism.
In 1926, Dali was expelled from the Academy and moved to Paris, where he joined the surrealist movement. He quickly became one of the group’s most important members, known for his flamboyant personality and fascination with the subconscious.
Dali’s work was characterized by dreamlike, surreal images and extraordinary juxtapositions of objects. He was known for his technical skill as a painter and his works often contained intricate and detailed elements. Some of his most famous paintings are The Persistence of Memory (1931), The Great Masturbator (1929) and The Metamorphoses of Narcissus (1937).
In addition to painting, Dali was also a prolific author and filmmaker. Together with his friend, the Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel, he worked on the surrealist films Andalou (1929) and Jidai Doll (1930). He also wrote several books, including his autobiography The Secret Life of Salvador Dali.
Dali’s fame continued to grow throughout the 20th century and he became a cultural icon known for his extravagance and unique artistic vision. He died on January 23, 1989 in his hometown of Figueres. Today his work is admired worldwide and his influence on the art world is still felt.
You can buy the tickets for the Dali Museum in Figueres on the Internet on this website.
There are also good guided tours of the museum in Spanish and English. Link to book a guided tour of the Dali Museum.
Overnight Figueres: We stayed in the small hotel Los Angeles in Figueres. It is not far from the city centre and only 3-4 minutes from the Dali Museum. Simple but inexpensive rooms (single room out of high season about 30-40 Euro, double room about 10 Euro more). WLAN, TV (only Spanish, Catalan and French programs) and even a bathtub were available in our room. Very nice and helpful staff, clean and tidy family pension without much frills. Other hotels and guesthouses in the centre of Figueres that have a good reputation are the Plaza Inn Hotel, the Duran Hotel, the Pirineos Hotel and the Rambla Hotel. Out of season these accommodations all cost about 55 to 65 euros for two people. Many of these hotels can be booked on Booking.com (including holiday apartments and other accommodation such as hostels).
Essen Figueres: There are many restaurants in the city that have adapted to the needs of tourists. Around the Dali-Museum you will find some inexpensive fast food restaurants with international cuisine – hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, sausages with chips and the like. Interesting is the restaurant “König”, a restaurant with German cuisine, which is intended for Spaniards. In Figueres there are also many good tapas bars and high quality restaurants at affordable prices.
Train to Figueres: Watch out, there are two stations. From the old station the local trains depart to Barcelona. It is about 500 meters from the center. The new station called Figueres Vilafant is about 1.5 km from the city centre. This is where the fast AVE trains (the Spanish high-speed railway) stop. They mainly go to Barcelona, Madrid, Lyon and Paris. Those coming from Germany have to change trains, mostly in Lyon. Almost every express train has a bus from the bus station (see below) and from the city centre to the AVE Figueres Vilafant station (1.70 euros in 2014, the ticket is available from the driver).
Buses Figueres: The bus station is about 100 meters from the old train station. From Figueres you can take the bus mainly to the surrounding area, also to the Costa Brava to the sea.
Taxis Figueres: Taxi stands can be found at both train stations and at the central street “La Rambla”.
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