Undoubtedly one of the internationally renowned artists who has left his mark on Girona and the Costa Brava is Salvador Dalí, and today you will discover his legacy. Fancy an artistic stroll along the Costa Brava? Let’s go!
Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres in 1904 and, in spite of travelling to the great art centres of the 20th century such as Paris and New York, he always had a close link with the region where he grew up, even transmitting it to his work.
This love of the Empordà and the Costa Brava was such that it led him to build his own museum in Figueres and a house in the quiet bay of Portlligat, as well as residing in the last years of his life in the Castle of Púbol, a privilege that gave him the title of marquis.
If you join all three points together, you get the Dalinian Triangle, a geometric figure that contains the whole of Salvador Dalí’s universe within it. Eager to discover what awaits you at each point of the triangle? Read on!
Probably Salvador Dalí’s best known work is “The Persistence of Memory”, in which time loses its form and is represented by soft clocks in an arid landscape.
However, there are many, many more works that are not so well known, some even totally unknown to most people, but which equally reflect the skill and ideas of the genius mind.
In the Dalí museums on the Costa Brava you will find the artist’s most personal and intimate works, such as “Galatea of the Spheres” or “The Happy Horse”, which are sure to move you.
One of the best-known points of interest in Figueres is the great Dalí Museum – Theatre, with its emblematic dome at the top, adorned with the eggs so characteristic of Dalí’s architectural work. This is a special museum: it was designed by Dalí himself and is therefore considered the largest surrealist object in the world.
Wandering through the many nooks and crannies of this building, you plunge into the mind of the artistic genius and attempt to understand the wonders of his works. To enter this museum is to participate in Dalí’s work and become immersed in his deepest thoughts.
It is advisable to buy your museum ticket on the website and in advance, as it is a great international draw and usually welcomes tourists from all over the world throughout the year. You can do so on the same website of the foundation.
A lesser-known part of the museum, which is included in the ticket, is the permanent exhibition of jewellery designed by Dalí. Salvador Dalí was a multifaceted artist and, as you can see, his work ranges from painting to architecture, and includes jewellery and cinema.
If you like jewellery as an artistic expression, don’t forget to visit this exhibition when you leave the museum. There you will be able to see the artist’s extensive collection, compiled over the course of his life and therefore reflects different stages of his career.
The Dalí Museum in Figueres is not the only pearl that Salvador Dalí left for posterity in the Girona region, and its importance is almost comparable to that of his house-museum in Portlligat.
What can you expect from a visit to this unique house? The answer is simple: Dalí in his most intimate facet. This is the house where Dalí lived permanently, always accompanied by Gala.
Thus, the itinerary through the rooms of the house lets you experience a part of the Dalinian universe that you cannot find anywhere else, and you will be able to see first-hand how art and everyday life merge in surprising ways, always surrounded by the marvellous landscapes of the Costa Brava.
Don’t wait any longer and book your ticket!
After Gala’s death, Dalí moved to the castle of Púbol, which he owned thanks to the title of marquis he held. The years he lived in this castle were dedicated exclusively to his muse and that is why almost the entire visit is devoted to her.
You will be able to admire dresses and quarters that Dalí designed for Gala, and even her mausoleum. Although it is not the best known, this site is important for a definitive understanding of Dalí’s work, as Gala was a fundamental part of his life.
In addition, the fortification, in a Gothic style, is worthwhile in itself and even more so when combined with the contrasts of Dalí’s surrealism. The magic that surrounds these walls makes it clear why Dalí wanted to spend the last years of his life here.
If you also want to know Gala’s story and some of Dalí’s lesser-known works, don’t think twice and go to the Gala-Dalí Castle in Púbol!
If you haven’t had enough of the three points of the Dalí triangle and would like to live the Dalí experience on the Costa Brava even more fully, the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres offers you a unique night-time visit in the world during the summer months.
As we said before, this museum was designed by Dalí himself, and as a work of art by a great painter, light plays a very important role when it comes to viewing it. The night visit will provide you with a myriad of sensations that are concealed during more conventional visits.
And that’s not all; these visits are made with a limited capacity of 500 people so that you can better immerse yourself in the experience and no one stands between you and the work.
Dalí’s work awaits you under the stars in this marvellous visit that perfectly completes a few days of summer holidays on the Costa Brava. And if you need more reasons to be convinced, during the visit you can enjoy a glass of cava, courtesy of the house!
The Dalí Theatre-Museum is located in the centre of Figueres and you are in luck because this town is very well connected to both France and the rest of Spain. If your idea is to go by car, the easiest way to get there is to take the AP-7 motorway which connects Barcelona with La Jonquera or, if you are coming from France, the A-9 southbound.
However, the train is a very good option to go to Figueres, as there are high-speed trains with connections to France and Spain, as well as regional trains that link to the nearest towns.
On the other hand, Girona Airport is approximately one hour away, with a regular bus service connecting it with the city. There are also buses from Perpignan and from Barcelona, which is another option to consider.
As for the house of Portlligat and the castle of Púbol, it is necessary to use your own vehicle to get there or take one of the intercity bus lines although you have to walk for a while to get to the exact site.
The campsites that you can find around Figueres are a few kilometres away from the town, but they provide easy access to the region’s other nearby places of interest.
We recommend the Camping Mas Nou, Camping Vell Empordà and Camping Albera, all of them well connected to Figueres and the coast; so it will be very easy to visit the whole area without having to make long journeys.
On the other hand, if you want to be very close to the Dalí museum house in Portlligat and in such a beautiful town as Cadaqués, Camping Cadaqués is definitely your option.
Other options a little further afield are the campsites of Port de la Selva or in the area of the gulf of Roses, which are very conveniently located and have all the tourist services you can imagine. Take a look at the map and choose the one that suits you best!
As you can see, Dalí’s life is very much marked by the influence of the Costa Brava and this is confirmed by his desire to always return. But why was Dalí so in love with this land?
Salvador Dalí was perfectly familiar with the landscapes that surrounded him and it is certain that their beauty made him want to stay. Beautiful natural landmarks such as Cap de Creus or the Medes Islands, dreamlike towns such as Cadaqués or Port de la Selva, and majestic sites such as the great monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes are just some of the examples of what you can find in the area and that you will surely fall in love with too.
Don’t think twice about combining your cultural visit to the Dalí museums and in-depth tour of the Empordà, discovering a place that will not leave you indifferent. Come on, we’ll be waiting for you!
