The city of fig trees, or Figueres, in the province of Girona, in the northeastern part of Catalonia, once stood out from the rest of the Spanish towns, but as soon as Salvador Dali was born in it, everything changed. The genius of surrealism has made this settlement one of the most famous in the whole world.
History reference
Figueres is the capital of Alt Empordà County, in the province of Girona.
In this area, people lived six hundred years ago. Then it was a settlement of indigets. However, they lived mainly on the slopes, since the lower reaches were mostly flooded by rivers. In support of the fact that the tribe lived, archaeologists found many ceramic products and other artifacts.
In 1995-1994, before the advent of our era, the Romans came to this area. After some time, a village appeared here and became the place to stop travelers and traders moving along the Domitian road.
It is believed that for some time the city was inhabited by both Indigents and Romans, but the settlement was divided into two parts, for different nations.
In ancient times, the settlement was called Yunkaria, and modern is given at the Visigoths.
Jaime I of Aragon granted the city a code of laws affirming the right of the province, that is, Fueros.
Homeland of Salvador Dali
Today, the city of Figueres and Salvador Dali, we can say synonyms. After all, it was here that the eccentric and surrealist was born in 1904. Accordingly, in the city, most of the attractions are associated with this particular person.
This man showed his talents at the age of fifteen (1919), then his first exhibition was held in the local theater. Later, on the site of the burnt theater, Salvador erected a museum - a modern museum-theater. Not far from it is a crypt with the remains of a great creator. In the Gothic temple of Sant Pere de Puelles, little Salvador was baptized. Not far from the church is the house of the artist's family.
Today, the theater-museum has more than 1, 500 works by the creator, from paintings to installations, which millions of tourists come to see.
By the way, from July 31 to August 31, you can see the creations at night, accompanied by an audio-visual installation and with a glass of champagne.
City walks
What is interesting to see in Figueres? You can start exploring the beauties of the city from Rambala Boulevard. It was here that the settlement was originally formed, therefore this place is also called the core of the city. The boulevard is a shady alley with old trees, mixed with shops and small industrial facilities. It is on this street that most of the fairs and other celebrations are held.
Be sure to visit the Plaça de les Patates, or the area of potatoes. This interesting name is due to the fact that until the 50s of the last century so-called potato fairs were held here, where local farmers gathered with their vegetables. There is a cafe on the outdoor terraces, where you can safely drink coffee and enjoy the local beauties.
And if you do not mind walking, then go to the highway connecting Empuriabrava and Figueres, there is an unofficial exhibition of vintage vehicles.
San Ferrand Castle
One of the most visited attractions of Figueres. It was built relatively recently, in the XVIII century, but the palace is striking in its enormous size (55 thousand square meters). And stables can hold up to 500 horses at a time. Until the middle of the last century, a military base was based here, so the castle has been preserved well.
The castle itself has the shape of a star surrounded by a deep moat around the perimeter of the building.
The building is located in the northwestern part of the city, on the Cappuccins Hill. By the way, it was here in 1925 that Salvador Dali was among the recruits. Another interesting fact is that several scenes from the movie "Perfumer" were shot in the castle.
Under the main weapons area there are 4 huge tanks with usable water. This reserve was supposed to provide survival to 6 thousand military men. In total, it is 9 million liters of water.
St. Peter's Church
Another interesting attraction of Figueres is St. Peter's Church. The most ancient elements that have survived to our days date back to the X-XI centuries. The modern building was erected in the XIV century, on the site of the previously destroyed Roman temple, so the most ancient elements have been preserved at the foot of the church. The construction took a long time to build and rebuild, all the work was fully completed only after 2 centuries from the start.
The church got a lot during the Second World War, it burned. However, restoration work ended already in 1948.
Toy museum
This attraction of Figueres will appeal not only to children but also to adults. The exposition consists of 4500 crafts of different eras. Some toys can jump, and some make sounds, “sing” and do many other interesting things.
All toys are made from a variety of materials, have different shapes and sizes. Some copies belonged to famous people: Federico Garcia Lorca, Ana Maria Dali and others.
Marty Amiel Watch Collection
This is a private collection of watches, which collected more than 3 thousand exhibits, from solar to the most ultramodern. The collection even has fiery, atomic and water devices.
Ampurdan Museum
One of the most visited sights of Figueres, located on the Rambla, is the Ampurdan Museum, whose exposition is dedicated to Catalan art. Originally it was supposed to devote a museum of archeology and history, but in 1971 plans changed.
Now here are collected ceramics from Iberian and Italian masters, medieval sculptures, paintings by masters of the XIX-XX centuries.
Naturally, here you can see paintings by Salvador Dali.
House of Salvador Dali
There is a very interesting building in the port of Ligat - the house where the great creator lived with his wife. This was the only property of Salvador, which he acquired upon returning home from Paris. Then it was an ordinary fishing hut, where inventory was stored, an area of about 20 square meters. Over the course of 40 years, the Impressionist was building a house and increasing its area by acquiring neighboring huts, restoring them, and connecting them with existing passages. In this house, Salvador created most of his masterpieces.
When Gala's wife died (1982), El Salvador moved out of his home and never returned here. However, it was possible to save everything as it was during the life of the creator. The house has three zones:
- private, for rest and sleep;
- creative half;
- living area.
By the way, on Cape Creus, in Port Ligat, the grandfather and father of the creator was born, Salvador himself often visited here in his childhood.
Palace in Pubol
Are these all the sights of Figueres? What to see more? Of course, go to the nearest village of Pubole, where the Gala Palace is located, known throughout Catalonia and very popular among Russian tourists. After all, Gala is a Russian woman and the muse of Salvador Dali. Her name was actually not so, but Elena, and she was 10 years older than the Spanish creator. In her declining years, she asked Salvador to build a castle for her. The woman lived out her years in the castle, and after her death the creator himself lived in it. At some point, a fire occurred, and Salvador moved out of the castle, believing that his deceased wife was calling him to her.
Museum of Technology
What to see in the city of Figueres? You can look into the museum of technology, it is relatively young, opened only in 2004, but the exposition is impressive. Here are collected more than 3 thousand items related to the history of the creation of devices that make life easier: printing and sewing machines, telephones, the first mobile phones.
To date, the existing building is not enough for the collection, so most of the exhibits are still stored in storage.
Monastery of St. Mary
This landmark of Figueres in Spain is located in the north-east of the city, in a suburb called Vilaberran. Most of the buildings date back to the 15th century; styles are mixed here: Gothic and Romanesque. Vaulted ceilings and narrow Gothic windows look amazing. The whole monastery is surrounded by stone walls with rectangular battlements.
The remains of King Alfonso are buried in the temple.
Other interesting places in the province
If it seems that the overview of the sights of Figueres can be completed, then you can go to the beauties of the province. The province of Girona has many interesting places, and it is conditionally divided into three areas:
- Interior. This is the north of Spain with an ideal climate for agriculture. The area has many orchards with fruit trees, fields. It has developed cycling and hiking routes.
- The Pyrenees area is mountaineering and hiking, skiing resorts and fishing.
- Costa Brava and the sights of Figueres, Pubol, Gala Castle are often visited in one trip. The area has a wonderful climate, coast and the most beautiful corner of Spain.
Another place to visit is Castellfolly de la Rocca, 35 kilometers from Figueres. It is located on a basalt cliff with a length of only 1 thousand kilometers, that is, a completely miniature settlement. The first settlers appeared here in the Middle Ages, they built their houses from volcanic rock. Most buildings are generally located on the very edge, and it might seem that they are about to fall into the abyss.
The basalt plateau itself is 50 meters high. And in the city there is only 1 street, where the houses are in two rows. Castellfolly de la Roca now has approximately 1, 000 inhabitants. And the most unique building in the city is the church, which was also built from basalt material around the 12th century.
It is also recommended to visit the volcano Santa Margarida, whose height is 682 meters and a length of about 2 thousand meters. It is located in the district of La Garrocha, which is 37 kilometers from the city of Figueres in Spain. The center of the volcano crater is completely covered with dense vegetation. But the most amazing thing is that at the bottom of the crater is the church of St. Margarita. At the same time, the first building was destroyed in 1428 during a strong earthquake, and in 1865 a new one was built, which has survived to this day.
Numerous hiking trails are laid around the crater, and the La Garrocha area is a nature reserve, special places are reserved for camping tents and bonfires.
City festivals
It is recommended when planning a trip to combine entertainment and attractions. Figueres hosts many interesting festivals.
In February, you can plan a trip to the international circus festival "Elephant de Hur", held annually in the city. This is the most significant circus event in all of Europe. The festival is held at the fairground.
In April, the annual comedy festival is held in Ferigas where no visitors will remain sad. The event is held in the streets of the city, where vacationers can attend laugh therapy sessions, look into an indoor theater, listen to monologues of street actors and personally participate in fun contests. Most of the performances are completely free.
In August, the city invites all music lovers to an acoustic festival, which is annually attended by over 60 thousand people.
