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Girona is not only known for its cobbled streets, old quarter, and corners that look like they came straight out of a Netflix series. It is also a city brimming with culture, and one of the best ways to see this is by visiting its museums. If you spend a weekend in a rural house in the regions of Girona, you have a perfect excuse to explore the cultural offerings of the city of Girona. You'll find museums for all tastes and ages: history, art, and even cinema.
Girona History Museum
Let's start with a classic. Girona's History Museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to uncover the soul of the city. And it's a must for two reasons: its content and its setting. It is housed in a building that has had many lives: it started as a Gothic house, then it became the well-known Capuchin monastery, was later converted into a school in the late 19th century, and, since 1981, it has been home to the city's History Museum. Moreover, it offers a journey through Girona from Roman times to the Franco regime. You can discover the history of the walls, how the city resisted several sieges during the Peninsular War, and even admire uniforms from past eras. The rooms dedicated to the Spanish Civil War are also well worth a visit.
Cinema Museum
The Cinema Museum is a paradise for film lovers. This one-of-a-kind museum in Spain, Takes the visitor on a journey through the history of the seventh art: from shadow theater to the magic lantern, from photography to the Lumière brothers' cinematograph. A must-visit if you want to understand how cinema was born, why our great-grandparents were amazed, and how films were made before digital cameras existed. Opened in 1998 in the former Casa de las Aguas, the Cinema Museum also offers a plethora of activities and courses for all audiences. A different way to live and understand cinema, and it is highly recommended for visiting with children.
Girona Art Museum
Are you a fan of Gothic and Romanesque art? Then don't miss the Girona Art Museum. It is located in an unbeatable spot: in the Episcopal Palace, right next to the cathedral. It is a museum that holds the third most important collection of art from these two periods in Catalonia. You will find Gothic altarpieces that will take your breath away. In addition, you can contemplate Girona art through the ages: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Realism, Modernism, and Noucentisme. Before you leave, don't forget to take a tour of the unique spaces of the Palace: the Throne Room, the Episcopal Prison, the Bishop's Chapel, and the Lookout, which offers one of the best views over Girona.
Jewish History Museum
The city of Girona was one of the most important Jewish communities in the West and one can still visit one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Visiting the Jewish History Museum is key to understanding this rich cultural past and the life of the Jewish community in Girona before their expulsion in the 15th century. The Museum has eleven rooms that make up a tour detailing aspects of the daily life, culture, and history of Jewish communities in Catalonia and in medieval Girona. Particularly notable is the unique collection of medieval Hebrew tombstones from the Jewish cemetery on Montjuïc. An absolute must-see.
Archaeology Museum of Catalonia
If you are fascinated by the mysteries of the past, this museum is for you. Located in the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, the Archaeology Museum showcases discoveries ranging from prehistory to the medieval period. It features archaeological materials unearthed from various sites in Girona: remains from Empúries, tombstones and sculptures from Roman Gerunda, medieval epigraphy, and much more. Before leaving, however, take note of the building. The monastery of Sant Pere Galligants is one of the most important examples of Catalan Romanesque from the 12th century and entering the cloister is literally like stepping onto the set of a movie or an episode of Game of Thrones.
Bòlit, Contemporary Art Center
Since 2008, the Bòlit has been the heart of contemporary art in Girona, with spaces throughout the city that combine modernity and heritage. You will find innovative exhibitions, installations, and activities that tackle current issues and invite reflection. Its three main venues – Bòlit_PouRodó, Bòlit_Sant Nicolau, and Bòlit_LaRambla – offer a unique experience, where art and city come together. This center is ideal for the curious and art lovers who are looking for different perspectives. A must for discovering the most creative side of Girona.
Cathedral Treasury Museum
We end our tour of the museums of the city of Girona at the Cathedral Treasury Museum. An essential visit for any history or art enthusiast. Located within the cathedral itself, this space houses a rich heritage that includes pieces of liturgical goldsmithing, medieval manuscripts, and a unique collection of religious textiles. The crown jewel is, however, the Tapestry of Creation (12th century), a masterpiece of European Romanesque that fascinates with its symbolic complexity and beauty.
And if after touring the museums of Girona, you still want to stroll through the city, here you will find some suggestions to discover the city of Girona in a different way.