With your family, partner, friends or even by yourself. Culture can be enjoyed in many ways in Catalonia. From literary routes, art tributes and historic walks to visits to the most unique museums and discovering Catalan heritage. Keep your eyes open…
The pages of Carlos Ruiz Zafón come to life
He is one of the best-selling authors of the 21st Century. His book The Shadow of the Wind has won several prizes and, interestingly, it was set in the city of Barcelona. Follow the steps of the main character in the novel, Daniel Sempere, through each scene. You will begin the route on Rambla Santa Mónica, you will pass under the Arc del Teatre as if walking through the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, then you will cross Plaza Reial and you will end up at Santa Maria del Mar church. Reach the end of the story, moving through the scenes of the novel’s plot.
The artistic legacy in the streets of Sitges
Enjoy the Mediterranean from one of the most artistic and popular coastal cities: Sitges. Transport by coach from Barcelona is included. You will discover charming spots like the old town, the Racó de la Calma, the old fishermen’s houses or the canons. And the route will lead you to the workshop-home of Santiago Rusiñol, a multifaceted artist who shaped Catalan modernism. In the Cau Ferrat museum, which he founded in 1893, you will find his collections of ancient and modern art.
Step into the outlandish world of surrealism
Girona has one of the most significant historic offerings of the country: mediaeval city walls, Roman and Gothic monuments and the Jewish quarter. You can take the Catalonia Tourist Bus and visit it all including immersing yourself in the surrealist world of Salvador Dalí, at the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres. Lose yourself in the three dimensional paintings, optical illusions and the way in which the artist played with image and space. In the Dalí-Joyas space, you will find 39 golden jewels and precious stones and 27 drawings and paintings for the designs that Dalí produced between the 1940s and 1970s.
The origin of Aguardiente in the Costa Dorada
Did you know that this spirit can be obtained by distilling various liquids such as wine, rum, cider or grappa? At Fassina Balanyà, a distillery dating back to 1830 located in L’Espluga de Francolí, they will explain the process in detail during the visit to the old aguardiente plant. You will be taken through the history of this concoction which grew so popular in the 18th Century and you will be able to see how it was distilled with your very own eyes. Ready for a drink?
A Roman stroll through the Boí Valley
One of the best Roman settings in Europe is hidden in Catalonia. Located in the Vall de Boí, in the Catalan Pyrenees, it is made up of Roman churches built in 11th and 12th Century, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Contemplating the Sant Climent bell tower and the stone walls of Santa Maria de Taüll, immersed in the beauty of the landscape which characterises the municipality is a unique experience. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Roman Vall de Boí Centre to find out all the details.
All aboard!
The electromechanical enclave of 1928 located at the Móra la Nova station was one of the first in Europe. A 23-metre long revolving bridge and restored railway vehicles remain which you will be able to see during the visit to the Móra la Nova Railway Museum. At the museum, you will discover the historic reality of the railway thanks to an interactive, multimedia space and diverse objects such as photographs and plans which are preserved. The centre is in the former train traffic control building, which has been completely reformed.
Time to play as a family
At the Lleida Museum, you can play Animalia, a fun memory and interpretation game which can be enjoyed with little ones and discover the range of beasts that make up the museum pieces. The idea is to match up the fauna of Catalonia with that of other places around the world. You will discover how they have accompanied mankind throughout history. The clearest example is its appearance in works of art, even prehistoric ones. Whether as pets in agriculture or in religion, animals and humans have always been linked and in Animalia you will get a chance to check this.
Culture and tradition, the treasures of the valleys of the Catalan Pyrenees
Get the most from the heritage to be found in the landscapes of the high mountains of Val d’Aran, spending 5 days discovering it. Each of the 33 towns which make up the valley emanate culture and tradition via their architecture and customs. The old town of Viehla, with its emblematic Sant Miquel church, or celebration of the Crema deth Haro, a festival which commemorates the arrival of the summer solstice, are some examples. You will experience it through the beauty of places such as the Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici National Park or Beret Square.
