Girona is a charming city that has plenty of rich history and culture to offer to any history enthusiast. So, if you seek a peaceful journey into the past, Girona is your ideal destination.
Girona invites you to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture by exploring its top museums. Here, we present a concise guide to the five must-visit museums that offer insight into Girona’s vibrant past and artistic heritage.
First on our list is the Girona Art Museum, an ideal destination for history and art enthusiasts. Housed within the former Bishop’s Palace, a structure dating back to the 10th century, this museum boasts the city’s most significant art collection. From Romanesque treasures to early 20th-century masterpieces, the museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive view of Girona’s artistic heritage. Don’t miss the chance to explore unique features of the Palau, including the Throne Room, Episcopal Prison, Bishop’s Chapel, and the Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of Girona.
Next up is the Museum of Jewish History, a peaceful journey back in time to discover the once-vibrant Jewish community of Girona. Located in the well-preserved Jewish Quarter, this museum explores the rich history of Catalonia’s Jewish communities, integral to the region’s cultural and scientific development during the medieval period. Exhibits highlight Girona’s own Jewish history through documents, archaeology, and artwork, providing a vivid picture of medieval Catalan Jewish life.
For a unique perspective on Girona’s history, consider a visit to the Cinema Museum Girona (Museu del Cinema). Founded by the renowned film actor, writer, and director Tomàs Mallol, this museum boasts a vast collection of approximately 20,000 items, including pre-cinema and early cinema devices, photographs, posters, films, and a library. Explore the evolution of moving images, from shadow theatre to the silver screen, in this interactive and educational exhibition suitable for all ages.
To understand Girona’s transformation into a medieval-style city, head to the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya. Housed in a stunning Catalan Romanesque monastery, this museum traces the earliest history of the Girona region, from prehistory to the medieval period, through its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts.
Finally, delve into Girona’s rich history and culture at the Museu d’Història de Girona. This museum, situated in an 18th-century convent, displays Girona’s art and artifacts from Roman times to the contemporary era. It occupies the former convent of Sant Antoni of Capuchin friars, boasting unique spaces like the cemetery, cloister, and cistern. Explore the city’s formation, its journey from Roman times to democracy, and its evolution through a chronological tour and various thematic areas.
These museums collectively paint a vivid picture of Girona’s past and offer a comprehensive understanding of its cultural heritage. Explore the city’s vibrant history and embrace its artistic legacy through these captivating institutions. By the time you leave Girona, you’ll feel familiar with the remarkable history and culture that have shaped this city over the centuries, beautifully illustrated in each carefully curated museum, each filled with knowledge waiting to be discovered.
Book your stay at Best Western Premier CMC Girona.