Figueres, Spain - Figueres Travel Guide - visiting Figueres

Figueres

Artist Salvador Dali, native son of Figueres, Spain

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Figueres

[ Page of interest: Best of Spain ]

Figueres is practically synonymous with artist Salvador Dali. It is also one of the principal cities on the Costa Brava. And while many of the areas of the city may seem unappealing, it is is certainly worth a stopover for any art fan, for it is the home town of the surrealist. In fact, Figueres owes its tourist appeal almost entirely to this famous native son. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that the Dali Museum is the city's biggest draw: it contains the largest collection of Dali's work anywhere, from paintings to installations.

Sightseeing in Figueres

The Dalí Theatre-Museum at Pla. Gala i Salvador Dalí 5 in Figueres is an absolute must for any fan of the surreal and prolific artist’s work. In his home town, the museum has the world’s largest range of Dalí’s works from his beginnings to his late career. The museum itself was designed by the artist. Some of the highlights of the collection include Atomic Leda, Galatea of the Sphere and Soft Self-Portrait with Fried Bacon.

For a unique visit sure to please kids and adults alike, check out the Toy Museum of Catalonia at the Hotel París at Carrer de Sant Pere in Figueres, which has thousands of toys on exhibit. The collection spans puppets, trains, games, costumes, stuffed animals and more. It includes toys onced owned by famous people, including Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró

Castell de Sant Ferran on Pujada del Castell in Figueres is an amazing example of 18th-century military architecture. The fortified castle’s perimeter alone is nearly two miles long. Open daily from July through mid-September, 10:30 am to 8 pm, from November through February 10:30 am to 2 pm and during other times 10:30 am to 2 pm and 4 to 8 pm. A variety of tours is available, including a combination 4x4 vehicle ride around the moat and boat ride in the cisterns.