Location: Province of Girona
Top Things to do in Province of Girona
Top Restaurants in Province of Girona
10 History Museums in Province of Girona That You Shouldn't Miss
Girona (Catalan pronunciation: [ʒiˈɾonə], Spanish: Gerona [xeˈɾona]) is a province of Spain, in the northeastern part of the autonomous community of Catalonia. It is bordered on the northwest by the province of Lleida, on the southwest by the province of Barcelona, on the north by France, and on the east by the Mediterranean Sea.
Restaurants in Province of Girona
1. Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
In this monastery, a jewel of Catalan Romanesque architecture, you can learn about the earliest history of humankind in the Girona region, from prehistory to the mediaeval period, through the collection of archaeological objects on display.
Reviewed By pookie099 - Tavira, Portugal
Tried to see the chapel on our last visit four years ago but an exhibition seemed to be taking place so it wasn't possible. So glad I came back. Worth visiting for the chapel alone, very atmospheric 12th Century building and the Rose Window (no glass) is quite awesome. If, like me, you are into history and archeology (or even if you're not!), you will really enjoy this museum which traces civilisation from Neanderthal through to modern times with artefacts to illustrate. Most of the exhibits are labelled in English as well as Castilian Spanish and Catalan, which is not also so. Only spent a couple of hours here but could have spent much longer!
2. The Museum of Jewish History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
The main aim of the Museum is to preserve and reflect the history of the Jewish communities of Catalonia, which throughout the entire medieval period formed part of, and made a decisive contribution to, the history of the country and its cultural and scientific development. In most cases an attempt has been made to illustrate the explanations given during the visit to the Museum with examples of items originating from Girona's own Jewish history. These examples, which may be in documentary, archaeological or pictorial form, thus offer a general explanation of the pattern of Jewish life in medieval Catalonia.
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
I’ve visited numerous Jewish museums around the world and most focus on what life was like when the Jewish people lived (and prospered) there. This museum, while it does give an accounting of what Jewish life was like, due to the fact that Jews haven’t lived in Girona since the late 1400’s, makes giving a comprehensive history all the more difficult. Recent excavations offer tangible evidence of what life was like here in the Call (Jewish quarter). The Mikveh area was especially fascinating. When walking around the Call, see if you can spot the indentations in the doorways where mezuzahs once hung. What this museum does differently, however, is to give the history of Jewish persecution, led by Spain’s Catholic Church and it’s political rulers. What happened in Girona’s Call and throughout the Iberian Peninsula is no different than what happened in Nazi Germany and throughout 1930’s-40’s Europe. The only difference is that Spain gave the Jews a ‘choice’ to convert. The museum shows how lies, heresy, fear, ignorance and intolerance eventually led to the Inquisition. I commend the museum for preserving what was once a rich history here in Girona and for educating its visitors, especially its young visitors that we must do all we can to never repeat this dark chapter in history - here in Spain or anywhere on Earth!
3. Ruins of Empuries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 825 reviews
Empúries is one of the finest historic settings in Catalonia.Two cities, one Greek and one Roman, set by the sea at L’Escala on the south of the Bay of Roses, named by Unesco as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Reviewed By MesaGrandJunction - Grand Junction, United States
What a beautiful and fascinating location - right on the sea! There are 2 cities - the Greek city closest to the water and the Roman city above it. The mosaics in the Roman city are amazing, and the museum has some very well-preserved mosaics and sculptures. The audio guide, which is included in the admission price, is available in many languages and really helps you picture life in Empuries.
4. Museu Memorial de l'Exili
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
5. Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya - Ullastret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Located on a small hill, the Iberian city of Ullastret overlooks the gentle and peaceful countryside of the Empordà. Between VIth and IInd centuries BC it was one of the largest concentrations of population in the pre-Roman Iberian Peninsula, and the capital town of the indiketes. Strolling among its streets, houses and stately buildings, exploring its magnificent city walls and visiting the museum, will take you back more than 2.500 years ago, at the heart of the Iberian culture.
Reviewed By discoverbarcelona - Barcelona, Spain
The Iberian settlement at Ullastret is well conserved and takes you back in time. The small museum has a good collection of artefacts from the time of settlement (7 to 4th Century BC) and there is also a 3-D audiovisual experience which we really enjoyed. We visited with children (9, 11, 13) and we all made good use of the audio guides (there is a soundtrack for children and another for adults). Interesting to learn of the connections between this site and the Greek settlement of Empures to the north.
6. Museu dels Sants
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
7. Museu d'Historia Medieval de la Curia-Preso, s.XIV
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By fionabR7474AU - Las Vegas, United States
We found this little museum by accident. It's a very interesting place if you're into the medieval period. They speak English, and audio guides are included in the very cheap entry price. Apart from a very in depth explanation of the artifacts with an audio guide, they also have a really good short movie detailing the life of a medieval man. The museum itself is housed in the old courthouse and jail complex, so once you've seen the artifacts you go down into the original jail cells where you can see graffiti carved into the walls by medieval prisoners. It was super creepy, but absolutely fascinating, and very good value for money.
8. Monasterio de Sant Joan les Fonts
9. Museu d'Historia de Girona
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 78 reviews
10. The Municipal Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 103 reviews
This museum contains modern works of art done by artists who frequented the area in the 1930s, as well as an important archaeological section that places man in Tossa from the Paleolithic era.
