Located not far from the French border, Figueres owes its fame primarily to the fact that it was the birth and death place of the great Salvador Dalí. There are many places in the city that make reference to the artist, but it should be noted that Figueres also has its own charm and many other assets. Picturesque streets, architectural heritage and local gastronomy make it a choice stopover in the north of Spain for anyone who wishes to enjoy a city on a human scale and definitely not lacking in character

Invitation to stroll and discover a rich heritage

In Figueres, one inevitably takes the time to wander through the streets and alleys of the city centre and to stop in some of the many squares. These are all places where you can admire the architecture of the main monuments. Starting with the Plaza de l'Ajuntament, lined with arcades, and continuing with the Plaza de la Iglesia and the Plaza Gala-Salvador Dalí. From these two of the city's landmarks, we can admire respectively the Church of Sant Pere, whose oldest remains date from the 10th and 11th centuries and which was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style after the Spanish Civil War, and the Theatre-Museum of Figueres, considered to be Dalí's greatest work. Indeed, how can one not be surprised by its style, especially by the red of the rear façade and the monumental eggs that adorn a building that turns out to be a masterpiece of Surrealism. The square in front of the Theatre-Museum is also decorated with sculptures by Dalí.

At 20 rue Monturiol, the façade of Casa Puig, the birthplace of the multi-talented artist, is unveiled to the public. It is the work of the architect Josep Azemar and shines with its modernist style. A trend that can also be seen in other buildings in the city. And this is another of Figueres' great interests, offering a wide range of architectural styles: baroque, art nouveau, eclecticism and rationalism are found in the buildings on the perimeter of La Rambla, the heart of the city. Those who like to see the secrets of a city being told appreciate the guided tour "Discover Figueres, the city of the Empordà", in which we visit the main places of interest in the city while learning more about how it has gone through history. This visit can be booked at the Tourist Office in the Plaza de l'Escorxador

A trip to Figueres cannot be made without visiting another jewel, the castle of Sant Ferran. This summer, on a free stroll, visitors will discover an impregnable fortress perched on a hill. Its impressive dimensions and exceptional 18th century military architecture make it a remarkable monument

In Figueres, culture takes centre stage, with the presence of several museums. There is, of course, the inevitable Dalí Theatre-Museum, which allows visitors to discover the artist's main works and enter his world on its own, but there are also other places of interest such as the Empordà Museum and its vast collection of works highlighting the Catalan art scene, and the Toy Museum of Catalonia, which is sure to capture the attention of children

Enjoy yourself, between shopping and gastronomy

At any time of the day, a stroll through Figueres is a joyful moment to discover the many narrow streets paved with tiles and the ochre-coloured façades of the buildings give the city a generous luminosity and Mediterranean charm. The streets come alive with passers-by who stop at the shops like the Rambla, an unmissable promenade and nerve centre. Figueres is renowned for its vast pedestrian shopping area, which is a delight for those who want to indulge in ready-to-wear, home decoration and food. On market days, when you reach the area between Plaça del Gra and Plaça Catalunya, take the time to discover the stalls that showcase fruit and vegetables from local producers, as well as the few stalls that offer pata negra, Serrano ham and sausages that awaken the taste buds of passers-by. You can also take advantage of this opportunity to fill your basket with food for aperitifs and meals

La Rambla, like the city's main squares, is home to bars, cafés and restaurants that showcase the local drinks and gastronomy. At Km0, many restaurants offer quality cuisine made with seasonal products. The cuisine of Figueres is based on the gastronomic tradition of the Alt Empordà, with meat dishes in sauce as well as typical fish dishes from the Costa Brava.Of particular note is the delicacy of one of the basic ingredients, olive oil. And to accompany the dishes, nothing like enjoying a good glass of D.O. Empordà wines

Due to the current health crisis and in order to welcome holidaymakers in the best possible conditions, Figueres Town Council has created the "Stop Covid 19" label. This is a certification from which establishments (hotels, restaurants, shops, public facilities, etc.) can benefit and which guarantees that the structures comply with a rigorous protocol to combat coronavirus. With such wealth and great consideration for the safety of all, Figueres can be a place of prediction for all lovers of Spain

More information on the Figueres Tourist Office website as well as on the Facebook and Instagram pages