Púbol is a small village in the Baix Empordà district, in the province of Girona, in Catalonia, part of the municipality of La Pera. It is famous for its medieval castle, which Salvador Dalí bought in 1969 and gave to his wife Gala, his muse.
The castle's story
Púbol castle, a Gothic building from the 14th century, was in ruins when Dalí bought it. He restored and decorated it for Gala, respecting its old look while adding his surrealist touches. At Gala's wish, Dalí could visit only after receiving a written invitation. Gala spent long periods here until her death in 1982, and is buried in the castle crypt. After her death Dalí lived here for two years, until a fire in his bedroom in 1984 led him to move to Figueres.
The Gala Dalí Castle House-Museum
Today the castle is a museum run by the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation. You can see:
- the decorated rooms, with the ceiling Dalí painted in the throne room, furniture, objects and painted false doors;
- Gala's collection of haute couture, by Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior and other designers;
- the garden, with sculptures of long-legged elephants, the fountain with heads of Wagner and the pool;
- the crypt, with Gala's tomb and, beside it, the empty one prepared for Dalí, who was instead buried in Figueres;
- the Cadillac in which Dalí accompanied Gala's body.
The museum opens roughly from March to early January, with seasonal hours; it closes in winter.
The Dalí triangle
Púbol is one corner of the Dalí triangle, with the Theatre-Museum in Figueres and the house at Portlligat in Cadaqués. All three can be visited in two days.
Around Púbol
The Baix Empordà has beautiful medieval villages: Peratallada, Pals, Monells and Cruïlles. The coast, with Calella de Palafrugell and Begur, is about half an hour away.
Getting there
Púbol is about 20 km from Girona. The nearest railway station is Flaçà, about 4 km away. A car is the easiest option.