Figueres, Spain {Part VII of VII}

After visiting the picturesque Montserrat, the final stop on my list for this road trip is the town of Figueres, situated at the northeast corner of Spain near Costa Brava.

Much like many other Spanish towns, Figueres has a historic center boasting impressive neo-classical architecture, encircled by a medieval wall that’s more than 3 kilometers long. It has an 18th century Castle of Sant Ferran sitting on top of a hill, and also a main promenade La Rambla where commercial activities take place. Typical and somewhat insipid?

Hold on, Figueres does have something pretty extraordinary up its sleeves.


Above: The exterior of the Teatre Museu Gala Salvador Dalí building.

Just like how Barcelona is synonymous with the magnificent architect Gaudí and his great works, Figueres is similarly so with the flamboyant and eccentric artist, Salvador Dalí. Born in 1904 and laid to rest 84 years later in this very town, Dalí is recognised world-wide for his surrealist works and his iconic moustache trademark.

Designed by the man himself and housing several of his renowned whimsical, dream-like and provocative pieces, the Dalí Theatre Museum is definitely a 'must-see' attraction in Figueres for fans and non-fans alike!







Above: My favourite installation has got to be this one called "The Face of Mae West" - a painting of a 19th century American actress that came to life in the form of a living space!










Above: One of the few souvenir shops outside the museum that sell replicas of Dalí's works and other surrealist-themed art works.


Above: The Church of Sant Pere, where Dalí had his baptism, first communion and later, his funeral. After death, Dalí's body was buried in a crypt at the basement of his museum.



Together with the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Teatre Museu Gala Salvador Dalí in Figueres certainly goes into my list of favourite museums in Spain.

Finally, we've come to the end of my series of posts on the road-trip. Look out for my new posts soon!

Montserrat, Spain {Part VI of VII}

One of the destinations I’ve always wanted to visit in the Cataluña region is Montserrat.

Quite some time ago, I came across the unforgettable photo of a Benedictine Abbey nestled high up in the most unusual looking serrated mountain range (hence the name Montserrat). The jagged mountains resemble saw-like teeth that are actually pretty ugly in a fascinating way!

Montserrat is particularly well known for its Basilica that houses the much revered 12th century Black Madonna wooden sculpture, as well as the choirboys who perform there daily.

Apart from the religious significance, Montserrat also attracts visitors simply because of the tranquil surroundings and stunning views it offers. About 1.5hrs away from Girona and only 1hr away from bustling Barcelona, it literally feels like another world all together up there.

The highest point of the mountain range can be reached on foot after arriving at the top funicular station of Sant Jeroni. It may take a whole day to explore and fully enjoy Montserrat, but it is without a doubt, worth every minute!



Incredibly foggy when we first got there, the skies eventually cleared up, revealing the massive rock face.









Several buildings make up the entire complex. Besides the basilica, some of the other buildings include museums, hotel & apartments, a tourist centre, a huge cafeteria and gift shop.

Girona, Spain {Part V of VII}

After travelling through the French cities of Lourdes, Toulouse & Carcassonne, we finally crossed back into the Spanish border, arriving in the evening at the city of Girona.

Girona may not be as popular as Barcelona (which is just an hour plus away), but it does make an attractive stop-over spot. Easy to explore on foot, the old town of Girona offers a mix of attractions that include the old city walls, churches, museums and an old Jewish quarter.



Running through the heart of the city is the Onyar River, and one of the ‘must do’ (also my favourite on the list) is to get onto one of the many bridges for a picturesque view of the riverside houses along it.

Then, take a stroll down Rambla de Libertat, the main thoroughfare which runs parallel to the river in the old town. As the street gradually tapers and splits, get lost in the narrow cobbled stone alleys and stairs… you’ll never know what you’ll chance upon.










Above: Expect the unexpected - I walked right into a face-off between a car and a giant bee! All part of the Festival de Sant Narcis street celebrations.