Five historic sites near Barcelona you won’t want to miss

Starting from the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site , then moving to the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar in the Born district. Passing through Tossa de Mar to the Castillo Gala Dalí and ending at the Ruins of Empúrie. Here’s what to see in Catalonia during a slow stroll through Barcelona.

By La Roca Village

Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site: The most beautiful hospital in the world

The largest Modernist architectural complex in Europe (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner as a garden city for the sick. A stunning example of architectural prowess; it’s home to a spire crowning the façade, ceramic arches, tiles and wrought-iron gates which welcome visitors into its gardens. This serene creativity carries through to its interiors, with intricate designs paying homage to the surrounding natural beauty. A visit to the 600-year old Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site isn’t free, but once you step through its gates, you’ll agree it’s worth every penny.

DID YOU KNOW?
During Barcelona Fashion Week, the venue usually plays host to 080 Barcelona Fashion – a catwalk show which brings together established designers and new talent from across Spain.

Coach

Yellow mini shoulder bag

Lacoste

Orange cardigan

Swarovski

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Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar: the Born district's emblem

The basilica has survived a fire, an earthquake and two bombings in its almost seven centuries of history. The devotion and effort of the Born neighbourhood in Barcelona’s residents has kept this architectural jewel standing. Although its austere architecture is the perfect example of Catalonian Gothic, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar has become a must-see in the Catalan capital. Not just for its impressive design, but thanks – in part – to La Catedral del Mar, the novel by Ildefonso Falcones, and the hit TV series.

DID YOU KNOW?
Football fans will enjoy the stained-glass windows, which carry the Fútbol Club Barcelona’s coat of arms in tribute of the club's sponsorship from the 1960s.

Levi's®

Beige chinos

Sandro

Leather gloves

Sandro

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Romans, pirates and Hollywood in Tossa de Mar

If we talk about the town that conquered the Romans, was besieged by pirates and was fallen in love with by actors and singers, the question of what to see and do in Tossa de Mar answers itself. Stroll through its narrow streets, climb the lighthouse, the towers and the turrets, then discover the fishermen's quarter of Sa Roqueta and its beaches’ natural beauty. It’s no wonder this coastal town was chosen as the setting for the film Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (starring Ava Gardner and James Mason) and attracted leading artists, including Frank Sinatra, as a place for pure escapism.

TOP TIP
Surrounded by pine trees, with turquoise blue waters and golden sands, the beauty of Sa Roqueta’s beaches and coves are so timeless, they warrant a visit all year round. Pay a visit to two of our favourites: Cala Giverola and Cala del Senyor Ramon. You won’t be disappointed…

Maje

Satin dress with ruffles

Sandro

Green and Blue Checkered Tote Bag

Etnia Barcelona

Laquin sunglasses

Castillo Gala Dalí de Púbol: the fortress of art and love

Gala was much more than Salvador Dalí's muse and sweetheart. As the writer Virginia Woolf explained in her essay A Room of One's Own, every woman needs a space in which to create – though in this case, it was a castle. An art dealer, writer and creative (she created the famous 'shoe hat' with Elsa Schiaparelli), her fortress in Púbol was witness to many of these creations (and a creation in itself). After the Gala’s death and burial at the fortress, it became her beloved Dalí's studio until his passing in 1989. It was not until 1996, however, that the Gala Dalí Castle Museum opened to the public.

DID YOU KNOW?
You can also view her bedroom, pieces from her boudoir, her throne, the couple’s blue Cadillac and some of Dalí's works during a visit here.

Lola Casademunt

Long red dress

Dali: The Wines of Gala entia Barcelona la roca village outlet

Etnia Barcelona

Dali: The Wines of Gala

Etro

Printed wool cape

Classical Greece and Rome come together at the Ruins of Empúries

A trip to the Costa Brava wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic Ruins of Empúries. Containing the remains of early Greek civilisation, which was settled in 600 BC, the site is considered the gateway to the Iberian Peninsula’s Western classical culture. Early excavations began in 1908, with work still being completed to uncover the archaeological site's full extent. Located between L'Escala and the tiny village of Sant Martí d'Empúries, you’ll find the Roman city at the top of the scenic hill climb.

TOP TIP
Although you can visit the site alone, we recommend the guided or virtual reality tour of the Roman Domus to explore every detail of its mesmerising history.