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10 History Museums in Catalonia That You Shouldn't Miss
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1. Museo Episcopal de Vic
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
The Episcopal Museum of Vic (MEV), founded in 1891, houses a magnificent collection of medieval art with paintings and sculpture from the Catalan Romanesque and Gothic periods. The collections of precious metals, textiles, wrought ironwork, glass and ceramics offer a comprehensive journey through the history of liturgical and decorative art in Catalonia. This highly prized collection, including over 29,000 pieces, is exhibited in a new building on a site adjoining the cathedral, equipped with state-of-the-art exhibition facilities. Due to the exceptional interest of the museum's collections, in 2001 the museum was declared a museum of national interest by the Government of Catalonia.
Reviewed By Mmarymomm - Pleasanton, United States
This museum was probably the best thing we saw on our entire three week trip. First we viewed an excellent collection of early ivories and then the section with all the medieval art. It is in such good condition! There are painted panels, sculptures, and even a wooden deposition group! We used the audio tour but the further you get away from the main desk the more difficult it is to get reception. The person staffing the front desk was very helpful and added to our excellent opinion of the museum.
2. Museu de les Terres de l'Ebre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
The main building of Terres de l’Ebre Museum in Amposta has two exhibition rooms: “The Terres de l’Ebre: from Prehistory to the Middle Ages” and “The Ebro: a Water Highway”. Through a fascinating scenography, visitors can learn about the different cultures that have made the Terres de l’Ebre their home throughout history. You can also see how this great Iberian river has shaped the landscape and the lives of its people with its great natural wealth, diverse ways of life and the strategic situation on the river banks. The museum has important nature, archaeology and ethnology collections with more than 35,000 objects that represent the memory of the territory in the form of material and immaterial assets.
3. 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!
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. Museu Nacional de la Ciencia i la Tecnica de Catalunya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Through former industrial textile manufacturing spaces and the spectacular architecture of this Modernist building the museum shows the evolution of scientific and technological advances in Catalonia, paying special attention to their industrial application and their effect on society.
7. Museu d'Historia de Cambrils
8. Museu Memorial de l'Exili
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
9. L'Enrajolada, Casa Museo Santacana
10. Museo Memorial Batalla de l'Ebre Gandesa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By NickT296 - Manchester, United Kingdom
I went here about 6 years ago and recently returned. It is an excellent museum for those with a special interest in the Spanish Civil War (still a raw subject) or just a general interest in modern history. The audio-visual display is exceptional and the account of the Battle of the Ebro on the countryside and society very interesting.
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