Are you captivated by medieval and Renaissance art? Here are the best museums to visit in Catalonia:
1Montserrat Monastery
Monistrol de MontserratThe Montserrat Monastery, a Benedictine abbey, is situated in Catalonia. It is perched at an altitude of 720 meters on the eastern side of the Montserrat mountain, within the municipality of Monistrol de Montserrat. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility and beauty of the mountainous landscape while exploring the historical and religious significance of the monastery. 2Museum of Montserrat
Monistrol de MontserratThe Museum of Montserrat is located within the Abbey of Montserrat, a thousand-year-old institution. It showcases a selection of the most outstanding artistic and archaeological heritage. This includes a wide range of collections, each unique and different, providing a comprehensive view of various historical periods and cultures. 3Archaeology Museum of Catalonia
GeronaThe Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Gerona is housed in the historic monastery of San Pedro de Galligans. Established in 1857, the museum continues to operate from this location, offering visitors a unique blend of history and culture. The museum's setting in a former monastery adds a layer of historical significance to the artifacts on display. 4Musèu dera Val d'Aran
Viella Mitg AránThe Museo del Valle de Arán, also known as Musèu dera Val d'Aran, is a regional museum located in Viella. It is dedicated to the history, art, ethnography, and ethnology of the Aran Valley. The museum is housed in a late Gothic-style manor house known as the Torre del general Martinón. It also occupies the Casa Joanchiquet in Vilamós and the church of San Juan de Artiés. The museum's main objective is to preserve the Aranese culture in all its aspects, through the different stages and epochs of the Aran Valley. 5Lleida Museum
LleidaThe Lleida Museum, officially known as the Diocesan and Comarcal Lleida Museum, is a significant art and history museum situated in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. It offers a rich collection of art and historical artifacts, making it a notable destination for those interested in art, history, and culture. 6Maricel Museum
SitgesThe Maricel Museum, situated in the heart of Sitges, underwent a significant renovation and reopened its doors in 2015. This central location and its recent refurbishment make it an accessible and modern destination for tourists interested in art and history. 7Girona Art Museum
GeronaThe Girona Art Museum, a public institution, was established in 1976. This was achieved by merging the collections of the provincial fine arts museum with those of the Girona Diocesan Museum. This merger resulted in a rich and diverse collection of artworks and artifacts, making the museum a significant cultural institution in the region. 8Museo Diocesano y Comarcal de Solsona
SolsonaThe Museo Diocesano i Comarcal de Solsona is an art and archaeology museum situated in Solsona, Catalonia, Spain. It is officially registered in the Registry of Museums of Catalonia, bearing the number 20. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in medieval art and archaeology. 9Granollers Museum
GranollersThe Granollers Museum, situated in Granollers, Barcelona, is home to a wide array of collections. These collections span across various fields such as archaeology, decorative arts, ethnography, numismatics, and art from different eras - ancient, modern, and contemporary. This diversity in the museum's collection offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. 10Episcopal Museum of Vic
FolguerolesIn 1995, under the architectural direction of Alfons Milà and Frederic Correa, the old school of Sant Josep, located next to the cathedral, was rebuilt to house the museum's large collections. This move was necessitated by the significant increase in the museum's collections. The new building was designed to accommodate the vast array of artifacts and works of art that the museum had acquired over the years. 11Museum of the Empordà
FigueresThe Museum of the Empordà is an art museum located in Figueres, a city in Catalonia, Spain. It is a destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a rich collection of artworks from various periods and styles.- 12
Diocesan Museum of Tarragona
TarragonaThe Diocesan Museum of Tarragona is a significant part of the Archbishopric of Tarragona. It is conveniently located within the cathedral complex of the Tarragona Cathedral, making it easily accessible for visitors who are exploring the cathedral and its surroundings. 13Manresa Regional Museum
ManresaThe Manresa Regional Museum, officially known as Museu Comarcal de Manresa, is a multidisciplinary museum that was established on September 2, 1896. It was initially named the Archaeological Museum, Public Library and Permanent Artistic Industrial Exhibition. The museum is located in one of the rooms of the city's town hall building. 14L'Esquerda Archaeological Museum
Roda de TerThe L'Esquerda Archaeological Museum, inaugurated in 1988, serves as a repository for materials unearthed from the archaeological excavations at the Iberian settlement of La Esquerda. The museum's primary aim is to make these findings accessible to the public, thereby providing a unique insight into the region's rich historical past.- 15
Museo de Arte Sacra da Colexiata
Ciudad ViejaLocated in a San Pelayo de Antealtares monastery in Santiago, this museum displays vast collection of devotional art. Note the ancient altar. 16Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses
Sant Joan de les AbadessesThe Monastery of Sant Joan de les Abadesses is a significant historical site located in the region of Ripollès, Catalonia, in northern Spain. It was established in the year 885 by a notable figure, count Wilfred the Hairy. This monastery holds a rich history and is a testament to the region's past. 17Monastery of Santa Maria de l'Estany
l'EstanyThe Monastery of Santa Maria, situated in the quaint Catalan town of Estany within the region of Moyanés in Spain, is a site of significant historical and artistic value. In 1931, it was officially declared a Historic Artistic Monument. This recognition underscores the monastery's importance in the cultural and historical landscape of Spain, making it a noteworthy site for tourists interested in history, art, and architecture. 18Fundacio Mapfre
BarcelonaFundacio Mapfre shows a large collection of art coming from various periods of history gathered by Francisco Godia. 19Mataró Museum
MataróThe Mataró Museum is a Spanish museum institution located in Mataró, a city in the Maresme region of Barcelona. The museum's headquarters are in Can Serra, a building constructed in 1565 that showcases the Renaissance architectural style. This historical building adds a unique charm to the museum, making it a fascinating place for tourists interested in history and architecture. 20Casa de la Festa Major
Vilafranca del PenedèsLa Casa de la Fiesta Mayor in Vilafranca del Penedès is situated in the former chicken and offal market. This space is dedicated to the rich folklore of the Fiesta Mayor de Vilafranca del Penedès, a celebration that takes place from August 28 to September 3, in honor of San Félix's day. This location provides a unique insight into the local culture and traditions of Vilafranca del Penedès. 21CaixaForum Girona
GeronaCaixaForum Girona is a hub for a wide array of exhibitions and cultural and educational activities, catering to a diverse audience. The forum is part of a network of CaixaForum centers spread across various locations in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Zaragoza, Palma, Lérida, Tarragona, València, and Macaya. 22L'Enrajolada Santacana House-Museum
MartorellL'Enrajolada-Casa Museo Santacana, situated in Martorell, a province of Barcelona, is recognized as one of the oldest museums in Catalonia, Spain. The museum was established in 1876 by Francesc Santacana i Campmany and was later continued by his grandson, Francesc Santacana i Romeu. This historical establishment offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. 23Sant Boi de Llobregat Museum
Sant Boi de LlobregatThe Sant Boi de Llobregat Museum is dedicated to the recovery, preservation, study, and invigoration of the cultural heritage and historical memory of Sant Boi de Llobregat. This mission is reflected in its diverse collections and exhibitions, which provide a comprehensive overview of the region's history and culture.