Girona and the “Dali Triangle” are destinations known to the lucky few who travel Spain. This area in Catalonia is one of the undiscovered gems of Spain. Girona is about 100 km from Barcelona, but no one who chooses to travel Spain should miss this lovely area. Easily accessible by train, bus or even automobile from Barcelona, this destination recalls some of spain’s most interesting history and one of its greatest artistic minds.

Girona is an beautiful, quaint town with an long history. The town was inhabited by Romans, Jews and Moors at different times in Spain’s history, and traces of each group can be seen in this lovely city. The local dialect is Catalan, not Spanish, but the language of the lovely sights will speak to all visitors.

The Old Quarter is the center of the town’s historic district, filled with medieval arches and dark, winding passageways that recall a different era. Filled with churches, lovely old houses and cobblestone drives, this picturesque section of town has homes dating from the middle ages and several lovely cathedrals.

The old Jewish neighborhood, called El Call is particularly interesting to explore. An old roman tower and the Jewish History Museum are of interest to many, as is the town’s art museum featuring over 1000 years of artworks.

A promenade similar to the one in Barcelona, “La Rambla” will bring to mind a simpler time. This lovely street with overhanging trees, shops, little cafes and great restaurants has changed a little since medieval times, but it’s charm hasn’t lessened.

Nearby, visitors can explore “Dali’s Triangle,” a region just north of Girona and continuing to several destinations important in the life of this controversial artist. In Figueres, visitors can tour the third most visited museum, the Dali designed Museum-Theater. Fancifully designed by the artist himself, this building features large white eggs on the roof, a bright red color and loaves of bread made of glazed ceramics on the outside walls. Inside, visitors can view several of Dali’s most famous works, including “Rainy Taxi.” Dali is buried on site.

In the fishing village of Port Lligat visitors can view Dali’s home. In this isolated hamlet, Dali built several homes together for himself and his wife, Gala. Some of the original décor is intact, including one of his famous “lip sofas.” Of course, the nearby Club Med was not built in Dali’s time, but it could make for an enjoyable stopover.

After visiting the home and Museum that Dali built, visitors touring the Dali triangle will want to stop by the castle in Pubol. Dali purchased the 11th century structure in the 1960’s for his wife, although she banned him from the residence for almost a decade in the 1970‘s. The golden throne that he installed for Gala is still there, and several unusual statues including elephants and other animals are in the gardens. A stuffed hourse guards the door, and several stuffed swans are installed inside.

If you are planning a visit to Spain, travel to Girona and the Dali Triangle for some truly beautiful and inspirational sights. This little-known area of Spain offers its tourists some of the most unique and controversial experiences that the region has to offer.