Girona History Museum
Explore Girona's past from Roman times to contemporary eras within a stunning 18th-century convent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better focus
Girona History Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Girona's past from Roman times to contemporary eras within a stunning 18th-century convent.
"Many find walking around the city is way better for understanding Girona's history."
🗣️ Seek Out the Audio Guide
The free audio guide is super useful for understanding exhibits, especially if English translations are scarce.
📝 Grab the Description Sheets
Look for the plastic sheets at the start of each floor for English descriptions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Treasures
Medieval Section
Discover fascinating garments and artifacts that bring Girona's medieval past to life.
Roman Echoes
Roman Section
Glimpse remnants of Girona's ancient past with Roman busts and artifacts.
Contemporary Girona
Contemporary Section
Trace the city's evolution from the Middle Ages through to post-World War II.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Language Barrier Alert
Beyond the Museum Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Seek Out the Audio Guide
The free audio guide is super useful for understanding exhibits, especially if English translations are scarce.
📝 Grab the Description Sheets
Look for the plastic sheets at the start of each floor for English descriptions.
🚶♀️ Explore the City First
Many find walking around Girona offers a richer historical experience than the museum itself. +1
💰 Worth the Entrance Fee
Despite translation issues, some find the exhibits interesting enough to justify the ticket price.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Seek Out the Audio Guide
The free audio guide is super useful for understanding exhibits, especially if English translations are scarce.
📝 Grab the Description Sheets
Look for the plastic sheets at the start of each floor for English descriptions.
🚶♀️ Explore the City First
Many find walking around Girona offers a richer historical experience than the museum itself. +1
💰 Worth the Entrance Fee
Despite translation issues, some find the exhibits interesting enough to justify the ticket price.
🏛️ Appreciate the Building
The 18th-century convent setting is larger and more impressive than it appears from the outside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Girona History Museum to be an informative, though sometimes challenging, experience due to a significant lack of English translations for many exhibits. While the medieval and Roman sections are appreciated, some feel the collection is modest for a city with such deep history. Many suggest that exploring Girona's streets offers a more comprehensive historical immersion.
"A museum is a place one goes to learn new things. In this one everything is only in Catalan so must of what is displayed remains a mystery. Also: for a city with so much history as Girona one would expect a bit more than a couple of Roman busts and a few medieval garments. Walk around the city, it’s way better…"
Fulvia Mancini
"Most items have no English explanation. There's not much to see in there. Walking outside is a much better way to learn about Girona. Go to The Cinema Museum instead."
G*R*L
"Very informative and thorough description of the history of Girona - from the Middle Ages to post World War II. Make sure to use the plastic papers with the descriptions of each section at the beginning of each floor - as the majority of objects don't have English translation! The free audio guide was super useful as well. Overall a very good experience!"
Giorgia Dimiccoli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Girona History Museum is centrally located within the city. You can easily reach it by walking from most parts of the old town. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes.
Street parking in the historic center can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages like the one at Plaça de Catalunya, which is a short walk away.
Yes, the Girona History Museum is a great addition to a day trip from Barcelona. The train journey is frequent and takes about 40 minutes.
Many visitors suggest combining a visit to the museum with a self-guided walking tour of the city's historic streets and Jewish Quarter.
While the museum offers an audio guide, consider booking a local walking tour for a more comprehensive understanding of Girona's rich past.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission fees are generally reasonable. Some visitors find it worth the entrance fee for the insights provided, even with limited English translations.
Booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially during off-peak times. However, for peak season or group visits, it might be advisable.
Check the museum's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for any available discounts for students, seniors, or other groups.
Information on whether a Girona City Pass includes entry to the History Museum should be verified on the pass provider's website or the museum's official site.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Unfortunately, many exhibits have limited or no English descriptions. It's highly recommended to use the plastic description sheets available at each floor or the audio guide. +1
While it offers historical context, the lack of English explanations might make it less engaging for younger children. Consider it more for older children or history enthusiasts.
A typical visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend deciphering the exhibits.
The museum is housed in an old convent, so accessibility might be limited in certain areas. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
Utilize the available audio guide and description sheets. Focus on the visual aspects of the artifacts and imagine the historical context.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography might be prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for signage or ask staff.
The medieval section with its garments and the Roman busts can be visually interesting. The architecture of the former convent itself is also photogenic.
Visitors often share close-ups of artifacts, architectural details of the convent, and sometimes selfies with historical backdrops.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for more relaxed photography without people in the background.
Professional photography or videography usually requires prior permission from the museum administration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternatively, many families find that exploring Girona's well-preserved medieval streets, walking along the city walls, or visiting the more visually engaging Cinema Museum offers a more accessible and enjoyable historical experience for younger audiences. These activities allow for more active discovery and can spark curiosity without the reliance on extensive textual information.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
To maximize your experience, make full use of the free audio guide and the supplementary description sheets available at each floor. These resources are crucial for understanding the context and significance of the exhibits. Many history enthusiasts also recommend complementing the museum visit with a thorough exploration of Girona's historic center, including its famous Jewish Quarter, to gain a more holistic understanding of the city's rich past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Language Barrier
Despite this challenge, some visitors still find the museum worthwhile. They suggest focusing on the visual aspects of the exhibits and using the provided supplementary materials to piece together the historical narrative. The medieval garments and Roman busts are frequently mentioned as particularly interesting pieces that can be appreciated even with limited textual information.
Ultimately, managing expectations and being prepared with the available resources are key to a more fulfilling visit. Embrace the opportunity to learn through visual cues and supplementary guides to overcome the language barrier and appreciate the historical depth of the Girona History Museum.
Girona's History: Museum vs. City Exploration
Redditors and social media creators often suggest that walking around the city itself provides a more immersive and comprehensive historical experience. The well-preserved medieval architecture, the historic Jewish Quarter (El Call), and the city walls offer tangible connections to Girona's layered past. This approach allows visitors to actively discover history rather than passively observe it through exhibits that may not be fully accessible.
Therefore, a balanced approach is recommended. Consider the Girona History Museum as a supplementary resource to deepen your understanding after or before exploring the city. Prioritize walking tours, self-guided explorations, and soaking in the atmosphere of Girona's historic center to truly appreciate its rich and enduring legacy.
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