Púbol: Gala-Dalí Castle and Gothic Architecture

Púbol is well suited to a trip focused on cultural history: the Gala-Dalí Castle combines a medieval structure with works of art, while Sant Pere and Can Carles feature Gothic architectural details. The church stands next to the castle, placing the history of the buildings and church architecture side by side in a specific local setting. Púbol lies on the right bank of the Riera de Púbol. Walls incorporated into older buildings are also part of the historic townscape.

The Gala-Dalí Castle: Building History and Art

The basic structure of the Gala-Dalí Castle dates from the second half of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century. Paintings and drawings that Dalí gave to Gala are on display in the castle. The architecture and the gift thus offer two different points of entry: the historic fabric of the building and the works of art that Gala received. Individual displays may change. The introduction to the castle visit lasts approximately 20 minutes and can be planned as a separate time slot. Before travelling, check whether the introduction is scheduled for your visit date.

Gothic Architecture in the Church and Houses

Sant Pere de Púbol is a remarkable Gothic church. It was built next to the castle from 1327 to 1341. Its single-nave church has side chapels and ends in a polygonal, five-sided apse. “Single-nave” describes the church’s main space, which is complemented by the side chapels. The shape of the apse is another feature of the floor plan. The façade stands out for its tracery rose window and a portal bearing the coat of arms of the Campllong-Corbera family. Sant Pere therefore offers specific architectural details in both its exterior and its floor plan.

Can Carles offers a different accent: the building has a Gothic façade and a portal with a voussoir arch. The term describes an arch made of wedge-shaped stones and specifies the portal’s form more precisely than the general classification as Gothic. Together with Sant Pere, it offers a contrast between a church with a rose window, a portal bearing a coat of arms and an elaborate floor plan, and a building with a distinctive arched portal. These different architectural features help define the character of the town.

Walls, Riverside Setting and Getting There

Walls to the west of the castle and church once formed an enclosure; they have been incorporated into old buildings. The townscape thus draws attention not only to individual buildings but also to walls that have become part of older development. Its location on the right bank of the Riera de Púbol adds a specific landscape dimension to this built environment. To get there, an asphalt road near La Pera leads directly from the regional road to Púbol. Check local navigation conditions before setting off.

Opening Hours and Festa Major

In the 2026 seasonal schedule, the Gala-Dalí Castle was open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from 1 July to 6 September. For a later visit, please check the opening hours that apply to your date. The Festa Major de Púbol may also be of interest when planning your trip: it takes place on 15 August. Check the current municipal programme for your travel year, as the annual schedules and performers vary. One festival programme featured a concert and dance after a Sardana performance, and concluded with the traditional fan dance.

For the broader travel overview: La Pera.