Our Visit to Púbol Castle

Hello dear travelers. I hope you haven’t had much time to miss me. Today I’m sharing my second post dedicated to the famous painter Salvador Dalí. However, this time the focus will shift more towards his wife Gala, whose real name was Elena Dyakonova. She rarely used her real name, adopting the name "Gala" which means celebration or festival. In my first post I visited Dalí’s house in Port Lligat, which you can find here. This time, I’d like to share my experience visiting the castle in Púbol.

Salvador Dalí gifted a castle in the small Spanish town of Púbol to Gala. The castle was in a rather dilapidated state when Dalí personally restored it and presented it to her. We set off to explore this remarkable place. But as we all know, you can’t begin an adventure on an empty stomach. 😁 So we started by looking for a place to have lunch. We chose a cozy restaurant started with some appetizers and a salad and followed up with a hearty main course.

The town of Púbol is small and exudes a historic charm. Its narrow medieval-style streets and old buildings are decorated with Catalan flags. Next to the castle stands a small church, Santa Pere Church, built in the 14th century. It remains one of the most important historical landmarks of the town. The castle which Dalí bought for Gala in 1968, now serves as a museum.

As we entered the castle, we were captivated by the colorful leaves scattered across the ground, creating a stunning sight. Strolling through the lush greenery of the garden was delightful. From the horse sculpture Gala adored to the fig trees, every detail reflected Dalí’s deep affection for his wife.

When Gala accepted this castle as a gift, she laid down a unique condition: You will not enter unless I invite you in writing. This stipulation speaks volumes about both the depth of their relationship and Gala’s independent spirit. Inside, we explored the rooms where Gala rested, the blue salon and various other spaces connected by narrow passages. The castle stands as a testament to Dalí’s love for his wife, making it both a historical and artistic marvel.

This journey was impressive as it allowed us to glimpse into the extraordinary lives of Dalí and Gala. The castle beautifully illustrates how detailed and thoughtful Dalí’s love for his wife was. Every corner of the castle was designed with Gala’s preferences in mind. For instance, since Gala disliked the sight of radiators and heating systems, Dalí cleverly concealed them all. This attention to detail showcases both Gala’s meticulous nature and Dalí’s devoted love.

Throughout the castle, the letter "G" is prominently displayed in various rooms and decorations, emphasizing that this was Gala’s domain.

One particularly intriguing feature was a unique table designed to resemble it was resting on ostrich legs. We also spotted Gala’s favorite horse sculpture integrated into the table’s design. Every corner of the castle is imbued with Gala’s personality and Dalí’s artistic genius.

This visit was not only a walk through history but also an intimate encounter with the love and art that shaped Dalí and Gala’s world.

One of the most intriguing details we encountered was the bizarre and somewhat eerie chess pieces Salvador Dalí dedicated to Marcel Duchamp. Dalí’s creativity is not confined to his paintings; it also shines through in such decorative elements.

Inside the castle, there are numerous details reflecting Dalí’s melting clocks theme. For instance, the red bedroom and the intricately designed blue salon were particularly impressive. We also had the chance to see Dalí’s designs for the garden, swimming pool and ceilings, which were prepared during the castle's renovation.

The kitchen offers a fascinating blend of historical ambiance and modern functionality. A massive hood, an old-style oven and elegant silver cutlery complete the aesthetic of the castle. Traditional objects used in the castle, like a parron bottle for serving wine, showcase a seamless blend of Gala and Dalí’s lifestyles.

Dalí’s studio is undoubtedly one of the most captivating parts of the castle. It features his brushes and other tools on display. The studio opens directly into the garden, reflecting Dalí’s deep connection with nature.

Finally the castle’s garage houses a Cadillac that Gala and Dalí used. This classic car preserves memories of their shared journeys. The castle is not just a building but a masterpiece through which Dalí expressed his profound love for Gala. Every corner brims with details that reflect an artist’s love and imagination.

The Cadillac is impressive in size. You can also see the car Gala used for trips into town, with Salvador Dalí often in the background of those moments. Another highlight is the swimming pool, one of Dalí’s creative projects we had seen in his earlier sketches. Gala could sit here and enjoy the beauty of the garden.

The garden is adorned with several elephant statues, a fascinating touch. One of the elephants sparkles under the sun, adding a unique charm to the space. These statues make the garden feel special. Interestingly, there were almost no tourists during our visit; it was just us, making our tour even more peaceful and enjoyable. We could explore every corner at our own pace.

After exploring the castle, we visited the gift shop. It offered a wide variety of items: magnets for 4 euros, t-shirts for 34.90 euros, books and DVDs for 15 euros and children’s coloring books priced around 8 euros.

The castle tour took about an hour and 15 minutes and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The serene atmosphere and the lack of crowds were major pluses for us. Before saying goodbye to the area, we made a stop in the nearby town of La Bisbal. This town is famous for its ceramic products, which are sold all over Catalonia.

We explored several shops, admiring the colorful plates, pots and various handmade items on display. These ceramics are stunning and make excellent souvenirs. My favorites were the small figurines and decorative plates. Each shop felt like an artist’s studio, with every corner offering a new treasure to discover.

La Bisbal is just 5 kilometers away and is a fantastic place for anyone interested in Catalan ceramics. If you’re visiting the area I highly recommend stopping by.