Visit Gala Dalí Castle – Salvador Dalí’s romantic gift in Púbol
Explore Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, a 13km walk from Flaçà. Discover Dalí’s surrealist garden, Gala’s tomb, and the medieval retreat near Barcelona
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About Salvador and Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol Village
The Gala Dalí Castle is located in the small Catalan village of Púbol, about 4km from Flaçà Regional Renfe train station. Although Púbol is not directly served by rail or bus, visitors can reach it via an easy 13km circular walking route from Flaçà. This scenic path passes through farmland, the picturesque village of La Pera, before arriving at Púbol. The return route to Flaça is via the hamlet of Pedrinyà.
Salvador Dalí (1904–1989), the celebrated Catalan surrealist painter, purchased the castle in 1969 when it was almost in ruins. He restored it sympathetically as a secluded retreat for his wife Gala Dalí, giving her a quiet refuge away from his eccentric and hectic life in Figueres, where he was creating the famous Dalí Theatre Museum.
The Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol forms one corner of what is known as the Dalí Triangle, a trio of sites that together tell the story of Salvador Dalí’s life and work in Catalonia. The other two corners are the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres, where Dalí is buried and which houses his most ambitious creations, and Dalí’s house in Portlligat near Cadaqués, his long‑time residence and studio on the Costa Brava. Visiting all three sites offers a complete journey through Dalí’s artistic universe, from his intimate retreat with Gala in Púbol to his surrealist masterpieces in Figueres and his coastal inspiration in Cadaqués.
What to see inside Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol
The castle’s origins date back to the 11th century, with the current structure dating from the late 14th to early 15th centuries. After Dalí’s restoration, the ground floor became a garage housing his horse‑drawn carriage and a Cadillac. The first floor, accessed via a staircase in the inner courtyard, is the main living space. Here you’ll find a reception hall leading to a lounge and piano room, which connects to two bedrooms. Gala’s bedroom includes a bathroom with a magnificent fireplace. On the opposite side of the first floor are a kitchen, dining room, and main hall, which also contains Dalí’s painting studio and another striking fireplace.
From the main hall, stairs lead to the garden — a maze‑like space with winding paths, statues, a pond, and a green pagoda. The garden combines classical Greek‑style figures with Dalí’s surrealist elephant sculptures, making it one of the highlights of the visit.
Dalí purchased the castle as a romantic gift for Gala, whom he adored. He also maintained a home and studio in Portlligat near Cadaqués, but Púbol became Gala’s private sanctuary. In the garden, alongside the elephant sculptures, visitors can admire several original Dalí works.
The basement of the castle houses Gala Dalí’s tomb, where she was interred upon her death in 1982. Salvador Dalí himself is buried in the Figueres Theatre Museum.
Salvador Dalí and Gala Dalí’s relationship
Gala was born Elena Ivanovna Diakonova in 1894 in Kazan, then part of the Russian Empire. She was first married to French poet Paul Éluard in 1917, and they had a daughter, Cécile Éluard, in 1918.
In 1929, Gala and Éluard met the young surrealist Dalí at a film premiere. There was an immediate attraction, and Dalí invited the couple to spend the summer at his family home in Cadaqués. Gala and Dalí began living together that same year. According to Dalí’s own accounts, their relationship was unconventional: they were not sexually active with each other, and Gala was free to pursue affairs, including with her former husband. Dalí often described himself as enjoying watching her with other men or showing others images of her naked.
Dalí and Gala married secretly in a civil ceremony in 1934, later reaffirming their vows publicly in 1958 in a Catholic church. Gala became Dalí’s muse and appeared in many of his greatest works. Dalí even stipulated that he could only enter the castle with Gala’s written permission, underscoring her authority over the space.
In his 1973 book Confessions inconfessables, Dalí described the castle as a “Galactic cathedral” dedicated to Gala: “Everything celebrates the cult of Gala, even the round room, with its perfect echo that crowns the building as a whole and which is like a dome of this Galactic cathedral. When I walk around this house, I look at myself and I see my concentricity. I like its Moorish rigour. I needed to offer Gala a case more solemnly worthy of our love. That is why I gave her a mansion built on the remains of a 12th‑century castle: the old castle of Púbol in La Bisbal, where she would reign like an absolute sovereign (Marques of Dalí of Púbol), right up to the point that I could visit her only by hand‑written invitation from her. I limited myself to the pleasure of decorating her ceilings so that when she raised her eyes, she would always find me in her sky.”
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Visiting Salvador and Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol
Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol has been open to the public since 1996 as a museum space, allowing visitors to explore the intimate retreat that Salvador Dalí created for Gala.
The castle is open daily from 10:30h to 18:00h, closing only on Mondays. It is advisable to check opening times in advance, especially during holidays.
Please note that the cloakroom remains closed, and bags larger than 35x35x25cm are not permitted inside. When I visited, I was asked to wear my rucksack on my chest to avoid damaging the furniture. This rule is strictly enforced to protect the delicate interiors.
Because there is a limited number of visitors allowed at any time, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance to secure entry.
If you are walking from Flaçà train station, allow approximately two hours to reach Gala Dalí Castle via the circular route through La Pera.
Note: At present, I cannot publish photos of the castle’s interior, but I am seeking rights clearance from the Dalí Foundation to include them in future updates.
After visiting Gala Dalí Castle, stroll down to Plaza de la Constitución in Púbol to discover the Caterina Roma Studio & Gallery. Entry is free, and the gallery showcases beautiful pottery pieces. There is also a shop where you can purchase a unique handmade souvenir.
Highlights of the route to Púbol Castle
Mas Roig (Flaçà) is a ruined stone farmhouse from the 16th Century. Notable features include the roman arch doorways and fortified construction around a central square.
The route passes through the historic village of La Pera. Nestled among farmland and sunflower fields, La Pera is a picturesque stop with its narrow streets and stone houses.
Visitors can explore several points of interest in La Pera:
- Testa de Pedra – A stone head sculpture in the wall of a building whose mouth also serves as drainage. View on Google Maps
- Ajuntament de La Pera – the town hall, located in next to the church, is a fine example of traditional Catalan civic architecture with the top floor being an open gallery (today enclosed by windows). View on Google Maps
- Sant Isidor de La Pera – the parish church dedicated to Saint Isidore, patron of farmers, reflects the agricultural heritage of the region. View on Google Maps
Exploring Pedrinyà hamlet on the return route to Flaçà
On the circular walking route back from Púbol Castle to Flaçà, you will pass through the tiny hamlet of Pedrinyà. This rural settlement is even smaller than La Pera, with only a handful of houses surrounded by agricultural fields, offering a quiet glimpse of traditional Catalan countryside life.
The highlight of Pedrinyà is the Església de Sant Andreu de Pedrinyà, a Romanesque chapel dating from the 11th–12th centuries. This stone single‑nave church is worth walking all the way around to appreciate its simple yet striking architecture, the surrounding gardens, and the small adjoining cemetery. View Sant Andreu de Pedrinyà on Google Maps
Walking to Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol with a dog
The walking route to Púbol is pleasant with a dog, but dogs are not permitted inside the castle museum or gardens, except for guide dogs. Some sections of the route involve rural roads, so a leash is necessary. If you bring a dog, someone will need to wait outside during the visit. Fortunately, there are restaurants with outdoor seating in the centre of Púbol where you can relax afterwards.
Places to eat in Púbol village
- Can Bosch Restaurant – Website | Google Maps
- La Terrasseta Bar – Website | Google Maps
- És! Carxofa Restaurant – Website | Google Maps
What to take for Salvador and Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol
This is an easy walking route close to rural roads, so a small rucksack with essentials is recommended. An emergency waterproof jacket is optional depending on the weather forecast. Carry 1–2 litres of water for the journey. Water can be purchased in La Pera and Púbol village, or refilled for free at public drinking fountains along the way.
There is normally a locker room available for depositing bags, but during my visit it was closed. I was asked to carry my rucksack on my chest inside the castle museum to avoid damaging furniture. To be safe, I phoned the museum beforehand to confirm entry with a hiking rucksack. The contact number can be found in the opening times and prices section of the official website.
The museum space is wheelchair accessible and equipped with a lift between floors. However, the basement crypt, where Gala Dalí’s tomb is located, can only be accessed via stairs. Visitors with mobility needs should plan accordingly.
Pushchairs are usually left on the ground floor before beginning the interior visit, as the upper levels and crypt are not suitable for strollers.
Tickets for Salvador and Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol
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Salvador and Gala Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 19.70
€ 10.00
Students, Over 65 years, 8.00 Euros
Child
€ 19.70
FREE
For under 8 years old
Group/Family Ticket?
Group reservation via pubol@fundaciodali.org
Getting to Salvador and Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol
Address: Plaza Gala Dalí, Púbol, 17120
Púbol is a small village in the Catalan countryside and is not directly served by public transport. The nearest train station is Flaçà, located on the R11, MD, and RG1 Regional rail lines. From Flaçà, it is approximately a 4km walk to Púbol. View Flaçà train station on Google Maps
Alternatively, the Sarfa Bus stops on the edge of La Pera village, which is about a 1.5km walk from Púbol. View La Pera bus stop on Google Maps
For detailed transport information, see the documents section for train maps and bus timetables.
I visited the castle as a day activity, completing a 13km circular walking route starting and ending at Flaçà Renfe station. The route follows rural roads through sunflower fields and offers a scenic approach to the castle. See the Wikiloc section for my mapped route.
If visiting Púbol by car, there is free parking available at the edge of the village: Carrer Placeta, 2, 17120 Púbol. From here, it is a short 2‑minute walk to Gala Dalí Castle. View parking location on Google Maps
Documents for Salvador and Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol
Wikiloc Trail for Salvador and Gala Dalí castle home in Púbol
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