Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, Girona

Historic Building, Monastery and Museum in Girona

Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona
Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona
CC BY-SA 2.5 / Chosovi

The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona (Museu d'Arqueologia de Catalunya – Girona) is one of the most rewarding stops in Girona's Old Town, set inside the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. Even if you're not usually a “museum person,” the setting alone—stone cloister, vaulted spaces, and centuries-old walls—makes it feel like you're time-traveling before you even see the first artifact.

It's an easy fit on a walking tour of the Barri Vell: pair it with Girona Cathedral, the riverside views from the old bridges, and a wander through the medieval lanes around the Jewish Quarter. If you're choosing just a few cultural stops, this museum is one of the best places to understand what you're looking at across the city.

History and Significance of the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona

The museum is closely tied to Girona's long archaeological story, bringing together finds from the wider Girona region—from prehistory through the Middle Ages. It's a place where the city's layers become tangible: tools, ceramics, inscriptions, and everyday objects that show how people lived, worked, traded, and worshipped across millennia.

Just as significant as the collection is the building itself. The museum occupies the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, a landmark of Catalan Romanesque architecture, and the architecture shapes the visit: quiet stone spaces, a cloister you'll want to linger in, and galleries that feel naturally suited to ancient material.

In practical terms, this is also one of the best “context museums” in Girona: it helps you connect the dots between what you see on the streets (walls, churches, street plans) and the deeper history beneath them.

Things to See and Do in the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona

Start by taking in the monastery setting: the cloister is a highlight and a calm reset if you’ve been sightseeing nonstop. Many visitors mention that the building is as memorable as the artifacts, so don’t rush straight past the architecture.

Inside, the displays guide you through long timelines—expect a strong overview from early human presence to later medieval Girona. Look for sections that focus on local excavations and regional sites, which make the visit feel grounded in place rather than generic.

If you enjoy modern museum design, keep an eye out for creative lighting and presentation techniques that make small objects easier to appreciate. This is a museum where slowing down pays off: a handful of well-chosen pieces can tell a lot when you give them a minute.

How to Get to the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona

The nearest airports are Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) and Barcelona El Prat (BCN), with BCN offering far more international connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is well connected by rail, including fast services from Barcelona, and from Girona station you can walk, take a local bus, or grab a short taxi ride up to the Old Town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio..

If you’re driving, aim for parking outside the tight medieval core and walk in—Old Town streets are narrow and access can be restricted. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona

  • Official website: https://www.macgirona.cat/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €6; Reduced: €4.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) May 1 – September 30; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday. (Winter) October 1 – April 30; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 10:00–14:00. Closed on Monday.
  • Best time to visit: Go early in the day for a quieter, more atmospheric experience in the cloister and galleries; shoulder seasons are especially pleasant in Girona.
  • How long to spend: Plan for 60–90 minutes for a satisfying visit, or closer to 2 hours if you like reading labels and taking your time with the timeline.
  • Accessibility: Expect historic-building constraints (steps, uneven surfaces, and narrow areas); check ahead if you need step-free access for your exact route through the museum.
  • Facilities: You’ll typically find basic visitor amenities (ticket desk and restrooms); combine your visit with a café stop in the Barri Vell before or after.

Where to Stay Close to the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona

Base yourself in Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town) for the most walkable, atmospheric stay near the museum.

Hotel Nord 1901 A polished, central option near the river and Old Town edges, great if you want comfort and easy walking access without being deep in the steepest lanes.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A characterful boutique stay that leans into Girona’s storytelling vibe—ideal if you want to stay right in the historic center.

Hotel Historic Small and atmospheric, perfect for travelers who want a quiet base in medieval streets a short stroll from major sights.

Hotel Gran Ultonia A reliable full-service choice close to the Old Town, handy if you want straightforward amenities and easy transport links.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A practical pick near the station area for travelers prioritizing rail connections and a simple walk or quick taxi to the Barri Vell.

Is the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you want more than “pretty streets” from Girona. The combination of a strong regional collection and the Romanesque monastery setting makes it feel like a two-for-one: a history lesson and an architectural visit in the same ticket.

Honest Pivot: If you're on a very tight schedule and you're not interested in artifacts or timelines, you may be happier prioritizing Girona Cathedral, the city walls walk, and a relaxed wander through the Old Town viewpoints instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (235)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with visitors praising the museum’s setting inside a Romanesque monastery, the attractive cloister, and the thoughtful presentation of artifacts. Many highlight the clear, chronological storytelling and the fact that the building itself feels like part of the exhibition. A common drawback is that some visitors find the experience more modest than expected for the price or wish for more depth/time to fully appreciate everything, especially if you’re rushing.

Nanita
8 months ago
"The Museu d’Arqueologia de Cataluña (MAC) is housed in a former Benedictine abbey. The museum’s origins date back to around the mid-1850s while thebuilding where the MAC is now located dates back to the 12th century and is exemplary of Catalan Romanesque architecture. Entrance is €7 per adult. We chose to not enter due to limited time in Girona, which has a very impressive historic center...."
Spoorthi G
2 years ago
"One of the best museums I've visited lately. Not only are the pieces well presented, the building in itself is a beautiful place to visit. The ticketwith a student discount cost about 5€ so definitely worth a visit. The top floor has a more chronological order to the things excavated around Girona, with loads of information. It is the main building/basilic that I found interesting. The cluster is also a peaceful place to take a pause at during the visit...."
Stefano Cirelli
2 years ago
"The location is superb, a romanic Monastir, with its cloister and all. The big nave of the church is occupied by a wonderful display of 50ish itemsfrom paleolitic to high Middle Age. The displays are also technologically wonderful with light and mirrors that let the item appear and disappear... After the appetizer, the main dishes are in the rooms of the monastery, in every detail. You can have, for 10 or 12 euros, a cumulative ticket to visit free all the other 4 sites of the archeological network of Catalunya (i visited also Barcelona arc. Museum and Empuries, greek and roman cities, but there are other two sites i forgot)..."

For Different Travelers

Girona works beautifully for short breaks, and this museum can be tailored to your pace: a quick architectural look, a focused hour on key galleries, or a slower deep dive into the region's past.

Families with Kids

The monastery setting can be a fun “exploration” element for kids—cloisters and stone spaces feel like a real-life history set. Keep the visit short and choose a few standout objects to turn it into a scavenger-hunt style stop.

Pair it with an outdoor break afterward in the Old Town so kids can reset. If your family enjoys stories, connect what you see here to Girona's medieval streets and city walls.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a great rainy-day or midday cultural stop between scenic walks. The cloister and Romanesque architecture add a calm, intimate feel that’s easy to enjoy together even if you don’t read every label.

Make it part of a slow Old Town route: museum first, then a stroll to the cathedral area and a café or wine bar nearby.

Budget Travelers

The museum is good value for a paid attraction because the building itself is part of the experience. It’s also easy to combine with free highlights like wandering the Barri Vell and viewing the colorful riverside houses.

If you’re planning multiple museums, look into multi-museum options and free-entry windows to stretch your budget further.

History Buffs

If you like building a timeline of a place, this is one of Girona's best stops. The focus on regional finds helps you understand how Girona fits into broader Iberian and Mediterranean history.

Take your time with the medieval sections, then walk the Old Town afterward—you’ll notice details differently once you’ve seen the deeper context.

FAQs for Visiting Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona

Getting There

Yes—it’s in the Barri Vell and fits naturally into an Old Town walking route. Expect some slopes and steps in the historic center.
It’s a manageable trip by foot if you’re comfortable walking uphill, or a short taxi ride if you prefer. Give yourself extra time if you’re carrying luggage.
Yes, Girona is an easy rail day trip and the museum is a strong add-on to a cathedral-and-Old-Town itinerary. Start early to avoid feeling rushed.

Tickets & Entry

Usually you can buy on arrival, but booking ahead can be smart in peak season or if you’re coordinating a tight schedule. Check the official site for any temporary changes.
Yes, reduced tickets are commonly available for eligible visitors. Bring valid ID to avoid issues at the ticket desk.
There is typically a free-entry window on the first Sunday of each month. Arrive early on those days as it can be busier.

Visiting Experience

Yes—the displays are approachable, and the monastery setting adds a lot even for casual visitors. Focus on the sections tied to Girona and you’ll get the most out of it.
It’s often calmer than Girona’s biggest landmarks, but weekends and holidays can be busier. Early visits tend to feel more peaceful.
Absolutely—the Romanesque architecture and cloister are major highlights. Many visitors rate the atmosphere as highly as the collection.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes—pair it with the cathedral area, the Jewish Quarter streets, and a riverside viewpoint loop. It works well as a mid-route indoor stop.
Do the museum in the morning, then head to Girona Cathedral and the Old Town lanes afterward. Finish with a city walls walk if you have time.
Before can give you context for what you’ll see around town. After can help you “decode” details you noticed but didn’t fully understand.

Photography

Rules can vary by exhibition and conservation needs, so check signage on arrival. In many museums, flash and tripods are restricted.
Yes—the cloister is one of the most photogenic parts of the visit. Soft morning or late-afternoon light is especially flattering.
Look for Romanesque architectural details and the contrast between stone spaces and carefully lit artifacts. A few wide shots plus close-ups usually tell the story best.

Accessibility & Facilities

Access can be limited in historic monastery buildings, and routes may involve steps or uneven surfaces. Confirm current step-free options with the museum before you go.
Yes, you can generally expect visitor restrooms. Plan a café stop nearby if you want a longer break.
Policies vary, and larger bags may be restricted in galleries. Travel light or check at the entrance for current storage options.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Don’t count on a full café experience inside; it’s safer to plan food nearby in the Old Town. Girona has plenty of options within a short walk.
Head back toward the Barri Vell lanes for cafés and small restaurants. A post-museum sit-down is a great way to process what you’ve seen.
For a casual break, look for small squares and quieter corners in the Old Town. Be mindful of local rules and keep the area tidy.

Safety & Timing

Yes, the Old Town is generally safe and well-visited. Use normal city awareness, especially in crowded areas.
Arriving near opening time is your best bet for a quieter visit. Sundays and holidays can feel busier.
Yes, but give yourself enough time to enjoy both the building and the galleries without rushing. Also remember that last entry may be earlier than closing.

Nearby Attractions to the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia in Girona

The Archaeology Museum of Catalonia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) May 1 - September 30; Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-19:00. Sunday: 10:00-14:00. Closed on Monday.

(Winter) October 1 - April 30; Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00-18:00. Sunday: 10:00-14:00. Closed on Monday.

Price:

Adults: €6; Reduced: €4.

Address: Carrer de Santa Llúcia, 8, 17007 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 972 20 26 32
Official Website

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