Casa Pastors, Girona

Arts Venue, Gallery and Historic Building in Girona

Casa Pastors
Casa Pastors
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo

Casa Pastors is a historic building in Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town), set right by the Cathedral area and woven into the city's layered defenses and noble residences. It's the kind of place you'll naturally pass on a walking tour of the medieval center, especially if you're linking the Cathedral, the old walls, and the atmospheric lanes around Plaça de la Catedral.

Today, Casa Pastors is best approached as a cultural stop: part architectural curiosity, part exhibition venue, and part time capsule of Girona's civic history. Even if you don't plan your day around it, it's an easy add-on between the Cathedral steps and nearby viewpoints, and it rewards travelers who like to look beyond the headline sights.

History and Significance of the Casa Pastors

Casa Pastors is often described as a palace-like residence with deep roots in Girona's defensive and medieval fabric. Over time, the building absorbed different roles and renovations, which is why it can feel like several eras stacked into one address: older structural elements, later noble rooms, and the imprint of institutional use.

One of the most intriguing chapters is its period as a judicial building, remembered by locals as the former Provincial Court (Audiència Provincial). That shift from private power to public administration left a visible mark on the interior layout and atmosphere, and it’s part of what makes a visit feel different from a typical “pretty palace” stop.

In recent years, Casa Pastors has also been discussed as a future cultural hub connected to modern and contemporary art ambitions in Girona. Even when exhibitions change, the building itself remains the main draw: a physical summary of Girona's long civic story in one compact, walkable location.

Things to See and Do in the Casa Pastors

Start with the exterior and setting: Casa Pastors sits in one of Girona's most photogenic zones, so even a quick pause outside helps you appreciate how tightly the Old Town is built around its landmarks. Pair it with the Cathedral façade and nearby lanes for a satisfying “architecture loop” in under an hour.

Inside, the experience typically centers on temporary exhibitions and the building’s own character. If there’s an exhibit on, treat it as a bonus layer that gives you a reason to slow down and notice details you might otherwise miss—staircases, thick walls, and the sense of an old institutional interior repurposed for culture.

If you enjoy context, this is also a great place to connect Girona's Roman-to-medieval narrative with its modern cultural life. Visit Casa Pastors as a midpoint between big-ticket monuments and smaller discoveries: it's a calm, low-pressure stop that fits nicely into a self-guided walking tour.

How to Get to the Casa Pastors

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

From elsewhere in Spain (or from France), Girona is straightforward by rail, and the city's main station connects well to the Old Town via local buses, taxis, or a walk if you're traveling light. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for parking outside the tight medieval core and finish on foot, since the Barri Vell has limited vehicle access and narrow streets. 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 Casa Pastors

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Check official website.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon works well, especially if you're already exploring the Cathedral area and want to duck into a quieter indoor stop.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–45 minutes depending on whether there’s an exhibition you want to see; architecture-focused visitors may linger longer.
  • Accessibility: Expect an older historic-building layout; if step-free access matters, confirm current access arrangements before you go.
  • Facilities: Facilities can be limited compared with large museums; plan to use nearby cafés and public amenities around the Cathedral zone.

Where to Stay Close to the Casa Pastors

Base yourself in Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town) if you want to walk everywhere and experience the city at its most atmospheric.

Hotel Nord 1901 A polished, central pick near the river and an easy walk into the Old Town—great for travelers who want comfort without feeling far from the historic core.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A characterful boutique option right in the Barri Vell, ideal if you want to step out the door into medieval lanes and be close to Casa Pastors.

Hotel Historic Small and intimate, with a strong “old Girona” feel—perfect for travelers who prioritize location and ambiance over big-hotel amenities.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A reliable, full-service choice closer to the station side of town, useful if you’re arriving by train and want easy logistics with a walkable route to the center.

Hotel Gran Ultonia Modern and convenient, with a quick walk to both the shopping streets and the Old Town—good for travelers who want a contemporary base near everything.

Is the Casa Pastors Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you enjoy historic architecture and like adding smaller cultural stops to a Girona walking day. Its biggest strength is how effortlessly it fits into the Cathedral-area route: you can pop in, get a sense of the building's layered past, and move on without needing to dedicate half a day.

Honest Pivot: If you're short on time and only want Girona's “must-see” highlights, you might skip Casa Pastors in favor of the Cathedral, the city walls walk, and the Jewish Quarter streets. It's most rewarding for travelers who appreciate exhibitions, civic history, and the quieter corners of the Old Town.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (26)

Reviews are very positive overall, with visitors highlighting the standout architecture and the appealing setting near Girona’s Cathedral. Several people enjoy it as an exhibition space, noting that shows can be memorable and that it’s an interesting reuse of a historic civic building. A couple of practical downsides come up: the interior can feel a bit dated and comfort can vary with the season (warm summer sun outside, chilly winters in the city).

G CH
9 years ago
"Amazing architecture!"
Ana Karina Alvarez
7 years ago
"An oasis amidst the relentless summer sun of Girona. Entry is free, and it's a very interesting exhibition space, although somewhat dated and notvery airy. The Joan Mateu exhibition I saw was excellent! A contemporary artist whose work is truly remarkable, offering valuable insights and interesting artistic proposals. Accessibility is difficult, and the rooms are a bit dark...."
Fabrizio Pivari
6 months ago
"Beautiful building in front of the cathedral"

For Different Travelers

Casa Pastors works best as a flexible, low-commitment stop that can be either a quick look or a longer linger if an exhibition catches your interest. Think of it as a cultural add-on that complements Girona's big monuments.

Families with Kids

For families, Casa Pastors can be a good “reset” stop between outdoor climbs and sightseeing, especially around the Cathedral steps and wall walks. If there's a visual exhibition on, it can hold kids' attention better than text-heavy heritage sites.

That said, it’s not a hands-on children’s museum, so success depends on timing and energy levels. Pair it with a treat break nearby and keep the visit short and upbeat.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will like Casa Pastors as part of a slow stroll through the Barri Vell, where the setting does a lot of the romantic heavy lifting. It's an easy excuse to step indoors, cool down, and enjoy a quieter moment away from the busiest viewpoints.

Build it into a Cathedral-area loop: architecture outside, a quick exhibition inside, then a scenic walk to a viewpoint or a wine bar afterward. It’s a nice “texture stop” that makes the day feel more curated.

Budget Travelers

Casa Pastors is appealing for budget travelers because it can deliver a lot of atmosphere for little (or sometimes no) cost, depending on what's on and how access is managed. Even if you only admire the building and surroundings, the area is one of Girona's best for free wandering.

To maximize value, combine it with other walkable highlights: the Cathedral exterior, the Jewish Quarter lanes, and the city walls (some sections are free to access). Plan your day around walking rather than transport.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate Casa Pastors as a single site that hints at multiple Gironas: defensive layers, noble residence life, and later civic/judicial functions. It's a good place to notice how institutions reuse prime real estate in old cities.

If you like connecting dots, treat it as a prompt to explore nearby interpretive sites and museums that explain Girona’s Roman and medieval development. The building makes more sense when you’ve walked the walls and seen how the Old Town is structured.

FAQs for Visiting Casa Pastors

Getting There

Yes, it’s walkable, but the route climbs into the Old Town and can feel longer with luggage. A taxi or bus is a good option if you’re arriving with bags.
Yes, it’s right in the Cathedral area, making it easy to combine with the Cathedral steps and nearby lanes. Plan to visit them back-to-back on foot.
Yes, Girona’s Old Town is best explored on foot, and Casa Pastors fits naturally into walking routes. Public transport can get you close, but the final stretch is typically on foot.

Tickets & Entry

Usually not for a quick visit, but special exhibitions or events may have different arrangements. If you’re visiting on a tight schedule, check what’s on that day.
It can be free depending on how the space is being used and what exhibition is running. If you’re budgeting precisely, confirm the current entry policy before you go.
Discounts depend on the organizer and the specific exhibition setup. If there’s a staffed entry point, bring ID and ask.

Visiting Experience

It’s a mix of architecture and cultural programming, so you’re going for the building and whatever exhibition is on. It’s best as a complementary stop rather than the day’s main event.
Most travelers spend under an hour unless they’re particularly interested in the exhibition. It’s easy to keep it short and still feel satisfied.
Yes, it can be a pleasant indoor break when Girona is sunny and warm. Just note that older buildings don’t always feel “cool” in the modern sense.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes—this is exactly the kind of place that fits neatly into a Barri Vell walking tour. It works well between the Cathedral area and nearby viewpoints.
Pair it with the Cathedral exterior, the Jewish Quarter streets, and a section of the city walls. This creates a strong mix of architecture, atmosphere, and views.
It can still be worth a look for the setting and architecture, but expectations should be modest. If you’re pressed for time, prioritize the walls and Cathedral area.

Photography

Yes, the Cathedral area around Casa Pastors is one of Girona’s most photogenic zones. The best shots often come from the surrounding streets rather than a single “iconic” angle.
Rules can vary by exhibition, so look for signage or ask staff. Some exhibitions restrict photography to protect artworks.
Morning and late afternoon generally flatter Girona’s stone textures. Midday can be harsh, so consider using indoor stops like this to break up your timing.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility can be limited in historic buildings with stairs and narrow passages. If you need step-free access, confirm current arrangements before visiting.
It depends on how the space is operating at the time of your visit. Plan as if you may need to use nearby cafés or public facilities.
Seating may be limited, especially if the focus is an exhibition layout. If you need frequent breaks, plan a café stop nearby.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Cathedral and Barri Vell area has plenty of cafés within a few minutes’ walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
Typically no, especially during exhibitions. Finish snacks outside and carry water discreetly unless signage says otherwise.
Do Casa Pastors as a short stop, then take a longer break in the Old Town before tackling the walls or viewpoints. This pacing works well on warm days.

Safety & Timing

Yes, the Old Town is generally safe and busy with visitors, especially during the day. As anywhere, keep an eye on belongings in crowded spots.
Earlier in the day tends to be calmer before peak sightseeing hours. Late afternoon can also feel quieter as day-trippers thin out.
Yes, it’s easy to include Casa Pastors in a half-day Old Town loop. Combine it with the Cathedral exterior and a short walls walk for a compact plan.

Nearby Attractions to the Casa Pastors

The Casa Pastors 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:

Check official website.

Price:

Free.

Address: Pl. de la Catedral, 2, 17004 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 972 41 90 09

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