Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó, Girona

Historic Building, Historic Site and Museum in Girona

Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó
Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó is a beautifully preserved house museum in Girona's historic center, set right on Carrer de les Ballesteries with postcard views over the Onyar River. It was the family home of architect Rafael Masó, and stepping inside feels like entering a carefully staged snapshot of early-20th-century Catalan taste, craftsmanship, and everyday life.

Because visits are guided and capacity is limited, Casa Masó works especially well as a highlight on a walking tour of the Barri Vell: pair it with a stroll along the riverfront, a wander through the medieval lanes, and a stop at the nearby bridges for the classic Girona skyline.

History and Significance of the Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

Casa Masó is deeply tied to Girona’s cultural identity because it is both a family residence and an architectural statement. Rafael Masó (1880–1935) shaped much of Girona’s early-20th-century look, and this house is one of the clearest places to understand his ideas about modern living, proportion, light, and decorative detail.

The building you see today is the result of multiple adjoining homes combined over time, culminating in Masó’s own interventions that gave the property its distinctive character. The interiors are not “museum-like” in the sterile sense; they feel lived-in and coherent, with furniture, glasswork, fittings, and room-by-room design decisions that show how architecture and interior design were meant to work together.

Beyond the house itself, the Fundació Rafael Masó plays a broader role by interpreting Masó’s work and Girona’s design heritage. Even if you’re not an architecture specialist, the visit provides a clear, human-scale window into how a prominent local family lived and how a leading architect expressed his era’s aesthetics.

Things to See and Do in the Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

The main event is the guided route through the rooms, where you’ll notice how carefully the house balances function and beauty: built-in elements, thoughtful lighting, and decorative craftsmanship that rewards slow looking. Many visitors come specifically for the preserved interiors and the sense of stepping into a complete design world rather than viewing isolated objects in cases.

Don’t rush the river-facing side of the house. The Onyar views help you connect the interior story to Girona’s most iconic cityscape, and they’re a great reminder that this is one of the few river houses you can actually enter.

If you enjoy context, treat the visit as the anchor for a “Masó mini-itinerary”: after your tour, walk nearby streets and bridges to spot exterior details and get a feel for how Girona’s architecture shifts between medieval stone and early-20th-century refinement.

How to Get to the Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

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

Girona is easy to reach by train, including fast services from Barcelona, and from the station you can continue on foot or by local transport toward the old town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for parking options outside the tight historic core and walk in, since the streets around the old town can be narrow and access-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 Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

  • Official website: https://rafaelmaso.girona.cat/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €10; Carnet Jove: €7; Reduced (50%): €5; Under 16: free (with an adult).
  • Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: Guided visits at agreed times (advance reservation required). Closed on Sunday, Monday. Closed on local and national bank holidays.
  • Best time to visit: Choose a weekday slot if you can for a calmer feel, and book ahead so you get your preferred language and time.
  • How long to spend: Plan about 1 hour for the guided visit, plus extra time before or after to enjoy the riverfront and nearby lanes.
  • Accessibility: The house is wheelchair accessible, but it’s still worth confirming any specific needs when booking due to the building’s historic layout.
  • Facilities: Expect a focused museum-house experience rather than a large complex; plan café stops before or after in the Barri Vell.

Where to Stay Close to the Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

Base yourself in Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town) if you want the easiest walks to Casa Masó, the cathedral area, and the riverfront.

Hotel Nord 1901 A polished, central option near Plaça Catalunya that keeps you close to the old town while staying convenient for taxis and day trips.

Hotel Ciutat de Girona A comfortable, well-located pick for travelers who want reliable amenities and quick access to both the shopping streets and the historic core.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A characterful stay tucked into the old town lanes, ideal if you want to lean into Girona’s historic atmosphere after museum visits.

Hotel Historic A small, atmospheric choice in the Barri Vell that suits travelers who prefer boutique scale and a quiet, heritage feel.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A practical base near the train station area for easy arrivals and departures, while still being walkable to the old town sights.

Is the Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like design, architecture, or intimate museums where the story is told through real spaces rather than big displays. The guided format and small groups make the experience feel curated and personal, and the preserved interiors are the kind of detail-rich visit that sticks with you.

Honest Pivot: if you dislike guided-only visits, have very limited time in Girona, or prefer grand, expansive museums, you may want to prioritize Girona's cathedral, city walls, and river viewpoints instead. Casa Masó is best when you're happy to slow down and focus on interiors and craftsmanship.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (301)

Reviews are strongly positive overall, with visitors praising the exceptionally well-preserved interiors and the craftsmanship in furniture, glasswork, and fittings. Many highlight it as a must for design lovers and anyone curious about Catalan modernism/noucentisme, and they appreciate the informative guided tours (often noting good English options). The most common drawbacks are practical: it can be a little hard to find, and you typically need to book ahead because there are limited daily time slots and small group sizes.

David MH
a month ago
"I loved this house/museum. The interior is incredibly well preserved - containing beautiful furniture, glass, fittings and other details designed bythe architect Rafael Maso for the house (it was his family home). It's a must if you are interested in great design or the Catalan Modernist movement and Art Nouveau. What is really special is the sense of the house being a real family home - as well as a repository of beautiful Modernist design. The guided tours (which must be booked in advance) are very informative and fascinating and limited to only 10 people every hour or so. Highly recommended...."
sara.
a year ago
"Albeit a bit difficult to discover, and you must buy tickets in advance - with only a few visiting slots a day - The Fundacio is a must visit inGirona. A design lovers dream, the Fundacio is the former family residence of the Maso family, Rafael being the most prominent Architect in Girona. The details are beautiful, withinfluences from Gaudi. From the ceramic tiles to the furniture design the place is a hidden gem. Truly a feast for the eyes. What i loved about the place was simply how unexpected it was, i found the tickets with much searching of what to do in the area, yet there wasn’t much information online and all coverage / websites were quite outdated. However i trusted my intuition and was exceptionally glad i did as not only was it informative but just such a gem of a place. If you like visiting places such as Casa Mila (in Barcelona) then you will enjoy this. The tour was given in both english and then also in Spanish / Catalonian (for those who needed)..."
Paul Laidler
3 years ago
"This is a truly amazing place. I was fascinated by the whole house. A great tribute to a fine architect and designer. A must for anyone visitingGirona. We emailed to book a guided tour and it was very easy. I highly recommend this museum...."

For Different Travelers

Casa Masó is a niche-but-rewarding stop: it’s compact, curated, and strongest when you enjoy context and detail. With a little planning, it fits neatly into a half-day exploring the Barri Vell.

Families with Kids

Kids who enjoy “real house” spaces and hidden details may find it more engaging than a traditional museum, especially if you frame it as a peek into how people lived 100 years ago.

That said, the guided format and the emphasis on preservation can feel restrictive for very young children who need lots of movement. Consider pairing it with an outdoor break along the river or a climb on the city walls afterward.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Casa Masó is a calm, cultured counterpoint to Girona’s busier viewpoints. The interiors and river outlooks create a quietly romantic atmosphere, especially when combined with a slow walk through the old town.

Plan it as part of a design-and-food day: tour the house, then choose a cozy café or a long lunch nearby. Booking a time slot in advance helps the day feel effortless.

Budget Travelers

Casa Masó can be a smart “one paid attraction” because it's distinctive and hard to replicate elsewhere in Girona. If you're prioritizing value, combine it with free highlights like river walks, bridges, and wandering the Barri Vell streets.

To keep costs down, look for any eligible discounts and build the rest of your day around Girona’s many open-air sights. The key budget move here is planning ahead so you don’t waste time chasing sold-out slots.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the house tells a social story: not just dates and events, but how a prominent local family lived and how ideas about modernity showed up in everyday rooms.

Treat the visit as a lens on early-20th-century Girona, then connect it to older layers of the city by walking from the river up into the medieval quarter. The contrast between eras is part of the fun.

FAQs for Visiting Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

Getting There

Yes, it sits right in the historic center area, making it easy to combine with riverfront viewpoints and the Barri Vell lanes. Expect short walks but some narrow streets.
Yes, you can walk from Girona’s main station area to the historic center, though it takes longer than staying inside the old town. If you’re short on time, a quick local ride can help.
It can be a little discreet compared with major monuments, so navigate to Carrer de les Ballesteries and look carefully for signage. Arriving a bit early reduces stress.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, advance booking is important because visits are guided and group sizes are limited. Booking ahead also helps you get your preferred language.
Yes, there are reduced-price categories and youth pricing, and some visitors may qualify for free entry. Bring any required documentation if you’re using a discounted ticket.
It’s not a good plan because time slots can sell out and visits run at set times. Reserve first, then build your walking route around your slot.

Visiting Experience

It’s a guided, room-by-room experience focused on interiors, design details, and how the home functioned. The atmosphere is intimate rather than “big museum.”
Yes, because the story is easy to enjoy through furniture, craftsmanship, and the lived-in feel of the rooms. You don’t need technical knowledge to appreciate the details.
Groups are small, so it typically feels controlled and calm. The main constraint is that you’re following a set route and timing.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, entry is via guided tours at scheduled times. This is part of what keeps the house protected and the experience coherent.
Plan a river-and-old-town loop: bridges and Onyar views before or after, then continue into the Barri Vell for cathedral-area viewpoints. It fits well into a half-day.
Yes, English is commonly offered, but availability depends on the schedule. Reserve early if language choice matters.

Photography

Rules can vary by room and exhibition needs, so check with staff at the start of your tour. Be prepared for restrictions to protect interiors.
The classic shots are outside along the Onyar River and from nearby bridges looking toward the colorful façades. Early or late light can be especially flattering.
Typically, tripods are restricted in small historic interiors and guided settings. If you need one for accessibility or professional reasons, ask in advance.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, the house is accessible for wheelchair users. It’s still wise to mention your needs when booking so the team can advise on the smoothest experience.
Facilities are more limited than in large museums, so plan accordingly. A café stop nearby is a good backup.
The guided format means you’ll move at the group’s pace, but the visit is relatively short. If you need extra time, choose a day when you can take breaks before and after.

Food & Breaks Nearby

It’s primarily a house museum, so don’t count on an on-site café. The good news is you’re surrounded by old town options.
Look around the riverfront and the Barri Vell lanes for cafés and bakeries before or after your slot. Scheduling a snack stop helps if you’re doing lots of walking.
No, eating and drinking are generally not appropriate in preserved interiors. Finish snacks beforehand and carry water discreetly if permitted.

Safety & Timing

Arrive 10–15 minutes early so you can find the entrance and settle in without rushing. This matters more because tours start at set times.
Girona’s center is generally comfortable for walking, especially during daytime and early evening. As in any tourist area, keep an eye on belongings in busy spots.
Because visits are scheduled, changes depend on availability. If you need to adjust, contact the venue as soon as possible.

Nearby Attractions to the Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó

  • Onyar River bridges: Cross for Girona’s signature views of the colorful riverside façades and reflections.
  • Girona Cathedral: A dramatic hilltop landmark with a monumental staircase and a powerful old-town panorama.
  • Jewish Quarter (El Call): A maze of medieval lanes that's ideal for slow wandering and atmospheric photos.
  • City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla): Walk the ramparts for sweeping views over rooftops, gardens, and church towers.
  • Rambla de la Llibertat: A lively promenade for people-watching, cafés, and a break between monuments.

The Fundació Rafael Masó / Casa Masó 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:

Tuesday - Saturday: Guided visits at agreed times (advance reservation required).

Closed on Sunday, Monday.

Closed on local and national bank holidays.

Price:

Adults: €10; Carnet Jove: €7; Reduced (50%): €5; Under 16: free (with an adult).

Address: Carrer de les Ballesteries, 29, 17004 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 972 41 39 89
Official Website

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