Sant Pere de Galligants, Girona

Historic Building, Monastery and Museum in Girona

Sant Pere de Galligants
Sant Pere de Galligants
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rafa Esteve

Sant Pere de Galligants is a beautifully preserved Romanesque monastery complex tucked into Girona's historic center, just beyond the busiest lanes of the Barri Vell. Today, the monastery houses the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia (Girona branch), so your visit blends architecture, cloister calm, and curated finds from the region.

It's an easy stop on a self-guided walking tour: pair it with the Cathedral area, the city walls, and the riverside bridges, then duck in here for a quieter, more contemplative hour. Even if you're short on time, the exterior and setting are among the best places in Girona to appreciate the city's medieval character.

History and Significance of the Sant Pere de Galligants

Sant Pere de Galligants began as a Benedictine monastery and remains one of Girona's standout Romanesque landmarks. Its stonework, proportions, and serene layout reflect the practical beauty of monastic architecture, designed for rhythm, order, and retreat from the bustle of the city.

Over the centuries, the complex evolved along with Girona itself, and its survival in the historic center makes it a rare window into the city's medieval layers. The monastery's church and cloister are the headline features, and they're also what give the museum experience its distinctive atmosphere.

Today, the site’s significance is twofold: it’s a major architectural monument and a cultural venue that anchors Girona’s archaeological storytelling. That combination makes it appealing even for travelers who don’t usually seek out museums.

Things to See and Do in the Sant Pere de Galligants

Start with the architecture: the church’s Romanesque lines and the cloister’s quiet symmetry are the kind of spaces that reward slow looking. If you enjoy photography, you’ll find strong light-and-shadow moments in the stone arcades and along the courtyard edges.

Inside the museum, expect a compact but information-rich visit, with artifacts spanning prehistory through the medieval period. Many visitors highlight the clarity of the interpretive panels and the appeal of standout objects (especially Roman-era pieces), making it a solid “small museum, big context” stop.

If you’re visiting with kids, look out for family-friendly elements and activity areas that make the exhibits more approachable. For film and TV fans, the monastery’s look and feel is also part of its draw, and it’s a satisfying place to visit even if you’re primarily there for the setting.

How to Get to the Sant Pere de Galligants

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

From Barcelona (and other Catalan cities), Girona is straightforward by train to Girona station, then you can continue on foot or by local bus/taxi into the old town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're driving, Girona is well connected by major roads, and the best plan is to park outside the tight historic center and walk in. 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 Sant Pere de Galligants

  • Official website: https://www.macgirona.cat/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €6; Reduced: €4; Under 16: free.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) May 1 – September 30; Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00; Sunday: 10:00–14:00. (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 quieter galleries and softer light in the cloister. In peak summer, this also helps you avoid the hottest hours.
  • How long to spend: Plan 45–90 minutes for the museum plus time to linger in the cloister. If you’re only seeing the exterior, 10–20 minutes is enough.
  • Accessibility: Expect historic stone surfaces and potential steps; access may be limited in parts of the complex. If step-free access is important, confirm details before you go.
  • Facilities: There is typically a reception/ticket desk and museum-style amenities, and the old town around it has plenty of cafés for a break right after.

Where to Stay Close to the Sant Pere de Galligants

Base yourself in Girona's Barri Vell (Old Town) for the easiest walks to Sant Pere de Galligants, the Cathedral, and the city walls.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A characterful Old Town stay that fits the historic vibe of the area, ideal if you want to step out straight into Girona’s medieval lanes.

Hotel Nord 1901 A comfortable, central option near the river and the Old Town edge, great for balancing sightseeing with easy access to shops and restaurants.

Hotel Gran Ultonia A practical choice with a more modern feel, handy if you want quick access to both the Old Town and transport connections.

Hotel Carlemany Girona Well-suited for travelers who prioritize convenience and straightforward amenities, with good links to the station area and a manageable walk to sights.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Girona A reliable international-brand option with modern comforts, useful if you prefer predictable facilities and don’t mind being a bit farther from the oldest streets.

Is the Sant Pere de Galligants Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like Romanesque architecture, calm cloisters, and small museums that add depth to a city walk. It's one of those Girona stops where the building itself is a major part of the experience, and the archaeology collection gives you context for what you're seeing across the region.

Honest Pivot: If you're museum-fatigued, on a very tight budget, or you strongly prefer large, highly interactive exhibits, you may be happier admiring the exterior and spending your time on Girona's cathedral area, viewpoints, and city walls instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,384)

Google reviewers rate Sant Pere de Galligants very highly overall, often praising the monastery's beautiful setting and the museum's informative displays and artifacts. Families mention kid-friendly touches and engaging educational elements, and some visitors enjoy it as a recognizable filming location. The most common downsides are that the museum can feel small for the price and that interpretive text/language options may not meet everyone's expectations.

stéphane Lacroix
6 months ago
"Kids area first floor with instructives comics, pictures to colour, other amazing roman glasing vase! Highly informative panels and antique objects.Is really worth a visit..."
Indra Kukure
3 months ago
"If you visit beautiful Girona, this stu ing place you must see."
Nanita
9 months ago
"Sant Pere de Galligants is one of two Benedictine monasteries in Girona’s historic center. Its construction began in the 10th century in Romanesquestyle with further construction starting in the 12th century. Tickets cost €7 for adults in April 2025 to the archeological museum that is housed in the monastery. However, even walking around the exterior of the building admiring its architecture is worth it...."

For Different Travelers

Sant Pere de Galligants works well as a flexible “add-on” attraction: it can be a quick architectural stop or a deeper museum visit. Your enjoyment will depend on whether you're more drawn to atmosphere and history, or to big, blockbuster-style collections.

Families with Kids

This can be a surprisingly family-friendly museum stop, especially if your kids enjoy visual learning and hands-on style activities. The cloister also gives children a change of pace from narrow streets and crowded viewpoints.

To keep it fun, treat it like a short treasure hunt: pick a few objects to find, then reward everyone with a snack break nearby. It’s best as part of a broader Old Town walk rather than the day’s only activity.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The monastery’s stonework and quiet corners make it a lovely, low-key stop between Girona’s bigger highlights. It’s particularly nice when you want a calmer moment together away from the busiest lanes.

Pair it with a slow stroll through the Barri Vell and a café or wine stop afterward. If you enjoy photography, you’ll find plenty of atmospheric frames without needing a long visit.

Budget Travelers

If you're watching costs, decide whether you want the full museum experience or just the architecture from outside. Girona offers many high-impact free sights (views, bridges, lanes, and walls), so it's fine to be selective.

If you do go in, aim to get maximum value by reading the panels for context before continuing your walk to other historic sites. It’s best used as a “deeper understanding” stop rather than a quick in-and-out.

History Buffs

This is a strong pick for travelers who like to connect artifacts to place. The museum's regional focus helps you understand Girona beyond the postcard views, and the monastery setting reinforces the medieval timeline.

Take your time in the cloister and look for architectural details that show how the complex was built and adapted. It's also a good complement to other Girona museums if you're building a history-focused itinerary.

FAQs for Visiting Sant Pere de Galligants

Getting There

Yes, it’s in the historic center and fits naturally into an Old Town loop. Expect some slopes and steps depending on your route.
It’s a manageable walk, but the Old Town climb can feel longer with luggage. A short taxi ride is easiest if you’re arriving with bags.
You can reach the area, but the historic streets and surfaces can be uneven. Consider a baby carrier if you want maximum flexibility.

Tickets & Entry

Most independent travelers can buy on arrival, but booking ahead is smart in peak season or if you’re visiting with a group. If you’re on a tight schedule, pre-planning reduces waiting.
Discounts are commonly available for eligible visitors, and some museums offer periodic free-entry windows. Check the official museum information before you go so you don’t miss out.
If you’re truly short on time, you’ll get more value from the exterior and a quick Old Town walk. The ticket is best justified when you can slow down and engage with the exhibits.

Visiting Experience

It’s both: the monastery is the atmosphere, and the museum provides the content. Many visitors come for the architecture and end up enjoying the exhibits more than expected.
Some visitors report language limitations, so it can vary. If you want more context, consider using an audio guide/app or a guided tour in the city.
No, it’s relatively compact. That’s a plus if you want something informative without committing half a day.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s an easy add-on between the Cathedral area and other Old Town sights. It also works well as a “cool-down” stop during a longer walk.
Either works, but many travelers like doing the Cathedral and viewpoints first, then coming here for a calmer indoor visit. In summer, using it as a midday indoor break is a good strategy.
Some visitors come specifically for filming connections in Girona. If that’s your goal, combine it with other known Old Town filming spots for a themed route.

Photography

Photography policies can vary by exhibition, but many museums allow non-flash photos. If you’re unsure, ask staff at the entrance.
The cloister arcades and courtyard angles are usually the most photogenic. The exterior façade is also a strong shot, especially in softer morning or late-day light.
Yes, it’s a solid rainy-day stop because you can focus on interiors and details. Just be mindful of low light and any restrictions.

Accessibility & Facilities

Most museums have visitor restrooms, but it’s best to confirm on arrival. In the Old Town, nearby cafés are also plentiful.
You’ll usually find benches or resting points, and the pace is naturally slower than outdoor sightseeing. If you need frequent breaks, plan a café stop nearby.
Policies vary and space can be limited in smaller museums. Travel light or check with staff if you’re arriving between accommodations.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the Barri Vell has many cafés and casual restaurants within a short walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
For a simple outdoor break, look for small squares and quieter corners of the Old Town. For more space, head toward parks outside the densest lanes.
Yes, because the visit is compact. A museum stop plus lunch nearby is a very comfortable half-day plan.

Safety & Timing

Crowds fluctuate with season and tour groups. Going early or later in the day usually feels calmer.
Girona’s historic center is generally comfortable for walking, including in the evening. As anywhere, keep an eye on belongings in busy areas.
Because it’s not huge, you can still enjoy a short visit, but you may feel rushed. Aim to arrive with enough time to appreciate the cloister and key exhibits.

Nearby Attractions to the Sant Pere de Galligants

The Sant Pere de Galligants 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.

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

Closed on Monday.

Price:

Adults: €6; Reduced: €4; Under 16: free.

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

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