Casa Castellarnau Museum
Step back in time at Casa Castellarnau, a restored aristocratic residence showcasing 18th & 19th-century life in Tarragona.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Casa Castellarnau Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Casa Castellarnau, a restored aristocratic residence showcasing 18th & 19th-century life in Tarragona.
"A beautiful house with well-preserved furniture and amazing ceiling paintings, a must-see in Tarragona!"
🎟️ Admission Fee
Entry is around €5, often included in package tickets. A worthwhile stop for history buffs.
📚 Informative Booklet
You'll receive a handy notebook in your language to guide your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ballroom
Noble Floor
Marvel at the stunning ceiling paintings depicting mythological themes, a true artistic gem from the late 18th century.
18th & 19th Century Furnishings
Noble Floor
Explore rooms filled with authentic furniture, offering a fascinating look at how interior styles and daily life evolved.
Gothic Patio and Staircase
Ground Floor
Admire the architectural beauty of the patio and spiral staircase, featuring pointed arches and Gothic capitals from the 14th-15th centuries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Admission Fee
Entry is around €5, often included in package tickets. A worthwhile stop for history buffs.
📚 Informative Booklet
You'll receive a handy notebook in your language to guide your visit.
✨ Friendly Staff
Attentive staff are happy to share historical details about the house.
👃 Basement Toilets
Be aware that the basement toilets might have an unusual smell.
Any interesting ancient Roman ruins or history to check out?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Admission Fee
Entry is around €5, often included in package tickets. A worthwhile stop for history buffs.
📚 Informative Booklet
You'll receive a handy notebook in your language to guide your visit.
✨ Friendly Staff
Attentive staff are happy to share historical details about the house.
👃 Basement Toilets
Be aware that the basement toilets might have an unusual smell.
🏠 Historical Residence
This was once home to influential families and even Emperor Charles I in 1542.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Casa Castellarnau to be a beautifully preserved historical residence, with many praising the stunning ballroom ceiling paintings and authentic 18th-19th century furnishings. The friendly staff and informative booklets are also frequently highlighted. However, some feel the museum lacks a strong narrative and could benefit from more context about the objects and the family who owned it.
"This was included in a package ticket we bought for 15€ per person. I dont think we would visit here if it was part of the package. It is beautiful to see the house set up and the chandeliers upstairs are phenomenal. The tile flooring is beautiful. Staff super friendly. Toilets downstairs in the basement smelt funny. The whole house had a musty smell but to be expected. I think an interactive tour would be better than us wandering around. Would be nice to learn the history of the house and the use of the house or earphones in different languages. Well preserved."
Christina Barr
"It's a very strange museum. There's absolutely no story behind it. Inside you will find a couple of nice pieces of furniture, a couple of paintings and the shelves full of chemical bottles, but you won't find any hint at how this all works together: the objects are not attributed in any way, people on portraits and their authors remain unknown, there's no connection to the family which owned all that (who they were and why they decided to preserve the house also remains in darkness). This collection of objects costs 5 Euro. That's not much, but the visit itself is utterly senseless, so be warned."
Alexander Chertenko
"A good little stop to add onto your attractions list.
It is roughly around €5 per person to enter. Although I was unsure if to enter as it just looked like pots to my left, I'm glad I went. You also get a little handy note book, in your language.
It was nice to see the different room styles and how both interior and items have changed. The likes of the size of a double bed back then, to now. The celling artwork, to the furniture.
It's a nice look around and a chance to get out of the sun.
The only issue, is that the toilets weren't the best and smelled."
E G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa Castellarnau is located in the heart of Tarragona's old town. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the historic center. Public transport options include local buses that stop near the cathedral or Plaça de la Font.
Parking in the old town can be challenging. The closest public parking garages are usually located a short walk away, such as the Saba Parking El Serrallo or Plaça de la Font.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk through the charming streets of Tarragona's old town. The distance is manageable, and you'll get to see more of the city along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is approximately €5 per person. It's often included in combined tickets for Tarragona's attractions, which can offer good value.
Check for potential discounts if you are a student, senior, or part of a group. Combined tickets for multiple attractions might also offer savings.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
For individual visits, booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially during off-peak times. However, if you're visiting with a large group or during peak season, it might be advisable.
Yes, Casa Castellarnau is often part of the Tarragona Pass or similar tourist cards, offering access to multiple sites for a single price.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved rooms with furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, a stunning ballroom with ceiling paintings, a Gothic patio, and a restored old kitchen.
While self-guided visits are common, some visitors suggest an interactive tour or audio guide would enhance the experience by providing more historical context.
Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes exploring the museum, depending on their interest in the historical details and furnishings.
The noble floor with the main exhibits is accessible, but some areas, like the basement with toilets, might present challenges. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility details beforehand.
The house dates back to the 15th century and was a residence for influential families, even hosting Emperor Charles I. It showcases architectural changes from various periods.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Casa Castellarnau, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography, which is often prohibited to protect the artifacts.
The ballroom with its painted ceiling, the Gothic patio, and the intricately furnished rooms are excellent for photography. Capture the details of the chandeliers and tile flooring.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the contrast between the historical architecture and the modern city outside. The spiral staircase also makes for a dramatic shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch their favorite items or write down what they see, turning the visit into a scavenger hunt. The Gothic patio and staircase offer visually interesting elements. Be mindful that the basement toilets might not be the most pleasant, so plan accordingly.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay attention to the evolution of the house through its different periods, from its medieval origins to its aristocratic grandeur. The inclusion of the Molas i Agramunt collection and the Quintana inheritance adds further layers of historical interest, covering archaeology, ethnography, and early aviation.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming old town, making it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing. The friendly staff can offer additional insights, and the provided booklet helps in understanding the significance of the various rooms and objects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Aristocratic Life
The noble floor is where the opulence of aristocratic living is most evident. Visitors can wander through rooms adorned with period furniture, showcasing the changing styles of beds, seating, and decorative objects. The attention to detail in preserving these interiors allows for an immersive experience, giving a tangible sense of the past.
Beyond the furniture, the house boasts significant artistic elements. The ballroom is a highlight, featuring breathtaking ceiling paintings by Josep Bernat Flaugier, depicting mythological scenes. This artistic grandeur, combined with the historical context of the families who resided here, makes Casa Castellarnau a compelling visit for those interested in social history and decorative arts.
Architectural Evolution and Notable Features
A significant renovation in the 18th century, when Charles of Castellarnau acquired the property, brought about changes to the facade and interior layout, reflecting the architectural trends of the time. This period also saw the creation of the ballroom's elaborate ceiling artwork. The house also features a restored old kitchen, offering a glimpse into the domestic workings of the past.
Adding to its unique character, the museum houses the Molas i Agramunt collection, a diverse assembly of archaeological and ethnographic pieces, as well as the Quintana inheritance, which includes a model of the first airplane to fly over Tarragona in 1913. These diverse collections enrich the visitor's understanding of the region's history beyond just the domestic life of the Castellarnau family.
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