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Culture of Perpignan. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Perpignan Perpignan meets its guests with beautiful architectural complexes, ancient religious and fortifying constructions, numerous museums and scenic streets being the best destination for hiking. Many spots of tourist attraction are scattered in the nearest suburbs of the city. That is why tourists visiting Perpignan will have a rather dense and engaging touring program. The most significant symbol of the city is the Castile Castle (Le Castillet). Its name can be literally translated as a “new castle”. The first reference of the castle dates as far back as to 990. In the course of its long history its building was many times destroyed and restored totally changing its look.
Guide to Perpignan sightseeing - things to see and to visit
This town is located on one of the most picturesque valleys and is known as a center of winemaking and a popular tourist destination. The culture of this place was greatly influenced by its … Open
For a long period of time the castle stood in utter desolation. Only by the end of the 19th century the building was restored and the castle was turned into a cultural object open for tourists visiting. An interesting historical object is the Catile tower which is the only part of the wall, surrounding the city a few centuries ago, which survived up to the present day. In the Middle Ages period the main town gates were located close to the tower. Today a historical building is reequipped into a museum. A collection of the cultural establishment comprises objects of arts and folk crafts.
Not far from the tower tourists will find a significant religious landmark of the city being the Cathedral of Saint Jean. The construction of the cathedral started in 1324 and lasted for almost two centuries. Tourists with a vast field of expertise in architecture will distinguish the traits of inimitable Gothic style in the features of the religious building. The Cathedral keeps numerous unique religious artifacts. It has still preserved an ancient font stone, a 16th century organ and a sanctuary screen of ultimate beauty. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Cuisine of Perpignan for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe
A small cozy town in France, Perpignan will meet tourists with a vast choice of upscale restaurants, cozy cafes and stylish bars specializing in different culinary trends of the world. One … Open
Not far from the Cathedral tourists will find several remarkable religious objects among which the Funeral Chapel (chapelle Funéraria) built in the 14th century and the Saint Jean Hospital (hôpital St Jean). In the heart of the historical center of the city tourists will discover the Palace of the King of Mallorca which is located on a high hill. The period of building of this majestic architectural complex is still unknown. According to one of the theories this palace was established in the beginning of the 14th century. For many years the palace was an established place of holding of important events. Its halls witnessed state receptions of persons of distinction, celebrities and ambassadors from other countries.
Perpignan - Castillet Today the majestic palace is one of the most impressive architectural landmarks of the city of Perpignan. It regularly holds classic music concerts and other cultural events. The palace borders on a vast magnificent garden. In close vicinity to the palace tourists will find several equipped observation platforms offering a stunning full view of the city. Guests of Perpignan should necessarily visit a railway station of the city which is among significant historical landmarks as well. The halls of the station were decorated by Salvador Dali.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Perpignan and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Perpignan and surroundings

Perpignan - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5

What to visit during two-day excursion in Perpignan

Palace Of Kings De Majorque
Where: Rue des Archers, Perpignan; Telephone: +33 (0)4 68 34 48 29;
St Jean-baptist Cathedral
Where: Place Gambetta, Perpignan; Telephone: +33 (0)4 68 51 33 72;
The Hyacinth Rigaud Museum
Where: 16 rue de l’Ange, Perpignan; Telephone: +33 (0)4 68 35 43 40;
Loge De Mer (town Hall)
Where: Place de la Loge, Perpignan;
Castillet, Museum Of Folk Arts And Traditions
Where: Place de Verdun, Perpignan; Telephone: +33 (0)4 68 35 42 05;
Casa Xanxon
Where: 8 rue de la Main de Fer, Perpignan; Telephone: +33 (0)4 68 62 37 98;
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Perpignan
♥   Palace 'Palais des rois de Majorque' , 0.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Perpignan
♥   Basilique Saint-Paul (Serge), Narbonne, 54.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Co-cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur, Narbonne, 54.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Église Saint-Martin, Limoux, 67.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Notre-Dame de Marceille, Limoux, 68.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse, Carcassonne, 71.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathédrale Saint-Michel, Carcassonne, 72.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Ancienne cathédrale Saint-Nazaire, Béziers, 75.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Unique spots in Perpignan and near

Teatro-Museo Dali

From the series “Houses of Famous People and Stars Currently Open to Tourists”
Check on the map:   Distance from Perpignan center - 48.2 km.
During the bourgeois war, the building was partly destroyed, and was long empty in the post-war period. In 1960 Salvador Dali bought the building and completely rebuilt it. In the magnificent mansion, the painter lived until his death in 1989. The museum was still open during the lifetime of the painter, Its opening was a real holiday for the tiny city. … Read further

Torre Galatea

From the series “Top 16 Most Amazing Buildings of the Planet”
Check on the map:   Distance from Perpignan center - 48.2 km.
The building was named to honor the talented painter Elena Diakonova, who is more known among the art lovers under the pseudonym Galatea. The original building served as a house for Salvador Dali. In 1974, he restored the half-destroyed building of the old theater from the ruins. The official opening of the House Museum of Salvador Dali took place in 1974. In this house, the painter presented his first masterpieces to the public. The purpose of the building was multifaceted. Not only did the paintings take place, but also the performances of the circus artists, the orchestras and the theater groups were performed. … Read further

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Perpignan

Costa Brava
Travelers, who want to relax in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, have to visit the town of Playa de Aro, which is located on the north coast. Here you can stroll through the picturesque streets, parks and squares. The town has several attractive galleries and typical ... Open »
Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc is very interesting from a historical perspective; each of local towns certainly has its unique historic spirit. Near Toulouse there is an ancient town of Albi, the main symbol of which is the 13th century Palais de la Berbie. Fortifications have perfectly ... Open »
Tossa de Mar
Camino de la Luz lighthouse is one of the most symbolic landmarks of the seaside town. Despite the fact that it was built relatively not long ago, in 1917, local people consider it one of the most important national symbols. There is an interesting thematic museum, ... Open »
Lloret de Mar
Lloret De mar is a picturesque and marvelous holiday resort of the Costa Brava which boasts perfect beaches, a variety of entertaining centers and sights. The city has preserved religious building and structures. Marvelous churches are worth attention of every tourist. ... Open »
Escaldes-Engordany
Church of Sant Michel d’Engolasters is the oldest building in town. Built back in 12th century, it is the true incarnation of Romanesque-Lombard architecture. The church has a rich-decorated interior with reproductions of ancient frescos; originals are being stored in ... Open »
Andorra la Vella
When walking along the city streets, vacationers can see a lot of interesting monuments and sculptures. One of the most attractive and most unusual is the Sculpture by Salvador Dali. This bronze sculpture is called Nobility of Time. It draws an attention not only of ... Open »
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