Detailed interactive map Pubol
Figuring in documents since the 11th century, the basic structure of the present building, dates from the time of the barony of Pubol: the second half of the 14th century and beginning of the 15th century. This Gothic-Renaissance fortress has undergone numerous transformations. When Dali bought the castle in 1969 it was in a very poor condition. The ruinous appearance from the outside was consolidated, without hiding the scars left by the passage of time. The semi-ruined walls and ceilings were used in a highly intelligent way to create unsuspected areas and dimensions forming stark contrasts. The underlying conception of the interior decor was based on pictorial scenes on the walls, false architectural features, baroque-style use of fabrics, antiques, romantic symbols, and so forth. The result is an enclosed, mysterious, private, austere and sober place, with zones of considerable beauty such as the former kitchen converted into a bathroom or the Piano Room. Inside the house Dali embellished the ceiling of the Coat of Arms room with an elaborate fantasy of the sky. He also adorned the walls with heraldic shields and painted a false door. In a corner he placed a bronze throne for Gala on a blue dais flanked by two snarling beasts. Dali decorated the garden with elephants with huge feet, and he built a swimming pool with busts of Richard Wagner. The Gala Dali Castle in Pubol has been open to the public since 1996.
