Costa Brava Details

 

Figueres is located in the northeastern part ofCatalonia. With 42,809 inhabitants (INE 2008), it is the largest city near the border ofFrance. An important hub of communications, Figueras is an entrance and stopping point for travelers and tourists to and fromSpain.

Located in the center of an extensive fluvial plain, Figueras is the capital of thecounty ofAlt Emporda and serves as the economic, commercial, and cultural center of the county. The tourist vocation of the region makes Figueras the heart of the Costa Brava, one of the most important tourist areas ofCatalonia.

Its geographical and strategic location makes it an important communications hub with great accessibility. The passengers can travel by road or rail. Road access is via the A-7 (exit No. 4 South if coming fromBarcelona and No. 3 if coming fromFrance), the N-II, and the N-260 from of Portbou.

The railway station is located in the city center, and all the trains on the international line of Barcelona-Portbou/Cervera stop in Figueras. The units make a direct bridge with Barcelona and with trains toMadrid and other parts ofSpain.

The year 2004 brought the arrival of the AVE (high-speed train), which is quick and convenient, and allowed Figueras to lead in Spanish and European cities. Opposite the train station is a bus station that stops on international routes, as well as arrivals and departures of buses from the Catalan regional lines.

The current name derives from Ficaris of the Visigoth period. In 1267 King James I ofAragon granted immunity. The ancient wall that remains standing in theTower ofGurgle

was integrated into the Teatro-Museo Dali. In the 19th century Figueras was driving a renewed sardana at the hands of Pep Ventura.

During the 19th century, Figueras gained strength and notoriety. It was awarded the title of city and became the center of ideas and Republican federalists.

During the Spanish Civil War, it was loyal to the government of theSecond Republic. It was heavily bombed by the army coup, especially at the end of the campaign inCatalonia, where thousands of refugees crossed into the city to go into exile toFrance.

Figueras is one of the most important cities in the province of Girona It is the capital of the Catalan region of Alt Emporda and has 42,809 inhabitants (2008).

Figueras distances to other cities:

Girona: 36 km

Airport Girona-Costa Brava: 50 km

Perpignan: 65 km

Barcelona: 136 km

Barcelona Airport: 160 km

Tarragona: 234 km

Toulouse: 253 km

Lerida: 292 km

Marseille: 373 km

Valencia: 483 km

Madrid: 735 km

 

 

During the ’50s, the recovery of the city began to emerge, making the initiation and development of tourism in the ’60s.

Native to Figueras are Narciso Monturiol, inventor of the submarine “Ictineo,” and Salvador Dali, a known surrealist painter. Also noteworthy was the source of the town of “Pantera of Figueras,” the singer Monica Naranjo.

Figueras