The sights of Sitges are striking for their simplicity and mystique at the same time. They want to be explored to learn as much as possible about these magnificent places.
The ancient town of Sitges has not always been popular with tourists. The fishing village on the Costa del Garraf was only taken over by newcomers at the beginning of the last century. The city with a population of 20 thousand people has managed to maintain its original charm and become one of the most interesting youth resorts in Spain.
Caen-Liopis Museum of Romance
The museum building was built in the 18th century and has long been considered the most impressive estate of the new neighborhood. Several generations of the Spanish Llopis family lived here until the building was taken over by the museum. Under the will of the last member of the family, the building was opened to the public. After World War II, after a little restoration, people were opened the veil of the halls, the library, the cellar and allowed to walk through the rooms of the residence.
The museum got its unusual name for the peculiarity of the interior in the neoclassical style with many small romantic details.
Here you can see a collection of antique dolls, Murano glass, Bohemian porcelain, musical clocks, wall paintings and many personal belongings of the Llopis family.
Maricel Palace Museum
The architectural complex was built in 1910. It is a museum and a palace, combined with each other. Visitors have the opportunity to appreciate the Moorish style and luxury with stained glass, moldings and mosaics on the walls. The site was formerly a medieval hospital. Some of the stucco and Gothic arches are still in place today. From the terrace of the museum you have a magnificent view of the sea.
Among the exhibits of the museum you can see paintings by artists of the Romantic period, a collection of works by Emicia Rocha, wall paintings and Catalan sculptures. Today it hosts important events such as seminars, lectures, concerts, and wedding celebrations of famous people.
Church of St. Bartholomew and St. Theokoles
St. Bartholomew and St. Thecla have been considered the patrons of Sitges for many years. The church named in their honor is visited by residents on major holidays. After 300 years since its creation, the church building has undergone many alterations and reconstructions. Surprisingly, the building originally had Romanesque features, but now it is a completely Gothic cathedral.
The exterior of the church is not particularly attractive, despite its central location. The Baroque altar is valuable, as are the medieval vaults and the parish organ. There are worship services on weekends and a Sunday school for children.
Old Town
The old quarter of Sitges is of great historical value. The first mentions of settlements in this part of the city date back to the 20th century. The medieval houses here are in perfect harmony with the later buildings. You can spend hours wandering through the narrow Spanish streets, admiring the ancient buildings, majestic arches and cozy sidewalk. In bad weather, it is worth a stop in one of the many cafes and restaurants that offer local coffee with croissants or a hearty lunch of creations of Spanish chefs.
Every year in the old town there is an international festival of historical films, a carnival and a race of retro cars “Barcelona-Sitges”.
La Trinidad de Sitges Chapel
The small chapel, with a view of the sea from its foot, is particularly beloved by visitors to the town. It is deservedly included in the inventory of the architectural heritage of Catalonia and is protected by the authorities. This is a monument, the so-called folk, non-left architecture. The chapel with its snow-white walls is visible from afar, but in spite of this, it is always sparsely populated. Even tourists do not dare to break the silence of this place.
Kau-Ferrat Museum of Sculpture and Painting
The name translates literally as “iron nest. More than a century ago, Santiago Rusiñolem purchased two modest fishing shacks and converted them into a country villa. Such attractions of Sitges in Spain often belonged to formerly wealthy townspeople, and then passed into the possession of the authorities. The owner often organized literary evenings at the estate.
Today visitors have the opportunity to get acquainted with the works of that time, items of pottery and glass. Especially valuable are original paintings by Pablo Picasso, El Greco, Salvador Dali and other famous painters.
At the museum operates a souvenir shop, where you can buy copies of the exhibits as a keepsake. The convenient location of the building allows you to easily visit the museum, even those who are passing through Sitges.
Boulevard de la Ribera
Parallel to the beach area of the city is a boulevard, which has long been fancied by local artists. For a small fee, you will be portrayed in a portrait or offer to buy a picture of the beauty of local sights. Travelers often gather here during the hot season to hide from the exhausting heat under the dense vegetation of the boulevard. The shade is created by numerous palm trees, which are more than a dozen years old.
Tourists will enjoy visiting the sculptures, including the world-famous statue of El Greco – The Little Mermaid.
Places for people with a non-traditional orientation
Unofficially, Sitges is considered the gay capital. The city even has a map of establishments where people with non-traditional orientations gather. Visitors to the city at night can visit such a place. Every year in February there is a gay pride parade, so the number of visitors at this time increases dramatically. Sitges is a city of innocent provocations, blue hopes, harmless temptations and resort romances. Among the attractions can safely include the beach Bassa Donna, where same-sex couples from Spain and around the world gather. It is worth noting that there is no public lewdness on the streets of the city. Although the authorities respect the opinions of non-traditional couples, they also make sure that the rules of decency are observed at all times of the day.
Unusual Sitges, on the one hand, seems so cozy and familiar, but on the other hand – with each new visit opens up an unknown side. Even after one visit there are fond memories of the city.
