What to do in L'Escala

On the Costa Brava there is a population that, among other things, is known throughout the country for its delicious anchovies. Therefore, it is not surprising that in l'Escala there is also a museum dedicated to this food product. Specifically, it is the Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal.

A slaughterhouse of a certain age was the building used to inaugurate this museum space in 2006, which became destined for salting anchovies unique worldwide.

Of course, fishing in general also acquires special importance for the museum, encompassing techniques and other aspects related to this discipline, which is so deeply rooted throughout the coast of Catalonia.

As is to be expected, fishing and salting anchovies have historically always been very relevant on the Costa Brava, so it is not surprising that there are elements even from the 16th century in the Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal.

Precisely the museum is ideal for finding out how both fishing and salting techniques evolved. It is very striking to see the way in which fishermen from several centuries ago obtained both anchovies and sardines, especially when compared in the same museum space with the methods used today.

With reference to the elements typical of previous times, the good condition in which they are preserved is surprising, especially considering that many of them were in constant contact with the sea.

For example, in the Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal there is a boat whose sail has no perforations or excessive discoloration, while the hull and the entire structure in general remain intact. In fact, it could even be used today for sailing.

The same can be said of the various utensils, which are ideal for finding out what fishing and salting were like in previous times. For the journey into the past, several black and white photographs are also shown in the museum, thus paying tribute to the professionals who day after day dedicated themselves to these canning tasks.

At the entrance to the Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal there is a large photo-mural that usually attracts the eyes of visitors. And it's no wonder, since the visual composition shows what is both the cultural and natural heritage of l'Escala, a municipality of enormous importance for the Costa Brava in general.

It is not the only point in the museum where the population itself receives the relevance it deserves. In another space of the facilities there is a model that shows to scale not only the seashore and the boats, but also the houses of fishermen and even several workers performing their professional duties on the sand of the beach.

They are not installations that stand out for their large dimensions, but rather the opposite, which gives rise to a welcoming atmosphere that is enhanced by those who work in the museum.

All professionals are kind to explain details of the exhibitions, thus making any visitor very interested in the history of fishing and salting. In about an hour it is possible to finish the permanent exhibition by visiting several rooms that are well equipped.

After ending this activity, it's time to enjoy audiovisual material that doesn't leave visitors indifferent. It explains how both the population of l'Escala evolved and the production of those considered by many to be the best anchovies in existence.

Rates

Access to the Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal is completely free. In the museum space itself there is an area for the purchase of anchovies, and you can take advantage of the good prices at which some of them are, as well as the souvenirs that tourists in general like so much.