About Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal
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.
Comment by Bravissima about Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal:
The Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal, located in Costa Brava, is an essential destination for those wanting to explore the rich fishing history of L'Escala. Opened in 2006 in an old slaughterhouse, this museum focuses on the salting of anchovies, a product emblematic of the region. Entry to the museum is free and offers an educational yet enjoyable experience.
Some of the main highlights include:
- Exhibits showcasing traditional fishing and salting techniques, featuring well-preserved utensils and vessels.
- A cozy atmosphere enhanced by friendly staff who provide detailed explanations of the exhibits.
- An audiovisual presentation narrating the evolution of the population and the production of the famous anchovies.
- A model displaying the life of fishermen throughout history, paying tribute to their work.
While some visitors requested more explanations in French and noted the museum's small size, most agreed that it offers a rewarding and enriching tour in under an hour. The staff's proximity and attentiveness, combined with the quality of the purchasable products, make this visit a perfect plan for a day in Costa Brava.
Opening hours
- Monday: Cerrado
- Tuesday: 10:00–13:00, 17:00–20:00
- Wednesday: 10:00–13:00, 17:00–20:00
- Thursday: 10:00–13:00, 17:00–20:00
- Friday: 10:00–13:00, 17:00–20:00
- Saturday: 10:00–13:00, 17:00–20:00
- Sunday: 10:00–13:00
Museu de l'Anxova i la Sal: Reviews
Fantastic experience: Go back to the past
Fantastic experience:
good visit and good information and free recommendation
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience:
A nice story. It just lacks the explanations of the exhibitions in French (we were given a book but it is not easy for many to follow). The presentation film is in French In addition to a free museum
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
The building not to be missed, old slaughterhouse
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience: Perfect
Fantastic experience:
Recommended place to visit on a cloudy August morning.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Great place to find out about the treatment and how the fishermen of the time worked in the sea to fish for anchovies and sardines.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Very curious and impeccable attention! I recommend it!
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience:
One day we will be able to recover in a new format these small and thematic museums that collect heritage and disseminate knowledge, without pretensions, but in a close and effective way. The Anchovy Museum is an example. I was lucky enough to visit him to do a sea basketry workshop and I was even luckier to be able to see the temporary exhibition of sea anchovies and the permanent exhibition on anchovies. Go there, the people are nice and the place magnificent.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
History of anchovy fishing and salt harvesting. Beautiful page of history on Estrella
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
The museum is very curious. Very good quality products.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
The exhibition of handles and sepieres is very beautiful and complete. From the video I will say that it is very well summarized, it is necessary to continue conserving the cultural heritage. With a few years is all we will have, cuts.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Essential to visit
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience: Very nice.
Fantastic experience:
It's worth it, the utensils are very curious to see. The documentary is very good and you can get the idea of the hard work of fishermen and workers.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Everything very beautiful
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience: Free. Interesting. Folded in 30min. Max.
Fantastic experience:
Interesting, very well done documentary video. Souvenirs also nice and less touristy. Permanent exhibition quick to see (1h) and complete. Plus it's free.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
A great little museum where you can learn about the history of the fishermen and the process of the anchovy and salt industry
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Very interesting, well worth a visit
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience:
Very interesting museum, highly recommended to go with children
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
Essential museum during the visit to L'Escala, admission is free, the audiovisual is very emotional and interesting. Being small it is not difficult to visit its rooms, the exhibition is Fantastic !! 100% recommended
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
A cozy museum, they treated us very well and it explains in an easy way the life of Los Pescadores de la Escala.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Small but very nice museum to know the history of the area and the real locals. I went on a Wednesday in July and the entrance was free, at the beginning they show you a very interesting audiovisual and later in the museum you can see the tools to fish the anchovy and its preserve
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Recommended museum if you visit l'escala. It is free and you learn the history of l'escala and its anchovy fishing, it is small but enough for what there is to see.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
I liked it a lot. The staff treated us luxuriously, and the anchovies that we bought were delicious.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
All very beautiful, we recommend going to see it, it is very beautiful and it is very worth it, it is to enjoy all of it, we will repeat.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Beautiful, sorry that many people in L'Escala have not visited. Thanks to Lourdes for the visit
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience: A very nice museum and very good attention
Positive experience: Very curious!!!
Fantastic experience:
Very interesting and they have some very beautiful photographs of the time.
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
It is a small but sufficient museum. The presentation video is what we liked the most. For my children it was very educational and for the adults too. It is a very good introduction to the culture of L'Escala. I recommend wandering around the town and then visiting it, thus seeing the change and evolution of the sites with those of the video and old photographs. Enjoy your stay. A greeting.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience: very good service
Fantastic experience:
Recommended and very attentive girls
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Very explanatory museum of what the work of Catalan fishermen was like
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Easy to get to, park nearby. Interesting and pedagogical. The best is the panoramic photo of the introduction and the model at the end. I recommend it for all those who want to know more about fishing.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Explanatory, detailed and entertaining. Especially recommended guided tour.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Highly recommended visit to understand the beginnings of the town of L'Escala and how its people lived.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Small very educational museum. Good explanations. Interesting video. Free entry at the tourist office.
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
Simple and small but very good to see.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
The visit to the museum is highly recommended, it is free and it was not extensive at all. You can see the utensils and a lot of material that explains the history, in addition to the process related to the process of making the anchovy. Quite complete and entertaining, the visit ends with a short film that explains the course of the town and the development of anchovy production.
Translated from Spanish
Positive experience: We liked it a lot
Fantastic experience:
If you want to know the true history of this town, you must not miss it.
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience:
Very beautiful life story
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
A pleasant visit followed by a tasting. Very kind
Translated from French
Fantastic experience: To visit without fail
Fantastic experience:
A very interesting visit. Tradition of L'Escala. Many old pieces and a very careful audiovisual presentation. And the head of the museum very attentive. A 10.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
It is worth going there and visiting the Museum, excelete explanation, buy anchovies. ..10 E boat that is very good, there are people who went to another place, they did not buy because they said it was not whole were halves
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Excellent A proposal with a successful informative and didactic approach
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience:
Beautiful sea museum related to anchovy
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Beautiful museum. Super historically instructive! I recommend
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
The best anchovy factory!
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
We will return in May 2020 During the week of flower time
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
We made the seafaring route and we had a great time, especially thanks to the explanations, enthusiasm and passion of Gabriel, our guide. We have been able to see the museum, so we will return.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Curious to visit, there are continually new exhibitions
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience: Simple but very nice and well done.
Fantastic experience:
If you go to scale l'can not miss the Museum of l'anchovy is very interesting. Super nice girls you explain everything. 5e cost entry with a snack this super well. We will be back. And they have a little store to buy their products that are delicious
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Anchovy and Salt Museum in the village of L'escala. The tour begins with an audivisual where it explains the context that the fishermen of the town were. also the operation they used to fish. After the audiovisual there is a tour to see the salt museum and also the anchovy. Highly recommended to visit this historical museum
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience: I love it
Fantastic experience:
Museum "symbol of the escala" very nice welcome, and very interesting museum, I know everything about anchovies, salting, in addition a small film of 10 minutes about it, transports us in time. It takes about 1h30 max, and 3 euros per person. Great so ... but be careful especially, do not forget to head to one of the many shops that sell anchovies .. little preference for Anxoves el xillu close to this museum ... I would soon make a video on my second Youtube channel.
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
Good professionals
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Very attractive and lovingly renovated. If you don't visit, you've missed something here! Thanks to excellent multimedia equipment, everyone can experience "their" quantum of culture and history. Great ambience. Don't just visit once!
Translated from Deutsch
Fantastic experience:
Lovely place to spend some time and get to know a historical reality.
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience:
It helps to understand the work behind the rich anchovies of l'escala
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience: Very curious museum
Fantastic experience: The guides very well
Fantastic experience:
Excellent welcome from staff sharing with us all their knowledge. The ticket and 2 euros for retirees 1.50 euros. The entry ticket gives access to the salt museum. very enriching on understanding the life of fishermen of the time and a smaller film in French.
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
The revolution of a village with master fishermen
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Good collection of history and maeiner arts
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Super museum, well explained. Welcomes friendly and warm Tasting as a bonus of the different products that are made in the factory. Thank you for this moment
Translated from French
Fantastic experience:
The staff are really nice and the museum is really nice and extensive about the history of the place, between the salt and the anchovies. Very kind personnel and a really big and in-depth museum about local history between salt and anchovies.
Translated from Italiano
Fantastic experience:
If you want to know the history of anchovy, you have to visit it.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Impressive temporary exhibition on the river Fluvià. The permanent exhibition is highly recommended to understand the past of this town. Place to do some culture during the holidays. Very friendly staff
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
L'Escala is a town on the Costa Brava focused on tourist activity, but it was not always like that, and a visit to the museu de l'anxova i la sal is a good idea to understand its origins as a fishing village, focused on catching of the sardine and, especially the anchovy or anchovy. The visitor will find information about the history of the population, the economic activity that has sustained it for generations, the way of life of its inhabitants, work utensils, boats and a small photographic collection of vintage images that surprises in contrast to the appearance current of the streets of l'Escala.
Translated from Spanish
Fantastic experience:
Coquettish museum with plenty of original material and recreations.
Translated from Italiano
