Casa Pastors (Pastors House), Girona

Nestled within the historic Old Quarter of Girona, the Pastors House is a prominent mansion built upon remnants of Roman and medieval fortifications. Its façade immediately captures the eye: crafted with regular, finely hewn stone blocks, it features an ornate portal with a rounded arch and distinctive encoixinat (quilted) voussoirs, a Baroque-era stonework technique echoed at the building’s corner and base. Surmounted by a roof clad in aquamarine Arabic tiles, the architectural ensemble exudes both historical gravitas and visual charm.

Passing through the portal brings visitors into a rectangular courtyard-an inviting private space shaped by the building’s integration with the ancient city wall. In its western section, the courtyard unfolds into a triangular layout, framed by the rising wall of Sant Feliu. Despite this unconventional plan, the house’s design preserves the typical layout of its era, with all wings arranged around the central courtyard.

Over the centuries, the Pastors House has hosted a diverse range of occupants. In the 17th century, it served as a canon’s residence and seminary under the bishop of Girona. In 1769, the Seminari relocated, and the Pastors family acquired it, initiating significant renovations. In 1793, internal structures were updated with minimal impact on the façade and courtyard. During the 20th century, industrialist Cristòfol Grober transferred ownership to Girona’s City Council (in 1906), and from 1973 until 2013, the building housed the Provincial Court.

More recently, since 2014, the Pastors House has been envisioned as Girona’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art-hosting exhibitions such as Color latent (2014) and Enric Marquès: The artist’s collection (2015). Archaeological investigations resumed in 2022 and 2023 to explore the rich layers of Roman and medieval remains beneath its foundations, ensuring that future restorations and museum development honor the site’s deep historical narrative.