Espai Far

Espai Far is a museum center dedicated to the maritime heritage of Vilanova i la Geltrú, a Catalan port town in the Garraf region on the Mediterranean coast near Barcelona. It occupies the buildings of the former Sant Cristòfol lighthouse, perched above La Farola beach, and since 2016 has brought together three separate sea-related collections under one roof.

Where exactly is Espai Far located?

The museum stands at Pujada del Far de Sant Cristòfol 2, on a rise overlooking the bay of Vilanova i la Geltrú. The setting carries real symbolic weight: for generations the lighthouse guided fishermen safely back to port, and today the same building serves as a museum open to residents and visitors alike.

What is the story behind the lighthouse itself?

The Sant Cristòfol lighthouse dates back to the 19th century. A first installation went into service in 1834, followed by an improved version in 1866. The current, third structure — the one visitors see today — was built starting in 1902 and became operational in 1905. For decades it guided ships into harbor before its interior was converted into a museum space in 2016.

What is on display inside?

Espai Far is organized into three distinct exhibition spaces, each with its own background.

Museu del Mar (Sea Museum)

Housed in the former lighthouse keeper's residence, this space displays fishing gear, tools, and objects tied to maritime tradition. Most of the collection comes from donations made by fishermen and residents of the Mar neighborhood over more than forty years — a collection built from the ground up by the community itself.

Espai Víctor Rojas

This section centers on the Víctor Rojas rescue boat, one of only three surviving vessels of its type in Catalonia, originally built to save shipwreck survivors. It's a rare surviving piece of historic maritime rescue equipment.

Museu de Curiositats Marineres Roig Toqués

The third space recreates the private museum that Francesc Roig Toqués assembled in his own home over a lifetime of collecting sea-related objects. His collection was open to the public for more than sixty years before being incorporated into Espai Far.

How should visitors plan a trip?

Opening hours vary by season:

• June 15 to September 14: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–1pm and 5pm–8pm
• September 15 to March 14: Wednesday to Friday 10am–1pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am–2pm, with Saturday afternoons also open 4pm–6pm
• March 15 to June 14: Wednesday to Sunday 10am–2pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday also open 5pm–7pm

It's worth checking the current schedule before visiting, since hours shift with the season.

Who is this place for?

Espai Far suits visitors interested in maritime history, families with children (the exhibits are hands-on and easy to follow), and anyone exploring the Garraf region who wants to pair a coastal walk with a stop at a site of genuine local character. The setting itself — a former working lighthouse with sea views — adds value beyond the exhibits alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Espai Far? It's a museum center in Vilanova i la Geltrú housed in the buildings of the Sant Cristòfol lighthouse, combining three collections on the region's maritime history: the Sea Museum, the Víctor Rojas Space, and the Roig Toqués Museum of Marine Curiosities.

How old is the Sant Cristòfol lighthouse? The current, third version of the lighthouse was built between 1902 and 1905, following two earlier installations from 1834 and 1866. The museum inside it has operated since 2016.

What is the most distinctive exhibit? The Víctor Rojas rescue boat in the space dedicated to it — one of only three surviving vessels of its kind in Catalonia.

Are the opening hours the same all year? No, the schedule changes across three seasonal periods — summer, autumn-winter, and spring — with different hours each time, so it's best to check before planning a visit.