Sights of Girona Spain walking route. What to see in Girona - an overview of the main attractions of the city. Food and drink
Girona (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Girona with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Girona (Spain)
Girona is a city in Spain in the autonomy of Catalonia, the capital of the province of the same name. Located in the north-eastern part of the country on the Onyar River, which divides it into two parts: the left bank is modern buildings, the right bank is the medieval historical center. Girona is one of the oldest cities in Spain with one of the last well-preserved Jewish quarters. Throughout its history, the city has survived several dozen sieges, which explains its powerful fortifications that still surround the historical center. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the medieval stone streets of Girona from Season 6, where they belonged to the city of Braavos.
Girona is often described as the gateway to the popular resorts of the Costa Brava, as well as the departure point for many budget airline passengers heading to Barcelona. The northern borders of the province approach the Catalan Pyrenees, where ski resorts are located. Most tourists immediately go to the coast or to Barcelona, without paying attention to Girona. Which, of course, is in vain! The city has preserved its medieval old center, ancient fortifications and historical atmosphere.
Geography and climate
Girona is located in the far northeast of Spain close to the French border and the Costa Brava. The city is crossed by the Onyar River. The average altitude above sea level is 81 m. The climate is humid subtropical. Summer is hot and dry. The hottest months are July and August. Winters are mild with rare negative temperatures.
Practical information
- Population - 99 thousand people.
- Area - 39.14 square kilometers.
- Language - Spanish and Catalan (Catalan).
- Currency - euro.
- Visa - Schengen.
- Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
- The tourist information center is located at Rambla de la Llibertat, 1.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is April-October. In summer it can get quite hot.
Story
On the site of Girona, on the way to Gaul, the Iberians built a fortress. Under the Romans, the fortified city of Gerunda was already located here. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Girona belonged to the Visigoths. In the 715th century the city was conquered by the Moors, but already in 785 it was recaptured by Charlemagne. The Moorish influence had virtually no effect on its architecture. For several centuries, Girona was a stronghold military point in the wars with the Moors.
In the 9th century the city joined Barcelona, maintaining its autonomy until the 13th century. In the mid-14th century, the County of Girona was granted by the King of Aragon to the heir to the throne. Since then, the title "Prince of Girona" became official for the future king. In the 14th-16th centuries the city was one of the most important on the western coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Girona had one of the largest Jewish communities in Spain.
Surprisingly, over its long history, Girona has survived 25 sieges and was captured 7 times. From the 17th to the 18th centuries the city was captured by the French several times.
How to get there
Girona is located 98 km from Barcelona. From the capital of Catalonia you can easily get here by train, bus or car. The airport is located 20 km south of the city. Buses leave every hour for Girona and Barcelona. You can also get there by bus and train from some cities in France and Spain. There are direct high-speed trains from Paris to Barcelona.
Shopping and purchases
Girona's old town mainly contains shops for tourists. Although there is a fairly large selection of stores with famous brands. On Saturday, a market is held in a park northwest of the city center.
Food and drink
Traditional dishes from the province of Girona: small tortillas with bacon, sausages, stew with peas, fried anchovies, hare with chestnuts, soup with mint or thyme, cod dishes, Xuixo (similar to a French croissant), fried potato balls with meat. We recommend avoiding popular tourist spots: Rambla de la Libertat and Plaça Independencia. Many cafes and restaurants do not guarantee the quality of food and service.
Attractions
Girona is the sparkling ancient jewel of Catalonia. This medieval walled city has a rich cultural and historical heritage from the ancient Romans to the Jews. The historical center is located on the right bank of the Onyar River with colorful houses adjacent to the very bank.
Girona's old town has two areas surrounded by ancient fortified walls: Força Vella, which housed the original Roman city founded over 2,000 years ago, and the medieval quarter which expanded it in the 14th and 15th centuries. These atmospheric old districts are filled with narrow pedestrian streets and impressive medieval buildings. Girona's first city fortifications were built by the Romans, strengthened under Charlemagne and in the 14th century. You can not only explore the ancient walls of the city, but also walk along them.
The Jewish Quarter or El Call is one of the best preserved in Spain. It's a maze of tiny cobbled alleys and stone staircases from the 12th to 15th centuries that you can get lost in. During the Middle Ages, this quarter was home to an important synagogue and centers for the study of Kabbalists.
The Cathedral or Church of Santa Maria is one of Girona's most impressive landmarks. The cathedral was built between the 11th and 18th centuries. It is a combination of different architectural styles, including a Romanesque cloister and a Gothic nave, which is the widest in the world. Inside the cathedral there is a museum displaying important religious works.
The Onyar River crosses the whole of Girona and is an integral part of it. The famous colorful houses that cling to the edge of the river have long become a symbol of the city. We recommend seeing the stone arched bridge Pont de Pedra and the Pont de les Peixateries Velles bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel.
Arab baths are actually more similar to Roman ones. They were built in the 12th century, inspired by ancient Roman baths. These structures operated until the 14th century. The entrance hall, with its central basin and slender decorative columns, is the most impressive.
Sant Pere is a medieval Benedictine monastery, one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in all of Catalonia. It was built in the 12th century, but there is evidence that the original structure dates back to the 10th century.
Sant Feliu is an impressive basilica and the first cathedral of Girona. The church was founded in the 10th century. It has a Gothic nave and a Baroque façade from the 13th to 18th centuries. The high bell tower was built between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Sant Domenech was built between the 13th and 14th centuries and is one of the first Gothic buildings in Catalonia. It includes a magnificent old church.
Sant'Daniel is a medieval monastery built on the outskirts of Girona in a lush green valley. The monastery houses the tomb of St. Daniel.
Girona's largest park is Devesa. It covers an area of more than 40 hectares and is considered the largest in Catalonia. This is an ideal place for a walk or even a small picnic.
Museums of Girona
The most interesting museums in Girona:
- Archaeological Museum in the Monastery of Sant Pere.
- Art museum in the old bishop's palace. Contains collections of art from the Romanesque period to the early 20th century.
- Museum of Jewish History - details the history of Jewish medieval communities in Catalonia and the Kingdom of Aragon from the 9th to the 15th centuries.
- Historical Museum - artifacts from Antiquity to modern times. The museum includes 14 exhibition halls.
Not far from the Cathedral is located La Basilica de Sant Feliu. It is one of the most representative Gothic buildings in Girona, whose interior contains outstanding works of art. For example, pagan and early Christian sarcophagi. The cost of visiting the basilica is 7 euros. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday – from 10 to 17.30, on Sunday – from 13 to 17.30.
Further our route lies towards Los Baños Árabes. The design of Arab baths shows the influence of Roman culture. The impressive entrance and majestic columns that surround the main pool are unlikely to leave guests indifferent to this interesting corner. The cost of visiting is 2 euros.
Working hours: from April to September– Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday and holidays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; from October to March - from 10 to 14 hours all days of the week.
Next destination is La universidad y Sant Domènec. The University and the Monastery of Sant Domènech are the most important Gothic buildings in Catalonia, built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Today it houses the University of Girona.
The final destination of our pre-lunch adventure is La Rambla de la Llibertat or the Old Arbat of Girona. Built in the 13th century, the Rambla was in ancient times the shopping and entertainment center of the city, and today here, as in Barcelona’s La Rambla, you can meet street vendors and artists, as well as enjoy an afternoon aromatic coffee.
The Rambla is parallel to the Onyar River. All tourists take photographs here, because the panoramas truly deserve to be presented in the most beautiful, memorable frames.
After a walk along the river we go to lunch. Girona, like any other Spanish town, has many interesting restaurants and bars. There is also original cuisine, cuisine of the Basque country, Catalan and Spanish, fast foods and pastry shops with amazing desserts.
Girona is home to the 2013 World's Best Restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca.
After lunch, you can end your trip at the Cinema Museum. The museum has a huge collection telling about the history of cinema. The museum is located near the Cathedral. The cost of visiting is 5 euros. Opening hours: from October to April - Tuesday to Friday from 10 to 18, Saturday from 10 to 20, Sunday and holidays from 11 to 15; May, June and September - Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 20, on Sundays and Mondays from 11 to 15; July and August - all days from 10 to 20 pm. Details.
Have a nice trip to Girona!
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Girona is an extremely compact and cozy city. The small historical center manages to accommodate monuments and attractions of different cultures and eras: fortifications and a wall from the times of the Roman Empire, medieval buildings with a Gothic cathedral, the rustic but at the same time unique architecture of the Jewish Quarter. All the sights coexist with each other with incredible harmony, forming a single whole.
Girona will not take much time; you will only need to spend half a day to get acquainted with the two-thousand-year history of the city. It doesn't have the overwhelming number of tourists that Barcelona does. There is no fuss and no need to use public transport, just leisurely walks along the ancient streets of the city. Here, like nowhere before, you can feel yourself in another time and era.
How to get to Girona
The city is located in northeastern Spain, in the autonomous community of Catalonia. More than 100 thousand people live in Girona and everything is in order with transport accessibility, it has its own airport, a developed rail and bus system. The border with France is about 60 km, and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, is just over 100 km.
Girona Airport
Full name Girona-Costa Brava Airport, code designation in search engines GRO. The airport accepts both domestic and international flights. You can view the full flight route map on the airport’s official website.
Recently, Pobeda has been flying here from Russia. Direct flights are operated from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The number of flights per week constantly changes depending on the season; find current prices and schedules below.
I have experience flying Pobeda to Girona airport. I can't say anything bad. Arrived on time, reasonable price. If you are specifically planning to explore Girona and the surrounding area of the Costa Brava, then it is worth flying here so as not to waste time on the road from Barcelona.
Bus to Girona center
Buses run regularly between the airport and the city bus station (Estació d’Autobusos de Girona). The route is operated by Sagales. On the carrier’s official website you can view the current schedule and also purchase a ticket online. Travel time is about half an hour. Depending on the season and time of day, the intervals between flights range from 30 minutes to an hour. Ticket price 2.75 euros.
Barcelona Airport
The largest air hub in Catalonia and Spain as a whole. El Prat Airport (BCN) receives hundreds of flights from all over the world. Such large carriers as Aeroflot, S7, U-Tair, Ural Airlines, as well as the Spanish low-cost airline Vueling fly here from Russia. Everyone can choose a convenient departure/arrival time and airline.
There is a direct bus number 602 from Barcelona Airport to Girona. Transportation is provided by the same company - Sagales.
Approximate travel time is 2.5 hours. Ticket price is 19 euros. I recommend viewing the current schedule and purchasing a ticket (online) on the official website.
From Barcelona to Girona
There are two ways to get to Girona from Barcelona, by bus or train. I recommend the second option, faster and more comfortable.
Train to Girona
In Spain, the analogue of our Russian Railways is the Renfe company. Therefore, we immediately go to their website, look at the schedule and buy tickets. There is no need to contact intermediaries, including Russian-language portals that sell tickets with a commission.
Trains to Girona depart from Barcelona-Sants station. Travel time varies from 40 minutes to 2 hours. It all depends on the type of train you choose.
- REGIONALS- an analogue of our electric trains, it goes with all stops. Tickets must be purchased directly at the station;
- MD (Medium Distance)— “advanced” train, makes fewer stops and is more comfortable. Tickets can also be purchased at the station ticket office;
- AVANT, AVE- high-speed trains in Spain. The travel time is the same, about 40 minutes, only AVANT is usually significantly cheaper. It is possible to purchase a ticket online.
It seems to me that the choice is obvious. The most convenient way to get to Girona is by AVANT train, which is fast and affordable.
Bus to Girona
We use the same route of the Sagales company under number 602. See its schedule in the section above. Buses depart from the Estació Del Nord bus station. Travel time is about 2 hours, provided there are no traffic jams. Barcelona is a large metropolis, so during rush hour you can spend an extra couple of hours leaving the city.
To Girona by car
Above I described the most popular and popular public transport routes. If you are traveling in a rented car, then you should consider some features of traveling by car.
Toll roads to Girona
Catalonia has a developed network of toll roads. If you move around using a navigator, then in 90% of cases it will certainly direct you to toll sections. Consider this expense item in your budget. For example, on the way from Barcelona to Girona, the cost of travel on toll roads will be about 20 euros. From Girona airport to the city center - 4 euros. The payment procedure is simple and clear. At the entrance to the toll section you take a ticket, at the exit you insert it into the machine and pay. Cards and cash are accepted, no problems.
There is one very useful resource - Michelin. There you can enter the point of departure/destination and see toll sections on the route, as well as the cost of travel. If you wish, you can get confused and plan your route along free roads.
Usually the problem with parking is solved simply - the hotel where you book a room provides a space for free. In Girona, most accommodation options do not have this service. You can look at the map of paid and free parking in the Parkme service, the picture is clickable.
I advise you not to go into the historical center and leave your car in the large free parking lot in the north.
Where to stay in Girona
Girona is a very compact city. Its historical center can be explored on foot in a couple of hours. All attractions are nearby. Most hotels are located within the historic center, so you don’t need to worry about which area to stay in Girona.
Girona Map
Sights of Girona
To get to know Girona you need to walk, and a lot. Overcoming numerous ascents and descents along the steps of the narrow cobbled streets of the city. It doesn't matter in what order you visit the sights, they are located next to each other. The main thing here is to relax and feel the spirit of this city. To prepare for your trip, I only recommend putting marks on your map so as not to miss anything.
Bridges of Girona
What is the most famous photo of Girona? — of course, colorful houses along the Onyar River. This is where I will begin the description. First of all, it is worth noting that there is no embankment along the river as such. The buildings are located close to the canal; there is no space for pedestrians to pass through.
The right and left banks of the historical center are connected by five bridges, from which the very symbolic image of Girona opens. All of them are marked on the map of city attractions. In order not to clutter the article with photos of the same type, I’ll tell you about the three bridges that I liked the most.
Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)
Girona's most popular bridge among tourists. Its design attracts everyone's attention; it is made entirely of steel. The design was carried out by the Eiffel company. Yes, the same Eiffel, after whom the tower in Paris is named.
Pont de Pedra Bridge
The southernmost bridge, which is located on the improvised border of the old quarter and the modern Eixample district. In my opinion, it offers the best view of the Girona canal. The Eiffel Bridge, colorful houses and the cathedral in the background look harmonious in the frame.
Pont de Sant Agusti bridge
Located in the central part of the canal. From here you can clearly see the entire embankment of the historical center of Girona. In terms of photogenicity, the view from the bridge is slightly inferior to the previous two.
Wall Passeig De La Muralla
A defensive structure created during the Roman Empire. Some sections of the wall have survived from the 1st century, unthinkable. This is the place I remember most in Girona.
The wall offers a stunning panorama of the city.
There are several entry and exit points, but I recommend going all the way. The beginning of the route is marked on the general map at the top “Begin Wall”. The walk takes about 1.5 hours.
I read that you should definitely watch the sunset from here. In the rays of the setting sun the city looks unreal. Unfortunately, it was cloudy on our only night in Girona, so no photos.
Jewish Quarter
Another top place in the city. Girona was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe. The labyrinth of narrow, tangled streets on the hill is now a World Heritage Site.
Now there is an archeology museum inside the monastery; for more information about prices and opening hours, see the “museums” section.
Be sure to take a walk here, the place definitely deserves attention, as well as any corner of the historical center of Girona.
Santa Lucia Observation Deck
Near the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants there is another very interesting place - an observation deck next to the chapel of Santa Lucia.
To get to it and enjoy the view of Girona, you need to climb the wall that surrounds the chapel. Unfortunately, the lookout is not marked on Google maps; they don’t even show the wall itself, so take the Santa Lucia Chapel as a guide and you’ll figure it out.
Girona Cathedral
This is probably the most famous building in Girona. The cathedral has a long and difficult history of construction. Its construction was carried out by many Spanish architects over several centuries. Hence the uniqueness of the building, which incorporates styles from different eras.
Personally, I was not impressed by the cathedral. No, this is certainly a grandiose structure, but I have already seen dozens of them all over Europe. therefore, I am more inclined to believe that the panoramas of Girona from the Roman Wall are a much more impressive sight in this city.
Rambla De La Libertat
As I already said, Girona is an inimitable mixture of different cultures and architecture. In what other city in the world can you see the Roman fortress wall in a couple of hours, then medieval cathedrals, the Jewish Quarter and, in addition, walk along the classic Catalan shopping street?
Rambla De La Libertat has served as the city's trade and commercial center for many centuries. Today there are shops, boutiques and a large number of restaurants and cafes here.
After a long busy day in Girona, this is a great place to end your day with a glass of sangria.
Independence Square (Plaça de la Independència)
It so happens that all the main attractions of Girona are located on the right side of the Onyar River. On the left side there is only one must-see place - Independence Square.
The woman at the reception of our hotel circled the area on the map in bold and accompanied it with the words that this is a favorite place for the residents of Girona, as well as the gastronomic center of the city.
In fact, this is true. There are a lot of Spaniards on Plaça de la Independència, it is noisy and instead of the usual restaurants, there are only tapas bars and snack bars.
Everyone has their own preferences in cuisine, but I prefer to sit in a restaurant. where can I order a full meal? If you like tapas and light snacks, you will like the square.
Museums of Girona
We didn’t go to the museums of Girona; we limited ourselves to walking around the historical center of the city. But to complete the picture, I will also provide information on them below. If something interests you, study the information on the official website of Girona. The points on the general map are marked.
Museum of Jewish History
The exhibition is dedicated to the medieval Jewish community of Catalonia. The daily life of Jewish family life, customs and traditions are presented.
Opening hours
- July August: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00; Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00;
- September - June: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00; Monday, Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00;
- Closed: January 1, 6, December 25, 26.
Entry fee
- Standard ticket: 4 €
- Free entry every first Sunday of the month
Cinema Museum
The museum houses exhibits from the collection of Thomas Magol. I don't know who this is. There is a permanent exhibition, the main idea of which is to show objects associated with the origins of the film industry: projectors, ancient filming equipment and a bunch of other antique things. Temporary thematic exhibitions are also held.
Opening hours:
- September - June:
- July August: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00. Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00.
Entry fee:
- Standard ticket: 6 €
- Reduced ticket: 3 € (students, pensioners)
Museum of the History of Girona
The museum is dedicated to the history of the city. From its founding by the Romans (1st century BC) until 1975.
Opening hours:
- May - September: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 to 18:30; Sunday from 10:30 to 13:30;
- October - April: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 to 17:30; Sunday from 10:30 to 13:30;
- Closed: on Mondays, January 1, 6 and December 25, 26.
Entry fee:
- Standard ticket: 4 €
- Free entry: children under 16, and for everyone every first Sunday of the month.
Museum of Archeology
Archaeological finds from excavations in the Girona region are presented. Items from different eras, from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
Opening hours:
- June - September: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00; Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00;
- October - May: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00; Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00;
- Closed: on Mondays, January 1, 6 and December 25 and 26.
Entry fee:
- Standard ticket: 4.50 €
Contains the most important and outstanding works of art of the province of Girona. Starting from the 11th century and ending at the beginning of the 20th.
Opening hours:
- May - September: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00; Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00;
- October - April: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00; Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00;
- Closed on Mondays.
Entry fee:
- Standard ticket: 4.50 €
Here they cheated a little, drawing in the access to the sea and the harbor. In fact, there is a tiny square ahead that abuts the building.
I think that you should come to Girona overnight. Leisurely explore the city, and in the evening hang out in one of the restaurants. The next morning you can move on with a fresh head.
What to see near Girona
Catalonia is a very rich region in attractions. We've only been here a couple of times and only saw about 10 percent of what there is to see. But I think my experience will also be useful to someone.
If you come here during the beach season, then be sure to check out the resorts of the Costa Brava. My favorite is the coastal town. An excellent place for a quiet and relaxing beach holiday.
During the transitional season, when you can’t swim yet or it’s already late, there is also something to do near Girona. Look, for example, at the villages of Pals and Peratallada, Empuriabrava, the list goes on for a long time.
This is the beauty of organizing a trip yourself, as opposed to a package tour. You can create your own unique route, taking into account only your personal preferences.
Now there are a lot of offers with excursions from the resort towns of the Costa Brava or Barcelona, where one day it is proposed to go to Girona, gallop through the streets as part of a group, and then return back. Well, this is bullshit, don’t use such services, this is not a vacation. Spain is an extremely friendly country for solo travel.
The Girona Cinema Museum is one of the most interesting and unusual museums in the world. It was opened in 1998 at the expense of the personal funds of the Catalan director Thomas Mallol. The museum displays a huge amount of cinematographic equipment, original tapes, projectors and the best collection of posters. In total, it exhibits about 30,000 exhibits. Visiting the film museum, you can see exclusive animated reels, a Lumer Brothers projector and much more.
There is also a huge number of cartoons, films, posters and photographs depicting actors from different eras. The museum presents the entire history of cinema, which reflects an entire era of people's lives. The museum is not a commercial organization, but has an informational and historical character.
Gala Dali Castle in Pubol
The medieval castle of Pubol, dating from the 11th century, is a building with an adjacent church, a courtyard and a beautiful French-style garden. Over the centuries, the castle was rebuilt several times, presumably during the heyday of the baronate. This is approximately the end of the 14th century - the beginning of the 15th century. Gala Dali, Elena Ivanovna Dyakonova formalized the acquisition of the castle on June 1, 1970. Just two years earlier, Salvador Dali decided to finally fulfill the promise he made to the woman he loved back in the 30s. Namely, give her a castle.
In 1968, construction work was underway to build a theater-museum, and, despite the high pace of construction, Dali gave orders to find a castle, preferably near Port Lligat. Salvador Dali had no hesitation regarding the proposed castle in Pubol. Over time, this castle became a kind of refuge for Gala.
The arrangement of the castle could by no means be called traditional. Abundant vegetation, painting and even a somewhat excessive passion for sculpture and baroque elements. There is a lot of symbolism here that only initiates can understand. All the same busts of Wagner, animals in the form of stone or plaster figures. Stuffed animals were also installed. The goal was to create a mysterious place, full of mysteries and secrets, and the interior space certainly had to be distinguished by beauty. The Dali couple were quite successful in achieving this goal - a striking example is the kitchen room, where they equipped a music room.
It should be noted that Salvador Dali himself personally took part in the decorative work, in the design of the garden and several rooms, as well as individual elements
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Girona lioness
The legendary Lioness of Girona still stands in the Placa de Sant Felliu. Now with a rather worn backside that has been worn out for 9 centuries - after all, according to legend, this is where you need to capture your kiss.
At the end of the 12th century, according to written historical sources, permission to build baths was issued to Arnau de Liers. Thus he was rewarded for his heroic participation in the conquest of the city of Lleida. Then, at the end of the 13th century, the city was attacked by French troops, who stormed into the city and destroyed many buildings, including the bathhouse building. Over the next few centuries, they were repeatedly repaired and restored, the last of which was completed in 1929. An active participant in the latest restoration work was the architect Rafael Maso.
Despite the great external resemblance to medieval Arab buildings, the building of the baths in Girona is just an imitation of Muslim baths and the baths have nothing to do with the Arabs. In fact, this is a building built in the Romanesque style.
Jewish Quarter of Girona
The first documented evidence of the appearance of Jews in Girona dates back to 890. The local community was the largest in Catalonia, until in the 15th century. ardent fighters for Catholicism, kings Ferdinand and Isabella, expelled from Spain almost all Jews who did not accept the Catholic faith. This ended the existence of the Jewish community of Girona. But some evidence of her life is still preserved in the famous Jewish quarter, where a very special atmosphere reigns.
This is one of the most picturesque corners of the city, famous for its narrow medieval streets, the width of which sometimes does not exceed one meter in width. In the stone doorways of some ancient buildings you can find a special hole located at shoulder level to the right of the entrance. Previously, a “mezuzah” was fixed at this place - a small piece of parchment with a prayer for good luck and protection. Every time people entered and left the house, they touched this piece of paper and said a prayer.
Girona Airport - Costa Brava GRO
Girona Airport is ideal for those who need to visit Girona, Costa Brava (Lloret de Mar) and Barcelona. Those planning to ski in Andorra also choose this airport.
Girona - Costa Brava International Airport is located 12.5 km southwest of the city of Girona. The airport was built in 1965, but until recently it had low passenger traffic.
In the early 2000s, Ryanair's decision to use Girona Airport as its hub saw a surge in passenger numbers. Following this, the airport infrastructure also developed. Several restaurants and shops have appeared where you can buy local delicacies: wine, sweets, the famous Spanish jamon (cured meat) and candy. There is a bookstore and souvenir department. There is a tourist office in the arrivals hall, where they will give any information (the staff speaks English). From here you can go on a sightseeing tour of Girona.
The bus schedule to Girona and Barcelona is coordinated with the arrival and departure times of planes. In addition, you can always use a taxi. There is a car rental service at the airport. There is a place for parking, both short-term - directly in front of the airport building, and for long-term - 5 minutes away.
Castle Museum Gala
The medieval castle, located in the small Catalan village of Pubol, in the province of Girona, was given to his wife by the artist Salvador Dali in 1968 as a token of his greatest gratitude. Gala was not just a wife for the famous genius, she was his muse, model, the main character of his creations, the love and passion of his life. The owner used this castle as a summer residence. This is where Gala was buried: her ashes rest in the underground tomb of her own ancient possessions.
Today the castle is open to visitors and is a museum. Its design is made in Dali’s unique style, taking into account the taste of the woman he adores. Here, along with paintings and sculptures of the great surrealist, you can see the personal belongings of his wife: clothes, jewelry, furniture and even the car in which her body was delivered to Pubol for burial.
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Ancient city of Besalu
The ancient city of Besalu is a national monument of Spain. This majestic medieval city has managed to preserve its appearance to this day. Walking along the pavement and admiring the small houses, it is difficult to understand what century you are in.
The main attraction of the city can be considered the ancient Roman bridge, which was built in the twelfth century across the Fluvia River.
Also worth paying attention to is the stone church of St. Peter. It is located in the central square of the city and is part of a Benedictine monastery built in 977.
Along with ancient monuments, you can see modern cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and shops where you can buy local handicrafts.
After walking around the city and seeing all the architectural monuments, it is worth visiting two interesting and unusual museums: one - cheese and smoked meats, and the second - the Museum of Miniatures.
The most popular attractions in Girona with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Girona on our website.
More attractions of Girona
Catalan Girona is a city where Romanesque buildings from the 10th-12th centuries still stand, and museums house valuable artifacts from the Roman period and the dark times of the Early Middle Ages. The power of the past centuries seems to have frozen forever in the facades of the houses of the Jewish Quarter and the outlines of the formidable Romanesque temples.
Girona is located at a distance from the coveted beaches of the Costa Brava, but this does not make the city lose its value. Many tourists come here on excursions from coastal resort towns to diversify their lazy beach holiday, and are satisfied. In addition to the grandiose architectural attractions, Girona has several worthwhile museums housing priceless exhibits of great interest to history buffs.
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What to see and where to go in Girona?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The fortress walls of Girona were erected in the 1st century during the heyday of the Roman Empire, they were part of the defensive structures that protected the road from Rome to Seville. Only a small part of the walls, which have been restored, has survived to this day. Observation platforms located around the perimeter offer panoramic views of the city. Nowadays, the fortress walls are a popular tourist attraction.
11th century sculpture installed next to the Church of Sant Feliu. The figure of the lioness is somewhat reminiscent of the famous Roman she-wolf. There are many beliefs associated with this attraction. According to one of them, it is believed that if you kiss a lioness on the backside, all your wishes will come true. For these purposes, there is even a special ladder attached to the sculpture. In fact, the sculpture is the heraldic symbol of Girona, and kissing in an unusual place is just a joke custom.
Jews began to settle in Girona in the 9th century. Their community was very powerful before the wave of persecution that swept across Europe in the 15th century. The expelled Jews were replaced by poor Christian families who did not improve the houses of the quarter. That is why the area has reached us almost in its original form. Nowadays, El Kal has turned into a bohemian quarter, where real estate costs a lot of money.
One of the central squares of Girona, located on the site of the monastery of St. Augustine. The architectural appearance of the place took shape in the 19th century. The square is surrounded by austere facades of neoclassical buildings and sculptural colonnades. Massive social events, holiday markets and music festivals are held here. On Independence Square there are many restaurants and bars with open summer areas.
The central promenade of Girona, filled with tourists in any season. Rambla de la Libertad has numerous cafes, boutiques and souvenir shops. Until 1809, a city wall ran along the street, but it was destroyed by Napoleon's troops. On weekends there is a flower market where a huge number of different species are sold. From the street you can turn into the Jewish quarter or walk to the bridges over the Onyar River.
The first Romanesque church on the site of the modern cathedral was erected in the 11th century. In the Roman era there was a pagan sanctuary here. In the 14th century, a Gothic building appeared, which was completed only in the 16th century. As a result of later reconstructions, the cathedral acquired a Baroque façade. The courtyard of the church has been preserved since the 12th century; inside there are many ancient relics of great cultural value.
The temple was erected in the 14th century on the site of an early Romanesque church, where the tombs of the city's patrons, St. Philip and St. Narcissus, were located. In the 16th century, a tower was added to the building, and in the 17th century, work on finishing the facade was completed. The interior has retained its austere Romanesque appearance with characteristic massive galleries. Roman and early Christian burials have also been preserved on the territory of the temple.
The monastery was founded in the 12th century and first belonged to the brothers of the Order of St. Benedict. A building in the Romanesque style with a two-story bell tower has survived to this day. In the 14th century, the complex became part of the state. Since the 19th century, the abbey has housed a museum, now known as the Archaeological Museum of Girona. One of its most valuable exhibits is considered to be the antique mosaic “Chariot Races” and an ancient sarcophagus dating back to the 4th century.
The museum's exhibition is dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish community, which has lived in Catalonia since the Early Middle Ages. The collection is housed in 11 thematic rooms, which include “Diaspora”, “Jewish Quarter”, “Synagogue”, “Cemetery” and others. In the museum you can learn about the life and everyday life of Jews, traditions and religious rituals. Periodically, temporary exhibitions are organized on the territory of the museum.
A private museum that owns a fairly impressive exhibition consisting of 30 thousand items. The collection is dedicated to the history of theater and cinema, from the period of Antiquity to the present day. The museum houses the Lumiere brothers' film projector, many old posters, photographs and films. The gallery was opened in 1998, it became the first museum of this kind in Spain.
The museum is located in the building of the Bishop's Palace, which, according to evidence, was erected in the 10th century. The last reconstruction of the building dates back to the 16th century, when features of the Renaissance era were introduced into the architectural appearance of the palace. The museum collection consists of 8.5 thousand exhibits. Historical artifacts belonging to the time period from the Roman era to the 20th century are stored here.
The baths are located in the central part of Girona; they were built in the 12th century during the reign of King Alfonso I. The structure was built in a style typical of North African cities. At first, the baths belonged to the royal family, but after reconstruction in the 13th century, access was open to everyone. In the 15th century, the baths again came into private ownership and were subsequently closed. In the 20th century, reconstruction was carried out.
A pedestrian bridge over the Onyar River, designed by the famous G. Eiffel, the architect of the Paris Eiffel Tower. The Girona bridge was built in 1876, the design was revolutionary for its time, as Eiffel used metal ties to increase strength. The Gustave Eiffel Bridge is a fairly compact structure that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
A small city park covering an area of 40 hectares, on the territory of which grow huge 150-year-old trees with a trunk height of up to 50 meters. It’s good to be in the shadow of these giants during the sweltering Catalan heat. The park contains a Botanical Garden and a banana grove. For city residents and tourists, this place is a real green oasis, providing long-awaited coolness.
A water artery flowing through the center of Girona. The embankment of the Onyar River is lined with houses with colored facades, which gives it a rather festive and elegant look. These facades have long become the hallmark of the city; many tourists come to see them. The houses were built in the 17th century on the site of a demolished city wall; since then they have been rebuilt several times, but still retain their original appearance.
