History of Girona. Girona, Spain. Red Bridge by Gustave Eiffel
Sights of Girona. The most important and interesting sights of Girona - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.
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- Girona is a small city, but old and well preserved. And besides, it is not far from Barcelona, there is a lot of public transport there, there are many hotels and restaurants, so tourists go there often.
Girona was founded in the 1st century BC. e. the Romans, but then moved from country to country many times, this was caused by its convenient location - just on the main road from Spain to Rome, this largely determines the appearance of many of the city’s attractions. There's a lot left, but it's all packed into a fairly small area, making Girona an ideal day trip from Barcelona.
There are also several very rare attractions here, and the historical buildings in Girona were included in the List of National Heritage of Spain in entire streets - so as not to add one house at a time, and there are several such streets here.
The most extensive attraction in Girona is probably the fortification system. The first walls here were built by the Romans, they were then completed several times, and they are quite well preserved. Parts of the walls, bastions, the Gironella tower built by the Romans and several others, the city gates and the forts protecting them survived. Part of the wall can be walked along the top - above the roofs of the Old Town.
Girona's most famous landmark is the Il Calle quarter, one of the best preserved medieval quarters in Europe.
The cathedral is also famous. It has been on this site for many centuries, and the building that we see now was built mainly in the 11th century. There are many surviving rarities here, but the most famous item is the so-called Girona carpet, which dates back to the 11th century.
There were also a lot of monasteries in the city. Here you can also find the remains of the monastery of St. Francis of Assisi, and the Baroque monastery of St. Giuseppe, and the Capuchin monastery, and a few more. Two of them are best preserved. Monastery of St. Dominica was founded in the 13th century, changed its purpose several times, and now houses the University of Girona. Monastery of St. Peter Galligans is even older - it was founded in the 10th century. Early buildings built in the Catalan version of the Romanesque style, as well as wonderful stone carvings, have been preserved here. The complex is now occupied by the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia.
In the Old Town you can see several palaces, including the famous Bishop's Palace. It was built in the 10th century, was used for its intended purpose and, unchanged, was transferred to the city in 1976 to organize a museum. Almost the entire historical complex has been preserved; it is now the Girona Museum of Art.
There are older churches in the city, for example, the Church of St. Felix.
It was founded around the 4th century (no one knows more precisely), and scientists have attributed some parts of the current building to the 6th century. There is also a collection of rarities here, but the most interesting is the collection of early Christian and pre-Christian sarcophagi. There are many other churches, mostly dating back to the 12th-15th centuries, but they are smaller than those listed above.
There are many separate buildings, very different. Thus, there are “Arab baths”, built in the 12th century according to Roman and Greek canons. The main halls have been preserved and you can walk through them and see them. There is the so-called Agullan House - the home of a noble family, surrounded by scary legends for many centuries; there is the hospital of St. Catherine's, founded in the 13th century, and housed in the current building in the 17th - a wonderful old pharmacy has been preserved there.
The most famous landmark of Girona is the Il-Call quarter, one of the best preserved medieval quarters in Europe. It was once a Jewish area, but in the 15th century the Jews were evicted and the area became an urban slum. Thanks to this, the houses were preserved practically without reconstruction - poor residents could not do them. The area is a confusing mass of narrow, darkish streets, alleys, dead ends and alleys, now occupied by shops, restaurants, boutiques and very high-end housing. The level of preservation is simply amazing.
In the Old Town, many other streets and individual residential buildings dating from the 11th to 15th centuries have been preserved within the city walls.
Some of the houses have changed little since then. There are a lot of them on the lists of attractions, some of them are Gothic, some of them are something else. Some streets and squares, as we have already said, are included in the list of national heritage in their entirety, there are many of them - about 20, all very old - some are from the 11th century or 12th, and all have been preserved practically without external changes. Most of them are located in the Ile Calle district, and the most famous is the central street of this area, it is called Carrer de la Forca.
Another of the city’s calling cards is the Onyar River area, built up with quaint houses rising in tiers above the river. In the Mediterranean they often built it this way, but by the sea, so it turned out interesting.
In general, the old part of the city is one big attraction. It is a beautiful city, very well preserved. Therefore, the best thing to do in Girona is to simply walk along its ancient intricate streets, alleys and endless staircases. There are as many legends associated with it as there are with Prague, and when you find yourself in a quarter that looks the same as it did 500 years ago, you immediately somehow believe in the legends.
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Walls of Girona
Girona, Les Muralles
Like many other cities in the Mediterranean, Girona is a very old city. But in addition, Girona was not only located not far from the coast, but also on the main road in the region, built under the Romans, which connected the major cities of Spain with the coast, and further - with Rome, the capital of the empire.
Girona is the largest city in the region and the capital of the Spanish province of the same name, part of Catalonia, which is a tourist destination due to its favorable location, a large number of attractions and a huge number of festivals that are held here almost every week.
The city is located in the north-east of Spain, just one and a half hours drive from the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, and thirty minutes drive from the resorts of the Costa Brava. Many budget airlines fly to Girona Airport, so many tourists traveling to other Catalan cities initially arrive here. But Girona itself is an excellent tourist destination at any time of the year due to its mild climate and large number of attractions.
As a holiday destination, this city has a lot to offer. There is something to see in Girona for people of all ages, children, couples and retirees. The province is extremely diverse, Girona is one of the most historically rich places in Spain and the city is rightly proud of its beautiful historical quarter, which always attracts many visitors. Founded by the Romans, the city was later captured by the Moors and Franks before finally coming under the control of Barcelona. Girona was formed under the influence of various cultures and religions, and now the city attracts visitors with its beautiful architecture and special atmosphere. The Old and New Towns offer many opportunities to get lost in the narrow streets and observe local life and culture.
History of Girona
Early period
An ancient medieval city with records dating back over 2,000 years, Girona was officially founded back in 79 BC. The first historical inhabitants of the region were the Iberians. The city began its life as a small settlement before becoming of interest to the Romans. They became interested in the city and built a fortress there, which they gave the name Gerunda. The future Girona had a special strategic location for the Romans, being an important stopping place on the long Augustan road, between Spanish Cadiz and Rome.
The Carrer de la Forca, which is located in the Old Town area, actually repeats part of the original Via Augusta.
As time passed, the inevitable battles for control of this growing city began. Girona passed into the hands of the Visigoths, who ruled it until it was conquered by the Moors. The fortress has always had important military significance and the history of the wars with the Moors is rich in references to it. Finally, Charlemagne reconquered it in 785 and made it one of the fourteen original counties of Catalonia. Girona became one of the main areas in the region, and the city continued to grow, improving its overall infrastructure and expanding its borders. During the reign of Charlemagne, the fortress passed back to the Moors, but was then retaken again, but the invaders were completely expelled only in 1015. Wifred I the Hairy incorporated Girona into the County of Barcelona in 878. In the 11th century, Alfonso I of Aragon granted Girona city status. The ancient county later became a duchy in 1351 when King Pedro IV of Aragon created the title of duke for his first-born son, Juan I. In 1414, King Ferdinand I of Aragon in turn gave the title of Prince of Girona to his son Alfonso.
The title was abolished in the 16th century, but was revived by the Spanish royal family as recently as the late 1970s. Now the title of Princess of Girona belongs to Infanta Leonor, Princess of Asturias.
Middle Ages. Jewish Community of Girona
But the 12th century was marked by the rapid development of the Jewish community of Girona, which was inhabited by followers of Kabbalistic teachings. The Girona rabbi, Moshe ben Nachman Gerondi (better known as Nachmanides or Ramban), even received the status of chief Catalan rabbi. The community effectively established its power in the city, gaining control over many areas of activity and positioning itself as the city elite. However, the preeminence of the Jews came to a rather unexpected end in 1492, when the Catholic monarchs expelled all Jews who refused to succeed them from Catalonia. Although even now in the city there is a well-known Jewish community and an entire quarter, which is considered a separate attraction.
Sieges and wars
Over the following years, Girona was besieged 25 times, often being targeted by the French. But only 7 attacks ended in success, during which the city passed into the hands of the besiegers. The city was attacked by French royal troops under the command of Marshal Charles de Manchy d'Aucincourt in 1653, Marshal Bernardin Gigot de Bellefond in 1684, and twice in 1694 under the command of Anne Jules de Noailles. One of the most famous battles took place in May 1809, when the city was besieged by 35,000 French Napoleonic troops under the command of Vergier, Augereau and Saint-Cyr, and stubbornly held out under the leadership of Alvarez until disease and hunger forced it to capitulate after a 7-month siege. Girona was the center of the Ter department during French rule, which lasted from 1809 to 1813, but with the fall of Napoleonic France, Girona, along with the province of Barcelona, returned to Spain, where it remains to this day, being a popular tourist destination.
City of Festivals
As well as celebrating Spain's national public holidays, Girona has its own calendar of exhibitions, fiestas and other events, which tend to be spread fairly evenly throughout the year and are always popular.
They often include processions, parades and fireworks displays, many of these celebrations and festivals are directly related to the city's ancient past, its religious heritage, traditional Spanish music and Catalan food and drink. Other events are an occasion to celebrate the city's love of sports, theater and cinema.
The city is open to various cultural events that artists, performers and organizers want to host in this unique place. For this reason, every year Girona hosts many festivals of music, film, visual and performing arts, which bring together a large number of disciplines: jazz, street art, classical guitar, international theatre, amateur theatre, video and audiovisual materials, etc. .
Every February, Girona Mardi Gras marks the beginning of carnivals, masquerades, and colorful costume parades. With the arrival of March, Gastronomic Week and Easter celebrations begin, which form Holy Week, while in April the Spring Festival and St. George's Day are among the biggest events. These are followed in May by the flower extravaganza called Temps de Flors and the Half Marathon, and in June by the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, famous for its fireworks.
Approximate calendar of festivals and holidays in Girona
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The list of festivals is not exact, it only shows those events that take place regularly in Girona. In addition to them, the city hosts many other events, you can find out more about them, as well as check the timings and standard festivals on the official website of Girona: girona.cat
Sights of Girona
The historic city of Girona, one of the most interesting in Catalonia, invites you to trace its more than 2000-year history through two fortifications, Forza Vella and the Medieval Quarter. The artistic heritage of the city has been preserved in numerous monuments that exist to this day. Girona's main attractions are concentrated in the impressive old Jewish quarter, with its beautiful streets and porticoed squares, luxurious Baroque piazzas and buildings by the architect Rafael Maso.
A walk through Girona's historic "Old Town" is a must for avid sightseers. The "New Town" area is nearby and is connected to the "Old Town" by a series of bridges, and the train station is about 15 minutes' walk from the Plaza de España. The "old town" stands on the steep Capuchin hill to the east of the Onyar River, while the more modern part is located on the plain to the west.
List of main attractions
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Forsa Velha  |
In the first century BC, the Romans built a mighty fortress with an almost triangular perimeter (a kind of acropolis) which is known as Forsa Vella. The fortress was well protected by a defensive rampart built of large hewn stones. This was the first city fortification and remained unchanged until the year 1000, and parts of this wall can still be seen today. Historically, walls have played an important role in protecting Girona from invaders for hundreds of years. But the fortifications were thoroughly rebuilt during the reign of Pedro III the Ceremonial in the second half of the 14th century, using Roman walls as the foundation. At the beginning of the 16th century, the walls swallowed up the city and the fortifications lost their military significance. |
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Girona Cathedral  |
The cathedral is located in the heart of Força Vella. A church, parts of which remain, existed on this site in the 11th century, and the last work was completed in the 18th century. It includes a number of walls and rooms in different styles, from Romanesque (the cloister and Charles Tower) to the Baroque façade and steps. Its most unique feature is the large Gothic nave (15th–16th century), which, at 23 meters wide, is considered the widest of its kind in the world. The ancient cathedral, which stood on the site of the present one, was used as a mosque by the Moors and, after their final expulsion, was either completely rebuilt or restored. The present building is one of the most important monuments of the school of architect Jaime Fabre and an excellent example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Eighty-six steps lead to the Girona Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. The aisle and chapels surround the choir, which opens with three arches into the nave, including a pointed stone vault. Among the interior decorations is a retablo by Valencian silversmith Pere Berneck. It is divided into three tiers of figurines and reliefs, framed in canopied niches made of cast and chased silver. The gold and silver frontal altar was taken away by the French in 1809. The cathedral contains the tombs of Ramon Berenguer and his wife. |
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Monastery of St. Peter Galligans  |
The 12th-century Benedictine monastery with a temple, a basilica with a unique layout, an octagonal tower now serves as an archaeological museum, which displays various exhibits from excavations, tombstones of the old Jewish cemetery, an ancient sarcophagus and Egyptian mosaics. Nearby is the Church of St. Nicholas (Sao Nicolau), which also works as an exhibition hall. |
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Arab Baths  |
A distinctive 12th-century Romanesque structure inspired by Roman baths, its most prominent features include the barrel-vaulted entrance, which was used as a dressing room and seating area, and the dome over the central pool, supported by slender columns with ornate capitals. |
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Basilica of St. Philip  |
The first cathedral of Girona, built before the 10th century, is one of the most representative Gothic buildings, primarily due to its elongated bell tower (building from the 14th to 16th centuries). The Romanesque apse was complemented by Gothic naves and a Baroque façade (XIII-XVIII centuries). The church contains remarkable works of art, such as eight pagan and early Christian sarcophagi from the 4th century and the Reclining Christ from the 14th century by the sculptor Aloi de Montbrauil. But the main advantage of the Sant Feliu temple is still its architecture; it is one of the few Spanish churches that have an original spire. It contains, in addition to the tomb of its patron and the tomb of the valiant Alvarez, a chapel in honor of St. Narcissus, who, according to legend, was one of the first bishops of the diocese. |
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Jewish Quarter of Girona  |
Located inside Forca Vella, the Jewish Quarter (aka the Call) is one of the most emblematic areas of the city. It consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets and courtyards that retain their medieval atmosphere. It is one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in the world and a clear indication of the influence of Jewish culture on Girona. Although most traces of Girona's rich Jewish history were destroyed when the Jews were expelled from Spain, some remain. At Carrer de Sant Llorenc you can see on the doors of the old building rectangular battlements that once held mezuzahs. Further away is the Ramban Center and the Catalan Jewish Museum. |
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Medieval quarter  |
The medieval city was built between the 11th and 15th centuries with new neighborhoods erected in the north of the Força Vella (Sant Feliu and Sant Pere), in the south (Areny and Vilanova) and in the west (Mercadal), all protected by new fortified walls, some areas which can still be seen today when walking along the old streets. |
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Valley and Monastery of St. Daniel  |
From the Abbey of St. Peter Galligants you can walk into the Vale of St. Daniel, a large green area near the city, with shady areas and natural springs. The church containing the tomb of St. Daniel was created by the sculptor Aloi de Montbrauil in the 14th century and is another fine example of Spanish Gothic architecture. |
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University and monastery of Sant Domenech  |
The Monastery of Sant Domènech was built in the 13th–14th centuries and was one of the first Gothic buildings in all of Catalonia. Unfortunately, today only the façade of the 16th-century Les Àligues building has survived from the old buildings. The monastery ceased to perform its functions in the middle of the 19th century and the University of Girona was located here, where more than 10 thousand students study. |
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Girona fortress walls  |
The Roman walls were expanded during the Middle Ages as the city grew and the old fortifications became obsolete. The longest Carolingian walls were built in the 9th century and remain to this day. Visitors can stroll along an alley that runs along some sections of the walls, and the various towers provide excellent viewing points over the city and surrounding areas. |
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Liberty Boulevard (Rambla de la Llibertat)  |
This magnificent long stretch of land along the Onyar River dates back to the 13th century. It is distinguished by vaulted low ceilings with multi-level arches; it was then reserved for a market, and now the arches house numerous cafes and shops. |
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Plaza del Vi  |
This bustling square is surrounded by the arcades of the so-called Palau del General (town hall), a Gothic Renaissance building that housed the Catalan public administration of Girona in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the 19th-century city hall and city theater, which is one of the most interesting in Catalonia . |
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San Marti Sacosta  |
Girona has managed to preserve numerous medieval sites of exceptional atmosphere and beauty, where time seems to have stood still. One of these places is the area belonging to the church of the 17th century monastery of San Marti, with its Baroque façade and steps in front of it. |
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Independence Square in Girona  |
Designed by Marti Sureda on the site of the old monastery of St. Augustine, Girona's most popular square. An arcaded square in neoclassical style, Plaça de la Independència will always be a lively place due to the large number of restaurants gathered here. In the center of the square stands a monument to the defenders of the city of Girona in 1809, created in 1894 by the sculptor Antonio Parera. Independence Square, which references the Spanish War of Independence against Napoleon Bonaparte, is one of the most famous and most visited places in Girona. It is located in the Mercadal district of the city center and is also known as Saint Augustine Square due to the former monastery located there. Of interest is the 19th century style that the architect adhered to, and the square itself is surrounded by austere, identical neoclassical buildings with covered galleries. Some establishments in the square are well known for their history, such as Café Royal, Cinema Albeniz and Casa Marieta. |
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Houses on the Onyar River  |
A characteristic feature of Girona is its picturesque houses overlooking the Onyar River. They were built over many years and externally give the feeling of a small Mediterranean city. The facades are painted in accordance with the palette created by a group of artists Anses, Hames and Faiso and architects Fuses and Viader. One of these houses is Casa Maso, it is open to the public, it is the home of the architect Rafael Maso and an example of the Nouveau Centrist style in Girona. It is easily recognized by its unique white façade overlooking the river. Also of interest to tourists is a series of bridges across the Onyar, one of which was built by the office of the famous Gustave Eiffel. |
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Art Nouveau and Novecentism architecture  |
Interesting is not only the medieval, but also the more modern architecture of Girona, which dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries, a period of active industrial growth in Catalonia. A walk through the city center and its various districts allows the visitor to admire apartment buildings, private houses, and industrial buildings designed 100–200 years ago by many famous architects of the time. So in Girona you can feel not only the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, but also the time of the industrial revolution. |
Girona itself has a lot of interesting things for any tourist, but there are other attractions in the surrounding area. For example, the village of Pubol is a 20-minute drive away. Among its attractions are the medieval atmosphere and the Gala Dali Castle, which was purchased by the famous artist Salvador Dali for his wife and muse. The theme of Salvador Dali continues in the neighboring village of Figueres, which is located approximately 45 minutes north of Girona, where the famous artist was born. Also to the north, but a little further, is the medieval village of Perelada. Another regional town, Banyoles, is close to Girona and offers a glimpse into Catalonia's extensive history with museums and archaeological sites. And, of course, Barcelona, which needs no introduction, and the world resort of Costa Brava.
And in Girona itself, in addition to historical attractions, there are many museums that will allow you to immerse yourself in the history of Catalonia, a virtually independent, distinctive region within Spain. There are seven major museums in Girona, displaying a rich, varied heritage of art and history from antiquity to the present day.
List of main museums in Girona
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Museum of Jewish History |
This museum tells the story of Catalonia's medieval Jewish communities, with a special focus on Girona. Of particular interest is the unique collection of medieval Jewish tombstones at the Montjuïc Jewish cemetery. |
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Museum of the History of Girona |
Housed in an 18th-century Capuchin monastery, from which the desiccator, monastery vault and tanks remain, this museum tells the story of Girona from its founding by the Romans (1st century BC) until the return of democracy in 1975. Consisting of more than a dozen special exhibition rooms, even covering topics such as traditional Spanish dances and religion. |
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Church treasury |
The museum contains works of religious art, such as the Beatus manuscripts (10th century), the Tapestry of Creation (12th century), valuable collections of Gothic sculptures, paintings, silver and the altar of St. Helena of the Renaissance (XVI century). |
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Museum of Archeology of Girona |
The already mentioned museum in the monastery of Peter Galligans, which is one of the oldest museums in Catalonia, was founded in 1846. It houses archaeological finds from excavations in the Girona region, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. The museum houses a wealth of historical information and ancient artifacts that outline the history of the city's evolution. |
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Family home of the architect Rafael Maso (1880–1935), it is one of his most important architectural works and one of the most famous houses on the Onyar River. |
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Cinema Museum |
The exhibition of this museum presents a valuable collection of various objects from the world of cinema collected by Thomas Mallol, from the first moving images of shadow theaters to modern cinema. In addition, the museum hosts various educational seminars, programs and performances. |
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Art Museum |
The Girona Art Museum is housed in the incomparable building of the old episcopal palace. It houses the most important art collections of the diocese and province of Girona, from the Romanesque era until the very beginning of the 20th century. |
Holidays in Girona
Girona is a popular destination among tourists, the city is visited both specifically to see its architecture or attend one of the many festivals, and as part of day tours. For example, you can get from Barcelona to Girona in an hour and a half, and numerous flights arrive in Girona with vacationers heading to the Costa Brava resort area.
In addition to visiting the already listed attractions, you can find other types of entertainment and leisure in Girona. For example, Girona is quite suitable for shopping, there are all kinds of shops: prestigious international brands, avant-garde decor, designer jewelry, artisan goods, antiques, gourmet foods and many other products provide a wide range of shopping opportunities and guarantee an enjoyable shopping experience for all visitors. Girona also hosts a variety of open-air fairs and markets throughout the year as part of numerous festivals and events.
Girona has great potential for outdoor recreation. Rivers flowing through the city center, Mediterranean and coastal forests, mountain ranges, as well as fields, arable land and vegetable gardens - all in a landscape that harmoniously connects the growing city and the preserved natural surroundings. The rich nature provides many opportunities for active recreation:
- Guided hiking tours around the city or a hike in the San Daniel Valley;
- All types of cycling tourism;
- Girona is located at the confluence of four rivers, which makes it possible to go kayaking, kayaking or simply relax on the banks of one of the rivers;
- You can appreciate Girona itself and the surrounding beauty from a bird's eye view by rising in a hot air balloon.
Girona is also famous for its cuisine, as evidenced by several annual gastronomic festivals, which is characterized by a combination of traditional and avant-garde dishes based on the use of local products and time-tested recipes. The city has many restaurants offering a variety of menus: Catalan, Mediterranean, market, as well as signature cuisine. So a trip to Girona is a good option for gastronomic tourism. The quality of Girona's dining establishments is confirmed by the inclusion of some of them in the Michelin catalog, and El Celler De Can Roca was the holder of the title of the best restaurant in the world.
Girona will also appeal to nightlife lovers, with a wealth of options to explore the local nightlife throughout the year, from friendly bars where you can enjoy a glass of your favorite drink in the evening, to pubs, terraces, music bars and discos where the fun continues until dawn.
It is important that Girona is a fairly large regional city that is not completely dependent on tourism and does not die out in winter, like many coastal villages. All establishments are open here all year round, and the attractions welcome tourists. And, of course, festivals, which have already been mentioned several times, are held in the city every month and even in winter. By the way, winter in Girona is mild, which makes visiting the city comfortable at any time of the year.
At the same time, Catalonia itself is one of the most versatile provinces of Spain, so a trip to Girona can be combined with many types of recreation:
- The close location of the Costa Brava resort area allows you to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing trips;
- The surrounding nature attracts lovers of rural recreation and ecotourism;
- The nearby Pyrenees allows you to go skiing and snowboarding, and spend the rest of your holiday in Girona.
Weather in Girona
The weather in Girona, Spain is mild and pleasant. The average annual temperature is 23 degrees Celsius and the average annual rainfall is only 749 mm. August can be hot, sometimes reaching 40 degrees Celsius, but this is rare. In February, temperatures can drop a couple of degrees below 0, but the average temperature in winter is about 10 degrees. It is worth considering that it is usually warmer on the sea coast than inland. In addition, quite cold winds and precipitation can descend from the Pyrenees.
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Girona is often called the immortal city because its fortress withstood 25 major sieges and attacks. Thanks to these fortress walls, she became famous. The massive wall of the military fortification has survived to this day, and the historical city center can easily be explored on foot in just one day. The antiquity and atmosphere of the chivalrous Middle Ages is balanced in Girona by the energy of youth - today it is a university city, where about 15 thousand students study, and there are many young people here all year round.
A special attraction is the Jewish Quarter of Girona, one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Once a year, during the Temps de Flors flower exhibition, its streets turn into one large greenhouse, and locals and tourists from all over the area come here. North of Girona, in the town of Figueres, there is one of the most visited museums in Spain - the Salvador Dali Theater Museum.
The most popular souvenir from Girona is the flies of San Narcissa. According to legend, flies that flew out of the tomb of St. Narcissus bit the enemies of the city and saved the local residents.
How to get to Girona
Recently, Moscow and Girona have been connected by a direct flight from Pobeda from Vnukovo. On other days you can fly with transfers, but they are quite long - it is better to get there through Barcelona. You can fly to the capital of Catalonia at any convenient time, and from there you can quickly get to Girona by train or bus.
Read more about how to get to Girona in this article.
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Girona Hotels
In the vicinity of Plaza Catalunya and Rambla there are hotels aimed at those who come to the city on business - with conference rooms and other services. And tourists are welcome in hotels near the main attractions and in the historical center.
The old town of Girona is a colorful place, with many hotels, but also with its own characteristics. The streets are narrow, there are many climbs, you will have to walk here mainly on foot, since a car will not go everywhere. For the same reason, most hotels in the center do not have parking, and street parking is quite expensive - from 20 EUR per day. To be able to get there by taxi, you should choose hotels closer to the embankment - there are wider roads and there is access.
In the center there are many hotels located in ancient buildings, in some places the stonework and wooden beams have been preserved. Accommodation prices start from 50 EUR per day for a small double room in a 2-3* hotel. Apartments can be rented for 100 EUR, and a room in a 4* hotel will cost from 120 EUR per day. Prices on the page are as of August 2018.
For those passing through Girona, it will be convenient to stay near the train station. There are many cafes, shops, and fewer problems with parking (at least there is some). There are a lot of comfortable modern hotels here, where you can stay for about 60-70 EUR per day for two.
Shopping in Girona
- Shopping districts
Most shops in Girona are concentrated along La Rambla de la Llibertat and around Plaza de la Independencia in the city center. Another popular place for shopping is Carrer de Joan Maragall, which is located near the train station parallel to Liberty Boulevard. On these streets you can find mono-brand boutiques Zara, Massimo Dutti (there are three of them in the city), souvenir shops, jewelry stores, supermarkets and even Russian grocery stores.
- Shopping centers
Girona has two large shopping centers. The most popular of them is Espai Girones, it is located on the outskirts of the city, open every day except Sunday, and is famous for its low prices. The El Corte Ingles shopping center is located in the city center, 700 m from the train station, and is open every day except Sunday. Prices here are higher than in Espai Girones, but there are often promotions and off-season sales.
- Markets
Maps of Girona
Cuisine and restaurants
In Girona, as in many other Spanish cities, food is treated with great respect, so bad food or service is very rare here, although it does occur.
As in any Catalan city, bars are closed from lunch until 16-17 evenings. The only exceptions are the tourist cafes on Rambla de la Lliberitat.
In the Old Town of Girona, cafes, restaurants, pastry shops and bars are literally at every turn. Most of them feature traditional Catalan cuisine. Pay attention to the establishments Bronsoms, Ca L'Ivan and Ca la Pilar - they will offer you traditional Spanish snacks at very affordable prices. Locals and tourists love Zanpanzar Tavern, it's good for a quick bite. This is a traditional Spanish tapas bar with a huge selection of tapas and pintxos (small sandwiches with everything). The cost of a sandwich is 1.8 EUR, each contains a small toothpick, which the waiters use to count who ate how much. For two people, 10-12 pintxos are usually enough. A jug of homemade wine here costs 5-7 EUR.
Girona's restaurants serve both Catalan and Basque cuisine, and the traditional local menu is a mix of both. Among the Catalan establishments, Calderers (on Independence Square) and El Capritxo (on Sant Feliu Square) are interesting, and the most popular Basque restaurant is Txalaka.
For signature cuisine, you should go to Divinum in the very center of the Old Town. The menu includes more than 50 dishes - the author's interpretation of traditional Spanish dishes and the best wine list in the city. The restaurant El Celler de can Roca by the Roca brothers is considered the best not only in Girona, but also in Catalonia, and according to some sources, one of the best in all of Spain. It has three Michelin stars and ranks first in the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world according to the British Restaurant Magazine. The restaurant is located outside the city, 2 km west of Girona, and requires reservations several months in advance.
El Celler de Can Roca serves olives in caramel, cherry soup with tuna, flounder in oranges, desserts with the scents of famous perfumes and other unusual dishes.
Another, not so luxurious, but no less interesting project of the Roca brothers is the Rocambolesc confectionery. The menu includes several dozen types of ice cream, signature cookies, cakes and other desserts, prepared only from natural products and according to our own recipes.
“1900” is another popular confectionery, this time a chain one, which serves excellent macaroons.
Guides in Girona
Entertainment and attractions in Girona
The historic center of Girona is located in the eastern part of the city. The landmark is the Onyar River, which divides Girona into modern quarters and the medieval Old Town. It also offers one of the most picturesque views of Girona. The colorful houses decorating the embankment are a heritage of the 17th century and the calling card of the city; they were rebuilt several times, but still retained their original appearance.
You can admire the bright and colorful houses on the banks of the Onyar from any bridge over the river, but a particularly beautiful view opens from two bridges: Pont de Pedra and Pont de Sant Agustí.
Another local attraction is connected to the river - Plaza Catalunya, located near Pont de Pedra (Stone Bridge). This square is interesting for its unusual shape - it is a very wide bridge connecting the two banks. It is from here that most excursions around the old part of Girona start. And near the Stone Bridge, a flea mini-market regularly opens on weekends, where you can find homemade jewelry and simply interesting souvenirs.
5 things to do in Girona:
- Find something old at the flea market near the Stone Bridge.
- Count an even number of steps on the stairs of the Cathedral.
- Buy a couple of dozen flies for souvenirs.
- Admire the luxurious tapestry “The Creation of the World” in the Cathedral Museum.
- See the Old City from the fortress walls.
Churches and cathedrals
The main Girona masterpiece is the Cathedral, the construction of which began in the 14th century on the site of an ancient tomb and lasted several centuries. Its architecture mixed many styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and others. This variety of styles and the giant staircase are the main distinguishing features of the cathedral. It is believed that the one who counts an even number of steps while climbing the stairs is a righteous person, and an odd number is a sinner.
Another valuable example of religious architecture is the Church of Sant Feliu (Church of St. Philip), built in the Gothic style, although this was no longer very fashionable in the 14th century. The place for construction was not chosen by chance - it was here, under the temple building, that the patrons of the city, Saint Philip and Saint Narcissus, were buried.
The legend of Narcissus is one of the most important in the urban mythology of Girona. According to legend, flies that flew out of the saint’s grave bit the enemies and saved the population from the invaders. Until today, the flies of San Narcissus are the most popular local souvenir.
Sant Feliu Square, where the church of the same name is located, is famous for its sculpture in the form of a lion climbing a column. The stone statue is a symbol of the city; according to signs, if you kiss it, you can return to Girona again. The lion is located at such a height that a person of average height can easily reach it.
Jewish Quarter and Arab Baths
Girona, like many other Spanish cities, preserves traces of centuries-old mixing of cultures. Here this is especially noticeable thanks to the Jewish Quarter and the Arab baths.
Until the 15th century, Girona was home to the largest Jewish community in Catalonia. After the adoption of Catholicism by the Spanish monarchs, everyone who did not want to change their faith was expelled, but in this Girona quarter, not only the special atmosphere of the ancient settlement, but also the architecture with ancient buildings and narrow streets was miraculously preserved.
Once a year, the Temps de flors flower exhibition takes place in the Jewish Quarter. Designers lay out floral paintings on pavements, on the walls of houses and create three-dimensional floral figures. Each composition has its own meaning, for example, flower pots symbolize hearts, and ropes hanging from different sides speak of the eternal connection of the descendants of the Jews who lived here with Girona.
Another significant attraction of Girona is the fortress walls built during the times of the ancient Romans. The walls were erected to defend the city from invaders; they go around the entire historical center of Girona and end at Plaza Catalunya. They offer a very beautiful view of the city, and next to them is one of the first Gothic monasteries of Catalonia - Sant Domènech. Today, students live inside the monastery - the University of Girona chose the former monks' cells as a dormitory.
Museums of Girona
There are few museums in the city, but the Museum of Fine Arts and the Cinema Museum are definitely worth a look. The city also has an Archaeological Museum, a Museum of the History of the City with mummies of Capuchin friars, and a Museum of the History of the Jews of Girona. It is worth finding the Cathedral Museum with the tapestry “The Creation of the World”.
History of Girona
Weather in Girona
Girona has a mild temperate climate, so you can come here at any time of the year. The high season begins in May. Summer here is not as hot as in most of Spain, but it is also dry and sunny: the average temperature is a comfortable +25...+26 °C, on some days in July and August it can be hot up to +29...+30 °C. At the end of October, summer ends and it begins to get colder rapidly; already in November it is about +10 °C and rainy.
Spring is the most comfortable time for walking, the air temperature is about +18 °C, everything is in bloom, and there is no rain anymore. Winter in Girona is cool, from late November to mid-February it gets cold down to -5 °C at night, but during the day it rarely gets colder than +10 °C. Rain is rare here in winter, there are few tourists, prices fall, so the low season also has its own charm.
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 official website of the airport.
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 the whole 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 commercial 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 have only been here a couple of times and have only seen 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 it is proposed to go to Girona one day, 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
What sights of Girona did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
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 candies. 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.
Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Girona? .
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 to your heart's content 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.