Girona Spain travel guide and attractions
Girona is capital of the province of Girona in the region of Catalonia.
Visit Girona, Spain
Girona is a beautiful walled city which sits on the edge of the River Onyar. On the waters edge are lovely tall buildings painted in a range of colours on the yellow/ochre end of the spectrum.
Up above the river in the old town Girona's historic past is evident in its beautiful buildings. Girona was an Arab town for over 200 years and nowhere is this more apparent then in the clusters of narrow streets in the centre. Architectural styles range from the Roman ramparts which are now an Archaeological Walk (the Passeig Arqueologic) running around the old town to modernista buildings scattered throughout.
The Rambla de la Llibertat is one of the main streets and is a lively street packed with cafes and bars and especially entertaining on an evening when the town comes out for its evening promenade. All around are excellent shops and boutiques. Girona is one of Spains richest provinces and Girona is a shopping treat.
Places to see in Girona
The cathedral in Girona is a mix or Catalan Baroque on the west face and in its fabulous 17th century steps, and the rest is Gothic. Its nave has the widest Gothic span in the world and is an awesome space. Sceptics said the building could not be built safely and the architect had to get speccial permission to go ahead! Inside the cathedral's museum is a fine collection of religious art including the famous 11-12th century Creation Tapestry. This is the best remaining piece of Romanesque textiles.
The Museau d'art is housed in the Episcopal palace next to the cathedral and is one of the best art galleries in Catalonia. One of the highlights is the 'Book of Martyrs' from the Monastery of Poblet.
Sant Feliu church is down the steps from the cathedral. This is Girona's favourite church and next to its high alter are eight Roman sarcophagi embedded in the wall of the apse.
Close by are the Banys Arabs (Arab Baths) which despite their name were built 300 years after the Arabs left! They are though in a lovely Moorish style mixing Arab and Romanesque styles and they are the second-best preserved baths in Spain after Granada).
The Museu Arquelogic is housed on the bank of the River Onyar in the former church of Sant Pere de Galligans and contains many items from the Greek and Roman settlement of Empuries.
The Passeig Arqueologic - the city walls provide an excellent way of enjoying different sights of the old town. As well as the views take the steps down to the Jardins dels Alemanys where there is a shaded garden and remains of 17th century barracks where German mercenaries were housed. Climb the steps at Torre del Telegraf o del Llamp, Torre de Sant Domenec or Porta de la Reina Joana for the best views of the city.
The Centre Bonastruc Ca Porta is found in the old Jewish Quarter of El Call. The centre gives the history of the Jews of Girona who were expelled in the late 15th century. The whole of the El Call Jewish Area is the best-preserved Jewish quarter in western Europe. Jews lived in Girona since before the Moorish invasion and initially lived in the Call area under protection of the king (in return for payment). However anti-Jewish feelings rose and in 1391 a mob rose up and killed 40 Jews and forced the others to take refuge in the Torre Gironella (now ruined but visible from the Passeig Arquelogic). From then on the Call became a Jewish ghetto and the Jews were prevented from leaving this restricted area until finally in 1492 they were expelled as part of the expulsion of all Jews from Spain.
The Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat is housed in an 18th century convent. Remains of the cemetery are visible including niches where the bodies of the nuns were placed while decomposing. The exhibits are an eclectic collection of items including old radios and other electrical goods.
Museu del Cinema is a history of the cinema and includes a private collection belonging to a local director - Tomas Mallol.
Places to Visit near Girona
22km from Giron is the village of Pubol and the medieval castle Salvador Dali bought and decorated for his wife Gala. The castle contains lots of Dali artworks and furniture bought by the couple plus a collection of Gala's haute couture dresses. It is a fascinating glimpse into the life of Dali. Gala is buried in the grounds and Salvador lived here until a fire broke out after which he moved to Figueres.
For more information see Wikipedia Spain: Girona.