{"id":51515,"date":"2023-12-29T17:05:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T16:05:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surfingtheplanet.com\/?p=51515"},"modified":"2024-04-17T08:57:59","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T06:57:59","slug":"things-see-do-girona","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surfingtheplanet.com\/en\/things-see-do-girona\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Girona: Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Unmissable Attractions and Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Girona<\/strong>, a city rich in the historical tapestry of Catalonia<\/strong>, holds a special place in my heart. From its Roman Empire<\/strong> origins as Gerunda<\/em> to its meticulously preserved historic center<\/strong>, exploring Girona feels like embarking on a journey through a living storybook. In this guide, we’ll explore the top things to see in Girona<\/strong>, including its renowned Jewish quarter<\/strong>, but we will talk about the picturesque surroundings<\/strong> (like the Costa Brava) that add to the city’s charm.<\/p>\n

Conveniently located near Barcelona<\/strong>, Girona beckons as an ideal escape<\/strong> for those in search for a spontaneous escape from the vibrant Catalan capital. Adding to its appeal, Girona has become a pilgrimage for Game of Thrones enthusiasts<\/strong>, with iconic scenes from the series filmed against the backdrop of this picturesque city. Come along as we uncover the 20 most exciting things to do in Girona<\/strong> that you absolutely can’t miss.
\n\"Onyar<\/p>\n

What to See and Do in Girona in 1 Day<\/h2>\n

1. Cathedral of Santa Maria<\/h3>\n

Undoubtedly, the main architectural icon to visit in Girona is its cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria<\/strong>. Perched atop a hill, it commands sweeping views of the city. Construction began in the 11th century<\/strong>, blending elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and more modern styles.
\n\"Santa<\/p>\n

To access the cathedral, one must ascend the striking stairs<\/strong> that also featured in the Game of Thrones series. The cathedral, aside from its impressive dimensions, boasts a unique feature\u2014it has only one central nave<\/strong>, the nave of San Pedro. It was constructed in that era to awe the faithful, despite doubts from architects of the time who claimed it would collapse, which fortunately never happened.
\n\"Stairs<\/p>\n

In addition to visiting the cathedral, it’s worth taking a peek at its treasure trove<\/strong> to admire various invaluable mementos from the Middle Ages that have been remarkably preserved. You can’t miss, for example, the Tap\u00eds de la Creaci\u00f3<\/strong>, a large Romanesque tapestry that is actually a beautiful embroidery, or the Beatus de Girona<\/strong>, a lovely illuminated manuscript.
\n\"Interior<\/p>\n

2. Take a Free Tour in Girona<\/h3>\n

For an initial introduction to the city<\/strong>, an excellent plan is to take a free tour in Girona<\/strong>. The two free tours that we’ve tried, and you definitely should too, are the Girona Free Walking Tour<\/a> and the Free Game of Thrones Tour in Girona<\/a>. In the first tour, we explored the most beautiful corners of the historic center (the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, etc.) and learned a lot about the history of Girona and Catalonia in general. The Free Game of Thrones Tour in Girona is a must for fans of the series. In addition to visiting the locations where some of the sequences were filmed, we also learned entertaining anecdotes about the series and its filming.<\/p>\n

3. Basilica de Sant Feliu<\/h3>\n

The Basilica de Sant Feliu<\/strong> was Girona’s first cathedra<\/strong>l, and some mistakenly associate it with the Cathedral due to its proximity. It is characterized by its bell tower, once part of a defensive wall, reminiscent of a castle tower. Inside the basilica, sarcophagi from pagan and early Christian periods<\/strong> around the 4th century are well-preserved.
\n\"Basilica<\/p>\n

4. Arab Baths<\/h3>\n

One of the must-see monuments in Girona is the Arab Baths<\/strong>. It’s crucial to clarify that these baths were not built by the Arabs<\/strong>. While Girona was conquered by the Muslims, constant battles prevented them from undertaking significant constructions. Therefore, they are called Arab Baths because their appearance imitates typical North African Arab baths<\/strong> and employs a steam-based heating system in the Arab style. Distinctive elements include the dome, the changing room, and the relaxation area with a vault.
\n\"Arab<\/p>\n

It’s interesting to note that in the 15th century<\/strong>, the baths were acquired by Capuchin nuns<\/strong>, who used the same baths as a laundry and kitchen. The Arab Baths also make an appearance in Game of Thrones, although in reality, they had been unused for bathing for many centuries.<\/p>\n

5. El Call – The Jewish Quarter<\/h3>\n

Strolling through the old Jewish quarter<\/strong> is an absolute must. El Call<\/strong>, as it is called, tells tales of its history, even after Jews were forced out of Girona and other Spanish cities.
\n\"Courtyard
\nMy favorite spot? Hands down, the streets of Claveria and Sant Lloren\u00e7<\/strong>. Imagine this: cobblestone alleys, staircases that seem to have a story of their own, and cozy courtyards with benches that practically invite you to time-travel.<\/p>\n

6. Houses on the River Onyar<\/h3>\n

Another must-see attraction in Girona are the colorful houses lining the Onyar River<\/strong>. While they aren’t actually hanging houses, they give the illusion of being so. Standing on one of the bridges to enjoy the views of these vibrant houses with the Cathedral and the Basilica of Sant Feliu in the background is a genuine pleasure.
\n\"Colorful<\/p>\n

7. The City’s Bridges<\/h3>\n

Girona boasts several bridges<\/strong> crossing the Onyar River, serving as ideal spots to capture the city’s most colorful photos (the most iconic being the Sant Agust\u00ed Bridge). While there are no remaining medieval bridges, some are significant monuments in their own right. The most famous undoubtedly is the Pont Eiffel<\/strong>, also known as Pont de les Peixateries Vellesel, built by the renowned French architect a decade before the construction of the Eiffel Tower, Paris’s main symbol.<\/p>\n

Don’t miss the Sant Feliu Bridge<\/strong> in front of the basilica, the Pont de Isabel II<\/strong>, also known as the Stone Bridge for being the only one built with this material in Girona, or the Pont d’en G\u00f3mez<\/strong>, named in honor of an owner who allowed the demolition of part of his house to construct this bridge.
\n\"Bridges<\/p>\n

8. The Stairs of Sant Mart\u00ed \/ La Pujada de Sant Dom\u00e8nec<\/h3>\n

Girona’s historic center is home to many charming corners, and one of the must-visit spots<\/strong> is the ascent known as La Pujada de Sant Dom\u00e8nec<\/strong>. This Baroque staircase<\/strong> takes you up to the church of Sant Mart\u00ed, where you’ll also find the arch of Casa Agullana. It’s a truly romantic spot, especially with the soft lights of the sunset; in fact, it was once awarded the title of the most romantic corner in all of Spain<\/strong>.
\n\"Pujada<\/p>\n

9. Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery<\/h3>\n

Another must-visit monument in Girona is the Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery<\/strong>, a Benedictine abbey. Inside, it houses the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia<\/strong>, which opened its doors in the mid-19th century. This monastery forms a fantastic architectural ensemble, featuring a beautiful cloister that stands out as one of the most incredible works of Catalan Romanesque art.
\n\"Sant<\/p>\n

10. Casa Rafael Mas\u00f3<\/h3>\n

Among the colorful houses lining the Onyar River, one with a white facade stands out. This is perhaps the most famous house in Girona<\/strong>, a masterpiece designed by Rafael Mas\u00f3<\/strong>, a master of the Novecentismo style. This artistic movement emerged as an alternative to Modernism, much more well-known through the works of Gaud\u00ed and other architects. The house can only be visited through a guided tour. By the way, if you find the Novecentismo style interesting, there are several other buildings by Mas\u00f3 in the city.<\/p>\n

11. Stroll along La Rambla de la Llibertat<\/h3>\n

Girona is characterized by its narrow streets<\/strong> in the old town and the Jewish quarter, but you’ll also find a true boulevard<\/strong> in the city. Taking a stroll along La Rambla de la Llibertat<\/strong>, a lively street running parallel to the Onyar River, is a must-do in Girona. It’s a medieval boulevard with arcades, arches, and low ceilings dating back to the 13th century, but it also houses modernist buildings like Casa Norat<\/strong>, for example. It’s also enjoyable to sit at one of the terraces in the many bars and restaurants.
\n\"Rambla<\/p>\n

12. Sunset Views from the City Walls<\/h3>\n

There is no better way to end a day in Girona than to admire the city from its ancient walls<\/strong>. The old Roman city (Gerunda) already had its walls, and as the city grew, additional defensive lines were created. The walls connect with each other, and today, you can take a stroll atop this network of walls, following the footsteps of the soldiers who guarded the city. The views from above are truly marvelous, and it is highly recommended to take this walk at sunset<\/strong> when the sight of church towers and the rooftops of houses creates an unforgettable image.
\n\"Views<\/p>\n

What to See in Girona in 2 Days<\/h2>\n

These have been the main things to do in Girona for a day<\/strong>, but we also want to give you some ideas if you have a weekend in Girona<\/strong>. After exploring the essentials on the first day, the second day allows you to delve deeper into your visit to the city or take one of the many excursions in the surroundings of Girona. The province of Girona<\/strong> has a large number of attractions that deserve your attention. Here are some of the plans we recommend.<\/p>\n

13. Explore Modern Girona<\/h3>\n

While Girona is primarily known for its romantic old town, it’s worth taking some time to discover the modern side of the city<\/strong>. We’ve already introduced you to Rafael Mas\u00f3, the iconic architect of modernist Catalan archicecture, and you could explore some of his major works, such as Casa Teixidor<\/strong> (simply called la Punxa) or Casa Salieti<\/strong>. Another place to visit in modern Girona is the beautiful Plaza de la Independencia<\/strong>. The site of the former Sant Agust\u00ed convent was transformed into this square, which has become one of the locals’ favorite spots in the city.<\/p>\n

14. Enjoy Girona’s Gastronomy<\/h3>\n

Girona boasts a wide variety of restaurants<\/strong> of all kinds and bars with a lot of character. A must-visit caf\u00e9 in Girona is La Terra<\/strong>, a modernist establishment with plenty of charm that also offers views of the Onyar River from its windows. For a delicious crepe, we recommend Creper\u00eda Bretone<\/strong>, where the interior’s van decoration adds a special touch. If you’re in the mood for excellent homemade ice cream, don’t miss the famous Rocambolesc<\/strong> ice cream parlor by Jordi Roca, where you can try some rather unusual flavors.<\/p>\n

15. Game of Thrones in Girona<\/h3>\n

Among the best things to do in Girona<\/strong>, we want to dedicate a section to enthusiasts like us who enjoy exploring places where their favorite movies and series have been filmed. As we already mentioned this Catalan city gained international fame as a filming location for the hit TV series Game of Thrones<\/strong>, adding a touch of fantasy to its already rich historical backdrop.<\/p>\n

The most iconic location we’ve already mentioned is the staircase of Girona Cathedral<\/strong>, featured in several episodes, but there are several other locations, most of them related to the Arya. For example, you can find the steps on Bisbe Josep Carta\u00f1a Street, where Arya, being blind, was begging in Braavos. Arya herself is watching a play in Plaza dels Jurats, and you can also recognize the Galligants Bridge, where the abandoned girl stabs Arya in the series. The best way not to miss any of the locations is to take this Free Game of Thrones Tour in Girona<\/a><\/strong>. For us, it was like reliving some of the memorable moments from the series.<\/p>\n

16. The Best Museums in Girona<\/h3>\n

Girona holds some surprises for museum lovers<\/strong> as well. For example, the Girona Art Museum<\/strong> is housed in the spectacular Episcopal Palace of Girona, featuring an extensive display of the city’s art history from the Romanesque period to the 20th century. If you’re a movie enthusiast, don’t miss the Girona Cinema Museum with a fascinating collection of film-related objects and a detailed journey through the history of this art.<\/p>\n

Other recommended museums for history lovers include the already mentioned Archaeology Museum of Catalonia<\/strong> and the Museum of Jewish History<\/strong>. The former exhibits archaeological remains discovered in the city and at the archaeological site of the Greco-Roman city of Emp\u00faries, while the latter allows you to delve into the history of the Jewish community throughout Catalonia.<\/p>\n

17. Besal\u00fa<\/h3>\n

Located near Girona, Besal\u00fa<\/strong> is a gem waiting you to be discovered. Cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and the iconic medieval bridge spanning the Fluvi\u00e0 River<\/strong> are some of the main attractions. Besal\u00fa is a living testament to Catalonia’s rich history, boasting a beautifully preserved Jewish quarter, ancient walls, and a striking church. Don’t miss the chance to explore Besal\u00fa’s well-preserved landmarks, including the Mikveh ritual bath and the medieval synagogue.
\n\"Reflection<\/p>\n

18. Costa Brava – Beaches and Villages<\/h3>\n

The Costa Brava<\/strong> is a wonderful stretch of the Catalan coast, known for its cliffs, small coves, and charming villages. The best beaches of the Costa Brava<\/a> are easily accessible from Girona, and planning a route through the most beautiful villages in the area is also straightforward. From Girona, in half an hour, you can reach the coves of Begur, the heart of the Costa Brava<\/a>.
\n\"Cala<\/p>\n

19. Nature Getaways<\/h3>\n

Girona has a privileged location to access various natural spots in Catalonia. For example, the Garrotxa<\/strong>, a volcanic area where you can see inactive volcano cones or walk through a beech forest like Fageda d’en Jord\u00e0<\/strong>, one of the most magical places in the province, is very close. The beautiful Estany de Banyoles<\/strong>, Catalonia’s largest lake, is also near Girona.
\n\"Volc\u00e1n<\/p>\n

20. Figueres<\/h3>\n

Very close and easily accessible from Girona by train is Figueres<\/strong>, a city that became known worldwide for hosting one of the most extraordinary art museums. This is the Dal\u00ed Museum<\/strong>, where you can see the largest collection of Salvador Dal\u00ed’s surrealist works.
\n\"Salvador<\/p>\n

+1. Temps de Flors – Girona Blooms in May<\/h3>\n

If you have the chance to visit Girona during the month of May<\/strong>, don’t miss the fantastic festival called “Temps de Flors.” It’s a celebration with over 60 years of tradition, during which the streets, courtyards, and other corners of Girona are adorned with flowers. A spectacle for all the senses.
\n\"Flower<\/p>\n

Map of Must-Visit Places in Girona<\/h2>\n