Explore medieval streets and ancient churches in this Catalan city. Climb the hill for river views, then savor local clams after a day trip to Costa Brava beaches.
Girona, a city in Catalonia, Spain, sits between Barcelona and Costa Brava. In its Old Town, you'll find the grand Girona Cathedral, the well-preserved Jewish quarter of El Call, and ancient city walls offering panoramic views. The city has recently gained attention as a filming location for Game of Thrones and as a training ground for professional cyclists.
Exploring Girona's Old Town
Girona's Old Town occupies a hill east of the Onyar River. As you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, you'll encounter small squares and centuries-old churches. The Força Vella, the original Roman fortification, encircles much of the Old Town and provides views over the city's terracotta roofs and beyond.
The Girona Cathedral
At the heart of the Old Town stands the Girona Cathedral, an example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Its nave, at 23 meters wide, is the largest Gothic nave in the world. Inside, you can see the Tapestry of Creation, a piece of Romanesque textile art from the 11th century.
El Call: Girona's Jewish Quarter
El Call, Girona's Jewish Quarter, was home to a significant Jewish community from 982 to 1492. Today, you can explore the narrow, winding streets that have changed little over 500 years. The Jewish History Museum displays artifacts from medieval Jewish life in Girona.
Walking the Ancient City Walls
The Passeig de la Muralla, Girona's ancient city walls, now serve as an elevated walkway. From here, you can see the Old Town, the modern city, and the surrounding countryside.
The Houses Along the Onyar River
Along the Onyar River, you'll see a row of houses painted in shades of ochre, pink, and yellow. Cross the Eiffel Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel before his famous tower in Paris, for the best views of these riverside homes.
Girona for Game of Thrones Fans
If you've watched Game of Thrones, you might recognize several locations in Girona. The steps of the Girona Cathedral appeared as the Great Sept of Baelor, while the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter served as the streets of Braavos.
Catalan Cuisine in Girona
You can taste traditional Catalan dishes in Girona. Try local specialties like xuixo (a sweet pastry filled with crema catalana) or botifarra amb mongetes (Catalan sausage with white beans) at one of the many restaurants in the Old Town. For fine dining, El Celler de Can Roca has received multiple awards as one of the world's top restaurants.
Day Trips to Costa Brava
From Girona, you can easily reach the Costa Brava coastline. A short drive will take you to fishing villages, coves with clear water, and sandy beaches. You might visit Cadaqués, once home to Salvador DalÃ, or spend time on the beaches of Tossa de Mar or Lloret de Mar.
Getting to and Around Girona
You can reach Girona by train from Barcelona in 38 minutes on the high-speed AVE train. The city also has its own airport, Girona-Costa Brava, about 10 kilometers south of the city center. Once in Girona, you can explore the Old Town on foot or use local buses for longer journeys.
Cycling in and Around Girona
Many professional cyclists train in Girona, attracted by the varied terrain and mild climate. You can rent a bike to explore the surrounding countryside or join one of the city's bike tours. Many accommodations in Girona cater to cyclists with secure storage and repair facilities.
