Summary of Activities in Girona
As the capital of its own province in northeast Catalonia, Girona is a stunning medieval city that boasts one of Spain’s last remaining Jewish quarters. Historically sought after by various rulers, from Napoleon to the Moors over the past 800 years, Girona has withstood 25 sieges, leading to its complete encirclement by elevated fortifications that remain intact today. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognize Girona’s dignified grey stone streets featured in Season Six, where it stood in for Braavos. Let us explore the best activities in Girona:
1. Wall Walk
The formidable walls of Girona were initially constructed by the Romans, later enhanced during the era of Charlemagne in the early 800s, and further expanded in the 14th century. Following restoration efforts, they are well-preserved today, allowing visitors to embark on a walk along the ramparts that encircle nearly the entirety of the old quarter. Regular watchtowers feature stairways leading to the finest vantage points for observing Girona’s skyline. Although certain sections of the walkway may feel slightly precarious, adequate footwear ensures safety, and there are spots to descend and take respite in shaded gardens.
2. Girona Cathedral
The view from the base of the stairway at Plaça de la Catedral towards this almost monolithic structure showcases its impressive baroque facade. The cathedral features a blend of architectural styles from various periods; prominently, its main layout is Gothic, renowned for having the widest Gothic nave in any church globally, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica. Earlier Romanesque elements, including the original bell tower with narrow twin arches and the cloister, date back to the 1100s. Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum which houses the Tapestry of Creation, dating back to the 1000s, which holds significant historical value comparable to the Bayeux Tapestry.
3. El Call
In light of the expulsion of Spain’s Jewish population by the Catholic Monarchs at the end of the 15th century, it is remarkable that so much of Girona’s Jewish Quarter remains preserved. This district emerged in the 1100s and developed over the subsequent 300 years, eventually becoming one of the largest in Spain. At its height, Girona was home to one of medieval Europe’s most significant Kabbalistic schools, harboring numerous influential Jewish thinkers and poets. The area is photogenic, characterized by stone walls and narrow alleys with stairways and concealed gardens. Visitors should not miss the Museum of Jewish History to gain insights into Girona’s Jewish heritage.
4. Museum of Jewish History
This museum located in El Call provides further insights into life within Girona’s Jewish quarter and elucidates the Jewish community’s contributions to the city’s medieval development. This is achieved through contemporary documents and artifacts unearthed during excavations in El Call. The museum comprises eleven galleries, including a Synagogue housing a 14th-century stone etching in Hebrew that references the Psalm of David. Another section is dedicated to Jewish burial traditions, showcasing two preserved tombstones recovered from a site to the north of the city.
5. Church of Sant Feliu
Situated along a Roman thoroughfare, a Christian edifice has stood at this location since the 500s, with Sant Feliu serving as the city’s cathedral until the 900s. The church features a Gothic design while adhering to a Romanesque layout. One particularly notable aspect is the Gothic tower, which is strikingly flat-tipped rather than pointed—especially prominent when crossing the Onyar River via the Pont de Sant Feliu. Visitors should take note of the eight Roman and early-Christian sarcophagi, dating from 200 to 400 AD. Additionally, the Chapel of San Narcisco contains the remains of a 4th-century martyr persecuted by Emperor Diocletian, with his tomb being a remarkable example of Gothic art.
6. Arab Baths
Located near the cathedral, these baths were originally situated outside the city walls prior to Girona’s development. Despite their name, this bathing complex has medieval Romanesque origins and embraces Moorish and Greco-Roman traditions, featuring a frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm bath), and caldarium (steam room). The most aesthetically pleasing section is the apodyterium (changing room), characterized by an octagonal pool encircled by eight columns adorned with intricately carved capitals supporting horseshoe arches.
7. Rambla de la Llibertat
Offering a stark contrast to the constricted, corridor-like streets of the old quarter, Girona’s Rambla de la Llibertat serves as a spacious, elegant pedestrian avenue positioned parallel to the Onyar River. This area is frequented by locals and visitors alike for shopping, socializing, and enjoying coffee. Additionally, a flower market is held here every Saturday. Its current arrangement dates back to 1885 when trees were planted, and the pathway widened through the demolition of several buildings. Today, visitors can appreciate the existing Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical structures, complemented by a long arcade offering shade during the summer months.
8. Plaça de la Independència
Serving as a hub of daily activity in Girona, this 19th-century square located in the Mercadal district is nearly encircled by arcades and the outdoor terraces of restaurants and cafes, where friends gather to socialize. Visitors can explore Girona’s history through the arches of the neoclassical apartment buildings, which honor those who defended the city during the French sieges in 1808 and 1809. A monument erected in 1896 at the square’s center further commemorates their bravery.
9. Archaeology Museum
Girona’s branch of the Museum of Catalonia occupies the atmospheric setting of the 12th-century Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. Visitors can expect to spend considerable time exploring historical details, such as the exquisitely carved capitals on the cloister’s arches. This monastery was nationalized in 1835, and the museum was established here in 1846, seamlessly aligning with its solemn ambiance. Exhibits encompass artifacts from prehistory to the Visigothic period, along with a wealth of intriguing discoveries from the Roman and Ancient Greek site at Empúries, including tableware, glassware, and mosaics.
10. Film Museum
This engaging museum focuses less on the contemporary film industry and more on the evolution of cinematography. The journey begins in medieval times with magic lanterns and camera obscura, picking up pace in the 19th century with the emergence of photography and innovations by pioneers like the Lumière brothers. Numerous artifacts—either preserved items or accurate reproductions—are showcased, including an extensive collection of historic filmmaking and projection equipment while also highlighting the inventive minds behind these technologies. The museum features remarkable pieces of movie memorabilia, such as James Dean’s boots from Rebel Without a Cause and a lamp from Rick’s Bar in Casablanca.
11. Modernist and Noucentist Architecture
The early 20th century also contributed to Girona’s architectural splendor. The most notable manifestation of this era can be seen in the vibrant apartment buildings situated along the waterfront of the Onyar River. Notable architectural works from Girona’s turn-of-the-century period include the Farinera Teixidor, located on Carrer Santa Eugènia. This grand residence, constructed in 1910 by esteemed local architect Rafael Masó, draws inspiration from Antoni Gaudí and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Casa Masó, the architect’s childhood home on the riverfront, has also undergone renovation and is open to public tours.
12. Gastronomy
No discussion of Girona’s culinary landscape would be complete without mentioning El Celler de Can Roca, consistently rated as one of the best restaurants in the world since 2011. Managed by the three Roca brothers, it has taken the baton from elBulli, the renowned restaurant in nearby Roses, which closed in 2011. Girona stands at the boundary of the D.O. Empordà wine region, known for its numerous wineries offering tours, as well as several villages producing cava. Additionally, the city features El Lleó market, where culinary enthusiasts can delight in shopping at the same meat and fish stalls patronized by local restaurants.
13. Costa Brava
The Girona Province coastline encompasses the beloved Costa Brava. This holiday destination is distinct from many others along Spain’s Mediterranean; instead of cabaret bars and superficial tourist traps, visitors can uncover charming resorts and fishing villages nestled against the rocky shoreline. Many beaches consist of small, pine-fringed coves with crystal-clear waters perfect for refreshing swims. La Fosca at Palamós, located 45 minutes by car from Girona, features one such beach divided by a prominent rock with tufts of pine scrub. Closer still is Platja d’Aro, known for its lengthy expanse of fine shale in front of a promenade lined with towering pine trees and numerous restaurants and bars.
14. Banyoles Lake
Situated approximately half an hour from Girona, Banyoles Lake is Catalonia’s largest freshwater lake. During the summer months, visitors may opt for a refreshing swim, while the outdoor seating at lakeside bars fills up with patrons. This lake served as the venue for the rowing events during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, in addition to hosting the Rowing World Championships in 2004. Boat trips can be taken from the shore, typically lasting around 45 minutes. For those preferring to remain on land, a scenic perimeter trail features lovely tree-lined walkways providing ample opportunities to admire the lake alongside the Pyrenean foothills in the backdrop.
15. Barcelona
Boarding a train can transport you to this vibrant and stylish city within an hour. If Girona has ignited your interest in modernist architecture, Barcelona features an entire UNESCO site dedicated to this architectural movement, highlighted by the whimsical and iconic works of Antoni Gaudí. The city is home to world-class art and history museums honoring notable cultural figures such as Joan Miró. Those venturing to Barcelona for a shopping experience will find a wealth of unique boutiques and independent stores scattered throughout Ciutat Vella and the Gràcia neighborhood, which is bordered by Gaudí’s emblematic Park Güell.
