Girona Cathedral is renowned for its magnificent Gothic architecture, featuring the widest Gothic nave in the world. Visitors can admire its impressive facade, climb the Baroque staircase, and explore the interior, which houses a rich collection of art and artifacts, including the famous Tapestry of Creation. Its historical significance and stunning design make it a focal point of any visit to Girona.
The site of Girona Cathedral has a history dating back to Roman times, with a mosque previously standing there. Construction of the current Romanesque church began in 1018, followed by the Gothic expansion which started in the 14th century. The most notable feature, the single nave, took an astonishing 144 years to complete, making it one of the longest construction periods for a single architectural element in history.
Yes, Girona's Old Town served as a significant filming location for Game of Thrones Season 6. Key areas included the steps of Girona Cathedral, which represented the Sept of Baelor in King's Landing, and the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, used to depict parts of Braavos and Oldtown. The Arab Baths also appeared as a bathhouse in Braavos.
Girona's Jewish Quarter, or El Call, is a meticulously preserved medieval labyrinth of narrow, winding streets and ancient stone buildings. Highlights include the Jewish History Museum, which offers insights into the community's past, and simply wandering through its atmospheric alleys to discover hidden courtyards, archways, and the distinct architecture that tells centuries of stories.
Beyond the major landmarks, Girona's Old Town reveals numerous unique sights. Visitors can explore the well-preserved medieval walls for panoramic views, discover charming plazas like Plaça de la Independència, and marvel at the colorful houses along the Onyar River. The walk also uncovers local legends and offers many postcard-worthy views, especially from hidden corners and vantage points.
Yes, Girona's Old Town is very accessible and walkable from the train station. It's approximately a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Girona train station to the heart of the Old Town, crossing the Onyar River via one of its famous bridges. Once within the Old Town, its compact nature makes it ideal for exploration entirely on foot, allowing visitors to easily navigate between key attractions like the Cathedral and Jewish Quarter.
To best experience Girona's top landmarks and local stories efficiently, consider joining a guided walking tour focused on the Old Town. These tours typically cover the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and medieval walls, while a guide enriches the experience with historical facts, local legends, and insights into hidden corners. This approach provides a comprehensive first introduction to the city's highlights in a structured timeframe.
A well-paced walking tour covering Girona Cathedral, the Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter typically lasts around 90 minutes. This duration allows visitors to see the top landmarks, understand their significance, and discover hidden gems efficiently. Individual exploration might take longer depending on how much time is spent inside each specific site.