iberianature – Spanish history and culture

Girona sightseeing

 
Girona Cathedral

The bulk of the post-medieval city lies on the south side of the river, but most visitors, having parked there, spend nearly all their time in the fascinating old quarter on the other side. There are several elegant bridges over the river; one is so broad that it can accommodate an artisan market at weekends. The most imposing bridge crosses to the arcaded Rambla de la Libertat, with shops and pavement cafés, street jugglers and musicians, and a constant flow of strollers.

One of Girona’s most striking features is the colourful row of tall houses rising sheer from the river itself, best admired from the pedestrian Pont d’en Jimez. Once in the old quarter you are engulfed in a labyrinth of steep, narrow streets, where you may chance upon all sorts of curious shops.

The atmospheric Cal or Jewish quarter was sensitively restored in the 1990s after centuries of neglect. Until 1492, when Los Reyes Catolicos Ferdinand and Isabel expelled all Jews from Spain, it had ove a thousand inhabitants. Their Sefarad or enforced exile meant the end of the renowned Girona School of Kabalists, who for centuries preserved the mystical teachings of Judaism in the West. In 1998 a multitudinous Januka ceremony was celebrated here for the first time in over 500 years. Do not miss the restored house of the 14^th century merchant Isaac the Blind.

The majestic staircase up to the Cathedral has more than 90-steps, making for a rather gruelling ascent. This amazing Spanish Gothic edifice has a splendid Barroque façade and the world’s widest Gothic nave at 22.98m should theoretically not still be standing, just as a bumblebee should theoretically not be able to fly. There is a beautiful Cloister and an important Chapter museum where a remarkable 11th century tapestry depicting the Creation is displayed.

The medieval walls of the city have been restored effectively, if not always aesthetically, and provide an excellent stroll, with views of the Pyrenees in the distance, the lovely valley of Sant Daniel nearby, and the elegant old buildings now occupied by the modern University. A good place to start the circuit is the Aleman behind the Cathedral.

The Arab Baths are well worth a visit, as are Sant Feliu Church, the Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants (now site of Museu d’ Art), the Museu Arqueològic, and the Museu d´Historia de la Ciutat, which I am told has one of the three mummification workshops left in the world. There is also a new museum dedicated to the history of Judaism in Catalunya, and a fascinating Cinema Museum just across the river from the old town on carrer Sèquia.

Monuments & Museums

“Close to Barcelona, located midway between the sea and the mountains, Girona boasts a privileged position. The Old Town is one of the most evocative historical centres in Catalonia, with certain elements that are unique in Europe: the Carolingian wall, an exceptionally well conserved Jewish quarter, and the grandeur of the Cathedral’s Gothic nave, the widest in the world. Girona also has six museums which possess a patrimonial collection of great interest. “

Time Out Guide to Girona
Over the centuries, countless invasions have seen Girona reborn in numerous guises, including stints as a major Roman trading town and a centre of Arab culture. Half a millennium on and the city boasts a remarkably intact medieval centre and an enduring elegance – something that has gone largely unnoticed by those using its airport as a stepping stone to the occasionally dubious charms of the Costa Brava.

Sightseeing (Girona City Council)
The most interesting sites in the city

• The Cathedral
• The Collegiate of Sant Feliu
• Arab Baths
• The “Call”, the Jewish Quarter of Girona
• The Houses of Onyar
• Stairs and Archway of Sant Martí
• Medieval Wall Itinerary

Articles from The Guardian
Girona
From chocolate flies to Dali exhibitions to lazy mornings in cafes on the square, Jon Dennis finds the narrow streets of Gerona are full of things to do
Call of Gerona
“The Catalan city is often overshadowed by its celebrated near neighbour Barcelona, but Eugene Costello finds much to savour in the narrow streets of the old town.”
Been There – tips to Girona travel from The Guardian’s Been There site
Girona: a quieter alternative to Barcelona. – Cycling in Catalonia – Walking on the Roman Wall -Girona guided tour

This section was written by Francis Barrett. See also Francis' excellent guide to Ireland irelandbyways.com

Information about Girona

Accommodation in Girona Province