iberianature – Spanish history and culture

History of Girona

Girona has a long and distinguished history. Owing to its strategic importance, it has been fought over in almost every century since its foundation, and its nickname is “the city of a thousand sieges”. The remains of Iberian walls can still be seen. The Romans named it Gerunda and established it as an important stopping point on the Via Augusta, linking Iberia with Rome. Following the Moorish conquest, Girona was an Arab town for over three generations, and there was a continuous Jewish presence here for over six hundred years. In 1809 it survived a seven-month assault by 35,000-French soldiers, thus earning the sobriquet of “Immortal”.

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.

Girona has a superb medieval cente with old fortifications, including the western world’s largest sections of wall dating from the time of Charlemagne, one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Spain, and the city’s Cathedral with the widest Gothic span in the world.

Wikipedia
“The first inhabitants in the region were Iberians; Girona is the ancient Gerunda, a city of the Ausetani. Later, the Romans built a citadel there, which was given the name of Gerunda. The Visigoths ruled in Girona until it was conquered by the Moors.”

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.

Museum of History of the City

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

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

Information about Girona

Accommodation in Girona Province