CTW Explores
Girona
Country: Spain Language: Catalan & Spanish Currency: Euro (€)
Girona is a phenomenal city in Spain that seems well under the radar. The colorful Onyar riverfront with the Girona Cathedral towering over it is breathtaking. For those Game of Thrones fans, you’ll surely recognize the Girona Cathedral and many other scenes of Braavos in Season Six. Girona has a small historic center, allowing you to see the whole city in one day. However, if you wish to stay longer, it provides a number of activities, including climbing the wall for panoramic views of the city, exploring some of the popular museums within the historic center, indulging in delicious tapas and Catalonian cuisine, and simply getting lost in the streets of the historic center. If you visit Girona during the Temps de Flors, or Flower Festival, then you will see some of the most impressive floral displays in the world. Girona is only a short train ride from Barcelona, making it the perfect day trip.
CTW Must See
Girona Cathedral
The impeccable Girona Cathedral is certainly an impressive site. The church was originally built in the 11th century in a Romanesque style. In the 13th century, building continued to include more gothic styles. In the 18th century, the second bell tower was added. The cathedral sits up high in Girona, and can be seen from almost anywhere outside the Old Town. Its main feature, the impressive Baroque steps leading to the top may be tiring, but the view is well worth it. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, and features the widest gothic nave in the world! Tickets to the cathedral include the cathedral visit, treasury, and cloister. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this cathedral, especially the staircase, from the scene in Season Six where Jaime Lannister confronts the High Sparrow!
Arab Baths
The Arab Baths, tucked into the Old Town near Placa dels Jurats, are a truly spectacular sight. The entry way, formerly used as a changing room, leads you into the beautiful scene. The bath stands in the center of the large Romanesque room, and features eight tall columns that decorate the bath beautifully. The Arab Baths also allow you to explore the other elements of the Roman-inspired bathing area, and provide some beautiful views overlooking the garden near the baths. For a small fee, you can visit the baths, and sense where Arya Stark faced great danger.
Placa dels Jurats
Placa dels Jurats, located near the Arab Baths, is a beautiful square in Girona’s Old Town. This square often holds theater performances and carnivals, so there may be a stage set up at the top of the square. Game of Thrones fans will recognize this square from the scene where Arya watched the satirical performance about King’s Landing!
Museu d’arqueológica de Catalunya
The Archeology Museum of Catalonia, located at the top of the Old Town, dates back to 1857, when it was the monastery of Sant Perl de Galliants. The materials within the museum go back to the Middle Ages and earlier. The origin of the monastery is unknown, but the architecture displays some of the most prominent Catalan Romanesque styles in Catalonia.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is one of the best kept in the world with narrow streets reflecting its medieval origins. You can visit the Catalan Jewish Museum, and walk the streets that still have signs of Jewish settlement from the 9th century onwards.
Passeig de la Muralla
Passeig de la Muralla, or ‘The Wall’, provides many panoramic views of Girona. The 9th century wall, which has been restored often since medieval times, has four access points and many towers that are accessible to visitors.
Onyar Riverfront
The houses on the Onyar River are picture-perfect. Their vibrant facades line the river on both sides, leaving you with a magnificent sight from any of the bridges crossing the river. From the lower reaches, you will get a spectacular view of the Onyar River, the charming houses, and the grand Girona Cathedral above them. The most recognized bridge crossing the river is the Gomez Bridge. It's a bright red iron bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel.
Rambla de la Libertat
As one of the busiest areas in Girona, Rambla de la Libertat is where you will find the most restaurants and shops in the Old Town. The charming street runs parallel to the Onyar River and has many beautiful facades. Every Saturday morning Rambla de la Liberta hosts a flower market, filling the streets with brightly colored flowers.
Placa de la Independencia
This charming square, on the opposite side of the river to the Old Town, is another popular square in Girona. The name, Placa de la Independencia, represents the War of Spanish Independence. The bright yellow square is filled with a number of restaurants and cafes, and is located near the famous gelateria.
More Spanish Adventures...
If you love the charming city of Girona, then these other Spanish cities could be your next adventure!
León
Valencia
Madrid
