Getting to Know Girona
I have to admit, before having received an invitation to our friends wedding , I knew very little about the Catalonian gem of Girona.
Situated at the confluence of the rivers Ter, Onyar, Galligants and Guell, Girona is the largest northern Catalonian city, and is merely an hour away from Barcelona. This historically rich medieval city is often disregarded by tourists, as most people are typically drawn to Barcelona or the beaches of the Costa Brava. Girona offers a remarkably contrasting experience to that of its neighbours; it is a great deal calmer and slow-moving, allowing you to experience Catalonian culture like a true local, and it can easily be explored in one day.
Despite being relatively small, this elegant, provincial capital certainly manages to pack a historical punch, with beautiful medieval walls and architecture, gothic churches, cobbled alleyways, balconied houses; shady little plaças; countless museums and one of the best preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe. The city has faced twenty-five sieges in its history, which explains why it is completely surrounded by such high fortifications that remain standing today.
EL CALL, THE JEWISH QUARTER
Historically speaking, Girona has seen it all. The Romans initially settled here, calling the town Gerunda. It subsequently became an Islamic town after the Moors conquered Spain. By the late ninth century, a vibrant Jewish community first settled and flourished in the city, and by the tenth century, the Jews had developed Girona into a prosperous and influential city and it continued to thrive for more than six centuries. This, however, took a change for the worse during the thirteenth century, when Gironan Jews were subjected to severe and unrelenting persecution. This treatment continued until 1492, when all Jews were eventually expelled from Spain during the year of the Spanish Decree of Expulsion.
Along the street la Força lies the Jewish quarter, known as "“El Call`”, which is one of the most interesting, emblematic areas in the city, both in terms of architecture and history. The quarter features a maze of narrow streets and courtyards that has remained very much the same way it was during medieval times. The Jewish quarter of Girona is one of the most well-preserved in the world, and is evidence of the sheer magnitude that the Jewish culture played in Girona. You can wander around the narrow cobblestone streets of the quarter and discover the intimate courtyards and observe the inscriptions engraved amongst the stone walls of the city.
THE MAIN SIGHTS
Ríu Onyar Views
Whenever I think of Girona, the first thing that comes to mind are the long row of picturesque pastel-hued houses that cling to the banks of the Ríu Onyar. It is the backdrop to the most iconic postcard of the city. If you wander along the Eiffel Bridge, which overlooks the Ríu Onyar, you’ll soon notice why the views have been compared to Florence.
Girona Cathedral
The Girona Cathedral is an integral landmark in the city’s skyline. Its most singular feature is the large Gothic nave, which, at a width of 23 meters, is the second-widest of its kind in the world. Towering over 86 steps rising from Plaça de la Catedral, Girona's imposing cathedral is far more ancient than its billowing baroque facade suggests. Built over an old Roman forum, parts of its foundations date from the fifth century. Today, fourteenth century Gothic styling dominates the Cathedral. Are you a Game of Thrones fan? If so, you might recognise the famous steps of the Cathedral, as it was featured throughout the filming of season 6.
Old City Walls
The tourist walking route, known as the Passeig de la Muralla, runs along what is now left of the old city walls, which was still intact as recently as 1892. In recent years, the remaining parts of the eastern city walls have been reconstructed and magnificent views of Girona’s attractions can be enjoyed from the wall.
Plaça Independencia
Plaça Independencia is a lovely square located just west of the Ríu Onyar. If you are in the need of a break, it is the perfect spot to unwind for a coffee or wine whilst people watching.
TIPS
GETTING HERE: Seeing as Girona is 100km from Barcelona, the two cities are well connected by the high speed AVE trains and the TGV trains . If you are in Barcelona and time permits for a day trip, you could find yourself in Girona is just 38 minutes. Trains depart Barcelona approximately every 45 minutes.
GAME OF THRONES FANS: If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, book yourself in for the walking tour where you’ll be able to discover the filming locations for where majority of season 6 was filmed.
THE OUTSKIRTS OF GIRONA: The surrounding areas of Girona are popular for walking and hiking, and there are a variety of trails which offer a range of outdoor activities during all seasons.
CREPES: With France on the other side of the Pyrenees, French influences have trickled into Girona. You will find an abundant amount of bakeries, patisseries and creperies in the city.
