Girona Local History

Originally a Roman settlement, and later an important medieval hub, Girona was notable for being one of the few Spanish cities where Christians, Arabs and Jews lived in peace with one another. Because of its geographic location, it provided entrance to all of Europe and the sea route to the Orient. The Kabbala, spiritual and numerological readings of the Torah, was created by 12th century rabbis who were known as 'cabalistas de Gerona', was founded in Girona.

Today Girona is a flourishing modern city and a showcase of Catalan culture. With the narrow winding streets, steep steps, and low arches, the old city offers the traveller great exploring and hours of sight seeing.

Girona Attractions

Girona Parks & Gardens

In Spring Girona bursts into bloom, and everywhere gardens and buildings are ablaze with flowers. The courtyards of Girona's old buildings are opened to the public and filled with glorious blossom and there are flower exhibitions throughout the city.

Passeig de la Muralla - This beautiful promenade near the University of Girona leads onto the city walls, where you can gaze over the lovely centuries-old buildings of Old Girona.

Passeig Arqueologic - A walk along this promenade that skirts the old medieval wall beside the river, leads past colourful flowerbeds and lines of cypresses. Quiet and peaceful, a walk along the Passeig Arqueologic is a soothing escape from the world of traffic and noise.

Girona Restaurants and Bars

Girona Restaurants

Restaurant Vegetariano La Polenta - C. Corte Reial, 6. This small eatery becomes crowded over lunchtime, with hungry vegetarians packing in to fill up on the imaginative and delectable offerings of the innovative chef.

Cafe Le Bistrot - Pujada Sant Domenec, 4. The smooth sophistication and elegance of this cafe attracts the well to do and discerning client, who enjoy the excellent food and atmosphere.

Cafe del Liberia - C. Ciutadans, 15. In this chic cafe where cocktails are downed by clever, learned folk who gather within its walls for discussions of the higher level, you can also grab a pizza or sandwich for bodily nourishment as well. Boira - Place de la Independencia 17. Authentic Catalan food is served at reasonable prices in this popular restaurant.

L'Arcada - Rambla Llibertat 38. This bar-restaurant is situated beneath the arcade. It has a nice old-fashioned interior, and serves excellent breakfast pastries in the mornings. There are also outdoor tables where in the summer you can relax and do some people watching.

El Pou del Call - c/de la Força 14. Located in the Jewish quarter, this restaurant serves good, tasty local food in a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.

Girona Bars & Clubs

La Sala de Cel - C. Pedret, 118. This hot spot is one of Girona's four disco's and the most popular, with a cover charge of 2000ptas, which includes the price of two drinks.

La Terra - C. Ballestries, 23. This trendy place has cosy nooks and low tables and is definitely a hangout for the hip crowd. The house specialties are alcoholic slushies, and fruit concoctions, that are guaranteed to bring a smile to the lips of anyone who tries them.

Cafe del Liberia - C. Ciutadans, 15. This is where boffs hang, but don't let that worry you, instead of trying to compete intellectually with the main crowd settle down for cocktails or beer, and watch them trying to out-smart each other. L'Arc - Place de la Catedral 9. This is a welcoming bar to be found at the bottom of the cathedral steps, which serves sandwiches and snacks.

Bar La Placeta - c/Buenaventura Carreras i Peralta 7. Frequented by a young fashionable crowd, this small bar is a pleasant place to relax for a few hours.

Cafe Le Bistrot - Pujada de Sant Domenec. You can find this cafe/bar on the steps below the church. Snacks, Sit outside or in and indulge yourself with the crepes and drinks served here.

Girona Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Girona for a weekend.

• Cathedral
• Museu de Cinema
• Esglesia de Sant Feliu
• Museu d'Art
• Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat

More

Girona Tours

Looking for organised tours in Girona?

• Full Day Tour of Girona and Dalí Museum
• Catalan Cooking in the Emporda