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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. |
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El Call - Once the Jewish quarter in medieval times, and the site of the last synagogue in the city, the centre is now a museum with the baths, synagogue and butcher shop surrounding a quiet central square.
Cathedral - This magnificent Gothic cathedral has the largest stairway in Europe, an imposing 90 steps of Rococo design. The cloister and the Torre de Chalemany are the remaining remnants of the original 11th century structure, with the rest of the cathedral dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Museu del Cinema - Located in Girona's commercial centre, this museum records the history of films and film-making in fascinating interactive displays and exhibits.
Banys Arabs - This building was most likely designed by Moorish craftsmen in the 13th century. The baths are very well preserved and consist of three main rooms for different temperatures, the underfloor heating system was influenced by Roman built baths. The cooling room is the probably most interesting, as there are niches for clothes and a stone bench, which provided seating for people to relax after their steam baths.
Carrer de la Forca & the Call – This is most well preserved Jewish quarter in Western Europe. The Jews are thought to have settled in Girona before the Moorish invasion; although the first time a settlement is recorded dates from the ninth century. The Call was basically a Jewish ghetto until the expulsion of the Jewish population from Spain in 1492.
Museu Arqueologic and the city walls – The museum is situated in the former church of Sant Pere de Galligans, The church itself contains Roman statues, mosaics and sarcophagi, and the lovely cloisters contain medieval relics, like inscribed tablets and stones, some of which include some which have Jewish inscriptions. The museum records the history of the regions from Palaeolithic times to the Roman invasion.
The church of Sant Feliu - The church tower is probably the most famous landmark in the city. In 1581 a lightning strike reduced the height of the tower and it has never been rebuilt. The church is interesting as it is a mixture Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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