Girona - attractions: description and photo. We plan our own trip. The most interesting sights of Girona
Girona is the dazzling pearl of Spain, which allows its guests to plunge into the magical atmosphere of true Spanish traditions, culture and history. The noble city beckons with its old streets, unique architecture and landscapes that enchant the soul. Magnificent Girona is full of cultural and historical sights, but it is still worth highlighting the most significant of them. So the main sights of Girona.
1. Girona Cathedral
The main cathedral is Girona's key attraction. After it was built at the beginning of the 14th century, it was rebuilt several times, absorbing the elements of a particular era and architectural style. Today, the cathedral attracts the attention of all tourists visiting Girona. In order to get inside the majestic building, guests of the city have to overcome about a hundred steps. Local residents claim that each of the steps saves a person from one sin.
The property of the Cathedral is the treasury, which stores ancient icons and chests, showered precious stones. The treasury itself is located in the world-famous museum, which houses a number of valuable paintings, icons, sculptures and other significant art objects.
2. Arab baths
Today, this attraction of the city of Girona is included in the List of National Treasures of Spain. Despite their name, baths have nothing to do with Arab countries And Arabic culture. Outwardly, they resemble a temple. The building was built at the beginning of the XII century for the needs of the people, in the XVII century it was transferred to the convent.
Many years later, the city regained the Arab baths, and it was then that the decision was made to open them to tourists. Of course, it is no longer possible to use them for their intended purpose due to the fact that over time they have been greatly destroyed. But today they are a historical landmark that most visitors to Girona visit.
3. Jewish Quarter El Call
This unique landmark in Girona evokes big interest at tourists. This is due to the fact that the quarter miraculously preserved all the elements of the era in which it was created. In the 9th century, Jews massively settled in the then rich area and lived here right up to the 15th century, until they were evicted by the native Spaniards. Since then, the quarter has become a home for the poorest Spaniards, who simply did not have the financial opportunity to change their homes in any way. Thus, the Jewish Quarter has conveyed to this day its deep history and culture.
Almost all tourists visiting Girona tend to visit El Call and feel its colorful atmosphere.
4. Houses along the Onyar River
The motley multi-colored houses that adorn the coast of the central river of Girona will certainly be remembered by everyone who comes to this spanish city. Bright and original buildings have become one of the symbols of Girona and often decorate all kinds of postcards and souvenirs.
They were built on the ruins of the city wall, which for many years protected Girona from all sorts of militant encroachments. After that, they were repeatedly rebuilt, which as a result gave them such a unique look.
Due to the fact that the houses are tightly adjacent to the Onyar River, they cannot be bypassed. But you can admire them while walking along any of the bridges over the river.
5. Church of Sant Feliu
This temple is of particular importance for the inhabitants of the city, since it is dedicated to two saints who are the patrons of Girona - St. Narcissus and St. Felix. The ashes of St. Narcissus rest here, in one of the eight sarcophagi. The most significant elements of the temple are the statue of Jesus Christ, the altar, as well as the Girona lion climbing the column at the entrance to the temple.
Most tourists prefer to combine a visit to this temple with a visit to the Arab Baths, since these two attractions of Girona are close to each other.
6. Girona History Museum
Considering the fact that Girona is famous for its long and rich history, it would be very strange if there was no history museum here. The Girona Historical Museum is located in the heart of the city and attracts millions of visitors with its rich exposition. The oldest exhibits date back to the 1st century BC. The highlight of the museum is the stunning collection of musical instruments. In total, the museum has fourteen exhibition halls, each of which is dedicated to a particular topic. All themes reflect one or another era of the historical evolution of Girona.
In addition to its direct exposition function, the museum is very actively developing educational and educational activities, constantly conducting various educational programs, lectures and master classes. It will be very interesting to visit this place in Girona.
7. Lombard Church
This stunning architectural landmark is located in the old town of Girona and traditionally attracts a large number of tourists. The temple was built at the beginning of the twelfth century and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Initially, it was supposed to serve as a chapel at the monastery, but later acquired the status of a full-fledged temple.
Today, the Lombard Church is unique object cultural and historical heritage and stores rare ancient icons, paintings and sculptures. A special property of the church are ancient burials, which are very well preserved to this day.
8. Museum of Archeology of Catalonia
The delightful museum is one of the museums of archeology in Catalonia, located in the largest cities of this region. The Museum of Archeology in Girona is located on the territory of the monastery of Sant Pere de Galliganz.
Most of the exhibits presented in the museum were found during excavations ancient city Herunds. Today, residents and guests of the city visit the museum in order to see unique historical exhibits that cover the period from the prehistoric era to the Middle Ages. Of particular importance in the exposition of the museum are ancient sarcophagi.
9. Monastery of St. Peter Galligans
This surprisingly small, but very significant, monastery is located on the banks of the Galligans River. Unusual feature The monastery is that since its construction in the 12th century it has never been rebuilt, and has retained its original appearance.
The monastery is so small that only five monks served in it. A special asset of the monastery is the church, which has been very well preserved to this day. Its unusual architecture has not changed either.
Today, on the territory of the monastery there is an archaeological museum, which attracts many tourists from all over the world. In addition to the permanent exhibition, you can often see very interesting temporary exhibitions brought from all over the world.
10. Cinema Museum
This is one of the newest and certainly the most interesting attractions in Girona. The Cinema Museum was opened only 19 years ago and became the first and only museum of its kind in Spain. The museum exposition consists of 20 thousand cinematic exhibits from the personal collection of Thomas Malela. In addition to the permanent exhibition, interesting temporary exhibitions often come here. Also, various training programs, lectures, master classes are regularly organized in the cinema museum and there is a very good acting school.
The town, located near Barcelona, attracts a large number of tourists here. Perhaps one of the most attractive places of the medieval city, spread out on the banks of the river, is the embankment and the Rambla de la Llibertat (Freedom Street).
Rambla de la Llibertat
The warm yellow and red colors of the facades of the houses located on the waterfront immediately allow you to appreciate the incredible beauty of Girona. The attraction of the Old Town of Girona will make you forget about all the fuss and immerse yourself in the world of the Middle Ages. The promenade is very reminiscent of a wide bridge, from which you can admire Girona to your heart's content. The heart of the life of the Old Town is undoubtedly the Rambla, starting at Onyar and going deeper into Girona.
A leisurely walk along the Rambla will allow you to enjoy not only wonderful views, but also the amazing smells of local sausage, jamonchik, cheese. The Girona people keep all the secrets of cooking for many years, so you are unlikely to find such delicious food anywhere else. It can be said that the culinary arts is also a landmark of Girona.
Independence Square
Your walk in Girona will surely lead you to Independence Square (Plaça Independencia)
You can admire her west bank, strolling up the intricate narrow streets and leading tourists into Girona's medieval past. Along the way, you will meet many homemade cafes, stop by for a coffee and a delicious dessert. Refreshed? Back on the road to gothic Cathedral(Catedral).
Cathedral
I would like to say a separate word about such sights of Girona as the Cathedral. To climb to the main facade, you need to overcome 90 steps. The cathedral began to be built in Girona in the 14th century. This process was very time-consuming and discussed for a long time. As a result, one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Spain appeared in Girona. Inside the cathedral of Girona is a twenty-three-meter nave, higher only in the main cathedral of Rome. Advice from experienced people - linger, think, and harmony, perhaps, will come in your soul and in your heart. You can visit this attraction completely free of charge, but no one has canceled the siesta here.
Girona Cathedral Museum
At the Girona Cathedral there is a museum, which you should definitely get into. Maybe it is not so big, but those items that are included in its treasury are undoubted attractions. The most valuable is a real historical relic, the "Creation of the World" carpet of the 11th century, measuring 3.65 by 4.70 meters, created by the hand of a great master. It takes time to appreciate the beauty of this true perfection. The cost of a ticket to the museum is 3.50.
Arab baths
Arab baths are another interesting sights of Girona. These structures were built in the XII-XIII centuries, but most likely this is only an official date, the baths are considered more ancient. Entrance to this attraction is paid - about 5-10 euros. Baths consist of five halls, each with its own purpose.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarta is the place of Girona, which is considered one of the most ancient in the city.
From cathedral square Forsa Street departs, which until the 15th century was the main one in the Jewish quarter. The first evidence of the arrival of Jews in Girona dates back to the 1st century AD. You will constantly come across various kinds of evidence of the presence of Jews in this place.
Girona sights - colorful bridges
Girona's bridges are worthy of special praise. There are 4 rivers on the territory of Girona, so there are many bridges and they are all a separate attraction of the city. On the square of Sant Feliu in front of the basilica of the same name, there is a column, conspicuous by the presence of a figurine of a lioness on it. It is believed that the kiss of the beast in ... will bring you good luck, we will not name the place, it is the most brilliant.
Fortress walls
Unusual sights of Girona - Fortress walls. They are a museum open sky. Their advanced age allows them to play the role of a kind of medieval promenade for tourists. Climbing onto the ramparts, you can see the whole of Girona better.
Monasteries of Girona
Monastery of Saint Domènech
There is another architectural landmark of Girona - this is the monastery of Sant Domenec (Sant Domenec) of the XIII century. Be sure to check it out, because this is one of the oldest monasteries Catalonia, in addition, within its walls is now a university.
Monastery of Saint Peter Galligans
To add to the list of visited architectural masterpieces Girona, do not forget about the Monastery of St. Peter Galligans. This attraction of Girona is located near the Rio Galligans river of the same name. The building given over Archaeological Museum incredibly beautiful and unique.
Girona - beautiful place on the map of Catalonia, the tourist flow to this city is inexhaustible. But the most attractive place in the city that will make you pick up a camera is the famous colorful houses, the likes of which are nowhere to be found. They say that they are somewhat similar to the Florentine Ponto Vecchio bridge, but the difference is noticeable. Houses appeared here in the 17th century, and then repeatedly rebuilt.
Girona is a small Spanish town located in Catalonia with a population of just under 100,000 people. This city appeared in 79 BC. e. like a fortress, traces of the walls still remain. During its centuries-old history, Girona has accumulated many sights that are worth admiring and must-see, the best way is walking through the streets on foot. In order to know what to see in Girona, it is best to stock up on a city map for quick orientation in Girona and its attractions.
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Fortified walls, Girona Cathedral
During the time of Rome, in the 1st century, these walls were built to protect the city from enemy attacks. Over such a long period of time, the main part of the wall collapsed, leaving only a small section, which was restored. On the walls are viewing places for tourists from which you can admire the city. Nowadays, this place can be called a favorite attraction not only of the city, but of the whole.
Another one sight- This is the Cathedral of Girona (Girona). It was built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style. Over the course of several centuries, the Cathedral of Girona was repeatedly rebuilt, as a result of which, in the 16th century, the building was completed in the Gothic style. The appearance of the courtyard has been preserved since the 12th century. It contains many relics that are of great value. To enter the Cathedral of Girona you have to overcome very a long staircase. Next to the Cathedral of Girona is a museum of the history of the city.
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» Lioness of Girona», Jewish Quarter, Independence Square
There is an attraction in the city to which locals and tourists are treated with a share humor. This is a small sculpture of a lioness located at the church of Sant Feliu. There is an opinion that if you kiss her in the back, then all dreams will come true. In fact, this sculpture belongs to the category of heraldry.
The Jewish quarter was born at the beginning of the 9th century. However, later the Jews were expelled from these places and poor Christians began to settle there. They did not have the opportunity to equip the quarter, which is why it has been preserved to this day in its original state.
One of the landmark public places of Girona in Spain is Independence Square. This square hosts many cultural events of the city. Since the 19th century, the present appearance of the square has been preserved. Around it are historical Buildings, various bars and cafes.
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Church of St. Philip, Monastery of St. Peter Galligans
In honor of the patrons of St. Philip and St. Narcissus in the XIV century was built church in the city of Girona (Spain). The decorations inside the church are from the Romanesque period with informative galleries. And also in the temple there were ancient burials. Today the monastery is a Romanesque building with a tower of two floors. Since the XIV century, the rights to this building belong to Spain. The most expensive thing presented in the monastery is the Chariot Race mosaic and the 4th century burial.
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Rambla de la Libertad
Another attraction of Girona in Spain is boulevard, the similarity of the Moscow Arbat. This boulevard is full of shops, cafes, restaurants and is constantly filled with tourists from all over the world. A great variety of flowers can be seen at the weekend sale.
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Jewish History Museum, Film Museum, Arab Baths
The Museum of Jewish History is located near the Girona Cathedral. The history, rituals, and culture of Jewish society throughout centuries of history. The museum consists of eleven rooms in which the expositions of the museum are exhibited. And also very often in the museum there are various single exhibitions.
At the end of the 20th century in the city of Girona was open Museum of theater and cinema, at that time the first in Spain. The museum exposition contains tens of thousands of items: photographs, posters, films. There is also a film projector, which the Lumiere brothers shot their first films with.
In the heart of the city of Girona are the Arab Baths, built in the 12th century for the royal family. The style of the building corresponds to the cities located in northern Africa. After the restructuring in the XIII century, the baths became available to everyone. In the XX century baths were once again reconstructed.
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Gustave Eiffel Bridge, Parc de la Devesa, Onyar River
What else you can see in Girona is the legendary Eiffel Bridge. The bridge for pedestrians was built in the 19th century according to the principle eiffel tower, i.e. using metal ties. The bridge over the Onyar River is very precisely combined with environment.
An excellent attraction in Girona (Spain) where you can hide from the heat during the day is old park de la Devesa. The trees there reach up to 50 meters in height and their age reaches 150 years. Notable places in this park are Botanical Garden and banana trees.
The city of Girona in Spain is divided by a river Onyar. It is noteworthy that the houses are located right on the banks of the city. This gives the city unforgettable beauty and festive look.
So, we have considered all the sights of the city of Girona in Spain. You can visit them in Girona on your own on foot in a day, but first you need to stock up on a map in Russian with a route laid out on it, so that it is easier to navigate in unfamiliar city.
What to see in Girona. The main attractions of Girona.
1. Arab baths
An archaeological trail leads from the cathedral, on which signs are located, it passes through all the significant memorable places old city. Passing the Portal de Sobreportes, it will lead you to the Arab baths, which appeared, perhaps, due to the Jewish ritual of ablution. The vault of the building, built in the late Romanesque style, was recently restored.
This place has a deceptive name. Although it was designed in the style of Moorish and Roman baths, it is a building that was built in the Romanesque style of the 12th century, it is a single public bath, which was discovered in the Middle Ages in Catholic Spain, in which, in response to the fact that Muslims were so reverent about washing and cleanliness, a negative attitude appeared towards the washing process, which was considered almost godless.
2. A stunning park in the city center, where the trees are a 16-storey building
The park is not only a favorite place for walking, keeping cool and shade even in the hottest weather, but also is the center recreational activities in Girona.
It is here that the rides for the Days of San Juan and San Pedro are located, it is in the Park that the famous Girona equestrian performances take place.
3. Historical Museum(Museo de Historia)
In the street bearing the name of Carrer de la Forca, which is located south of the square in front of the cathedral, there is an old Capuchin monastery, in which the Historical Museum has now been created, it mainly presents early history region and the era of industrialization (XIX - XX centuries). In the part of the old city, which is located south of this place, until the 15th century. was the Jewish quarter.
4. Car collection of Salvador Claret (La Colleccio d "Automobils Salvador Claret)
Salvador Claret began building his collection in 1950 when he purchased a 1923 Ford. He then continued to acquire other brands and decided to create a museum that now displays more than 170 vehicles, including an 1883 Merry Weather .and various vehicles the entire automotive period until the 1970s.
5. Lago de Banolas
West of Bañolas is Lago de Bañolas, which is the largest natural inland lake in Catalonia and has become the site of rowing competitions. Olympic Games 1992 On the shore, which is located in the southwest of the lake, there is a village called Porqueras with its beautiful little Romanesque church.
6. Poblado Iberico Museum / Iberian Village (Poblado Iberico)
The museum, which is located at the top of the acropolis, exhibits agricultural utensils, weapons, etc. from the Iberian period, there are also human skulls (some of which belonged to those who deserved to be executed, others have traces of trepanation), fossils, looms, spinning spindles, molds for bronze brooches and ceramics with paintings (mainly those products that were brought by the Greeks from Attica).
In the main hall, tourists can see the map of the area, and there are schematic maps on the walls. big size, which indicate the places of origin of coins and pottery, which are presented in the museum, there is also archaeological map province of Girona.
7. San Pedro de Galligans
A Romanesque church called San Pedro de Galligans lies below, across the small Galligans River. This strong building of the 12th century, which once housed a Benedictine abbey, was later transferred to the state, and now it houses the Archaeological Museum. The entrance is designed in the form of a round arch, and now it hosts art exhibitions, it is beautifully decorated with rosettes and intertwined ornaments.
8. San Feliu
Near the northern outskirts of the old city is a former collegiate church called Sant Feliu, built in the 11th-18th centuries, this building is made in gothic style with very low aisles containing late Romanesque galleries with stucco capitals.
The construction of the place where the choirs were supposed to be was completed in 1318; and the western front was built in the 17th century. High tower, which was originally built in the Gothic style, was subsequently reconstructed in 1581 due to lightning damage and largely changed its appearance.
Interior
The entrance to the church is on the south side. There are no transepts here, but in its north side there is a vaulted chapel of San Narciso, made in the Baroque style, it is dedicated to Saint Narcissus, who was Bishop of Girona during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. In the choir, in the place where the carved Gothic altar is located, there are sarcophagi of the II-VI centuries. BC.
9. Cathedral
Build gothic cathedral, which determined the appearance of Gerona (Gerona - in Catalan), began in 1312, and construction was completed at the end of the 16th century. Climbing a high staircase, you will come to the main entrance, decorated in the 18th century Baroque style, which also has modern sculptural decoration. Through the gothic passage (it does not have the original sculptural decoration) you can approach a small square located in south side churches.
In the northern part of the church is the entrance to the cathedral museum. Its main treasures (in the 1st room) are the Blessed Virgin (made in the Romanesque style, XI-XII centuries.), very reminiscent of the Madonna from Montserrat, and the decorated manuscript "Apocalypse" (975). In the 2nd room you can see a late Gothic style cross (1503-07), which has inlaid pearls, enamel and mosaics, and a 14th-century cross, which is also decorated with enamel.
In the 3rd hall, in the corner, there are cases for books made of silver (XIV century), and in the central part there is a fine collection of sculpture of the XV century. In addition, here you can see the Bible, which belonged to Charles V (XIV century, and is the work of Italian masters), and 2 luxurious altars (exhibits 41 and 42), one of them (XIV century) has gold jewelry and silver embroidery, and on the other (XIII century) there are 21 scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.
10. Church of St. Peter (St. Peter church)
In the southern part of Plaza Mayor is the Church of St. Peter, it is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in all of Catalonia. On the columns located on both sides of the middle window of the western side of the facade, decorations are made in the form of figured capitals with delightful carvings and 2 statues of lions. Opposite the church is the beautiful mansion Casa Cornelia.
History of the settlement
Girona is one of the largest such settlements located in the northeast of the country. During the Paleolithic, Puig de Sant Andreu and Ilha den Reixac, which were connected by a narrow isthmus, were already inhabited by people, and in these places, maybe since the 7th century. BC, a fortified settlement appeared.
By the VI century. BC. the Iberians, who are the original inhabitants of the area, were able to establish close trade relations with the Etruscans, Phoenicians and Greeks. Greek influence forced them to start building stone dwellings and use the potter's wheel.
At the beginning of the 5th century BC. the Iberian city, which was already surrounded by a solid stone wall, was at the peak of its development and prospered. But in the III century. BC. as a result of fierce competition from one of the Greek settlements of Emporion, which was located nearby, there was a decline, and in the II century. BC. people left the city. He was not remembered until the 30s. our century; and after that, in 1947, these places were systematically carried out archaeological excavations they continue today.
Like any medieval city Catalonia, Girona is divided into 2 parts - one part is the old city, and the other is modern, they are separated by a wide canal and bridges.
Every part of the city has something unique: the old part has its own historical monuments, in a new ultra-modern facility. The historic center of Girona rises on a hill above the Onyar River, behind it are the quarters that appeared in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In the central part of the Old Town there is Libertad Boulevard located along the river. Small squares form from narrow ancient streets. Of interest is the square. Josep Ferrator and Mora, on which the monastery of Sant Domenic is located.
The Monastery of Olen is one of the first buildings built in the Gothic style in Catalonia, it was founded in the 13th century. Today, a university is located on the territory of the monastery. Not far from the monastery is the Palace of Bishops of the XII-XVI centuries, in which the Art Museum was founded. The Cathedral is also of great historical value. Its bell tower is decorated with a weather vane with a bronze angel.
This is the largest and beautiful cathedral and cultural heritage of Catalonia. Its history began with the sanctuary of Apollo, on its ruins in the 6th century. a Visigoth burial appeared. After that, a Romanesque tomb of the 10th-11th centuries appeared in its place. and only in 1312 the cathedral itself began to be built. Its construction required very precise calculations, for which the city was twice invited to a meeting of leading Catalan architects. This cathedral has one of the widest Gothic naves located in Europe - 22.8 m (length - 50 meters, height -35 meters).
The current appearance of the cathedral was acquired only in the 17th century. A museum was opened in the temple, it exhibits one of the unique woven carpets, which is called the "Creation of the World" of the 11-12th centuries. And several rare manuscripts containing illustrations of the tenth century.
From sq. Cathedral passes st. Force. The area located between Forsa street and the city
Jews inhabited the wall in the Middle Ages and it was called El Cal. Here in the 13th century. a school was founded that preached the teachings of Kabbalah.
In the same places, the doctor and philosopher-Kabbalist Ramban was born and spent his life, who later became the Chief Rabbi of Catalonia. Throughout the Jewish quarter there are mixed streets, lanes, dead ends, and some streets are made in the form of stairs, because. the city is on a hill.
A festive atmosphere reigns in this city, because it celebrates as many holidays and celebrations as in Barcelona. You can visit the Flower Festival, film festivals, numerous children's parties,
the traditional feast of St. Jordi, all this is an integral part of city life.
There are bars, cafes, restaurants serving national Catalan and international cuisine. There are many French, Italian, Basque, Chinese and other restaurants in the city center.
What to see in Girona
Interesting to visit historical center the city where the majestic Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Geligans rises, get acquainted with the exhibits of the Museum of Archeology of the city of Girona, visit the church of Sant Felu, look at the Arab baths and admire the beauty of the Jewish quarter, which houses the Museum of the History of the Jews.
The building of the Cathedral, built between the 14th and 18th centuries, is also noteworthy. It houses a museum of its history, from which you can see frescoes, paintings, tapestries, copies of the chapters of the Bible of the Middle Ages and other historical exhibits. The Girona Art Museum is located in the building of the old Bishop's Palace - Palacio Episcopal.
Rambla de la Llibertat: on this pedestrian street there are bars, restaurants that offer national and European cuisine, there is also a shopping center.
Works of Art Nouveau style - arch. - Ensesa, Masó, Colomer and Batlle. Cinema Museum (Museo del Cine): over 25 thousand copies of filmmakers from different countries world, from the pioneers of the genre to the contemporary masters, these masterpieces have been collected by the collector Tomàs Mallol.
To get a better idea and information about the city of Girona, watch the video guide to the main tourist routes, as well as a map of the city.
Girona is rich in attractions, despite the fact that it is a province. Since the time of the Iberians, the city has performed important economic, strategic and cultural functions. For example, in its history the city was under siege 25 times. It has not lost its purpose to this day. Its importance in the life of Spain cannot be overestimated.
How to get there
Getting to Girona is easy. For example, you can take a direct flight from Moscow to Girona once a week. The only downside is the high prices. Experienced tourists are advised to get to Girona from Barcelona by train or car. By highway, the distance from Barcelona to Girona is only 100 km, and this path can be covered in an hour and a half. Not far from here and to the border with France, only 60 kilometers.
The pearl of the city is its center. This so-called Old Town, spread out on a hill near the Onyar River, is connected by bridges to the modern part of the city. By the way, one of the bridges across the Onyar River was created by the world-famous Eiffel. Despite the huge difference between the time of construction, high-rise buildings modern city and the centuries-old buildings of the Old City do not contradict each other.
The multicolored houses of the Old Town have long been calling card Girona. If you travel by train, then you will spend only fifteen minutes to find yourself in the city center. If your transport is an airplane, then take a bus, a ticket to the center costs 5 euros.
The heart of the city is the Rambla, the main boulevard Llibertat, or rather, a square where you can always see something interesting or buy something tasty. The fact is that historically the rambla is a place where trade flourishes. Spanish farmers sell products from their farm here. Street musicians and dancers put on daily performances for the delight of tourists. In addition, there are many shops and establishments where you can eat.
Used to be here city wall, but during the conquest by the French, the wall was destroyed by the enemy side. The buildings erected on the Ramblas were built only in the 19th century, unlike many others in the old city. Some structures were built by the Romans, such as the North Gate. I must say that in addition to the Rambla in Girona, there are several other notable squares. One of them is Independence Square, the other is Plaza Catalunya.
Cathedral
If you climb up from the Rambla to the top of the hill, then you will come to the Cathedral, which was built over several centuries from the 14th to the 17th centuries. However, one person is considered the creator of the cathedral - Guillemo Bofil, and the date of construction is 1416. Such a long construction could not but affect the style of the building. There are also Gothic architectural forms, and Baroque, and Renaissance, and Romanesque style.
The grandeur of the cathedral is amazing. Its walls seem to protect visitors. By the way, this cathedral has the second largest Gothic nave with a width of 23 meters. The cathedral is also remembered due to the presence of the throne of King Charles.
To the right of the cathedral is episcopal palace, within the walls of which is enclosed Art Museum. The most famous exhibit of his collection is a silver altar created in the 10th century and brought from the church of Sant Pere de Rodes.
Museum at the Cathedral
Of particular interest is the museum at the cathedral, you should definitely visit it. The exposition of the museum is small, it consists of religious relics, shrines, manuscripts, ancient paintings and sculptures, objects of church worship. Such significant rarities should not be many. Probably the most significant thing is the 11th century carpet, on which the scene of the creation of the world is reproduced.
The attractions of Girona in Spain do not end with the above. Perhaps the Arab baths deserve attention. They let you in for a fee, about 7 euros. Since the time of construction, and this was in the XII century, the baths have been restored several times. It is noteworthy that the baths were built in the Romanesque era, and are not at all authentic Muslim baths, since the Arabs left Girona long before construction began.
Girona is also famous for its Jewish quarter. And he, in turn, is known for its narrow streets, penetrating it up and down. The Star of David flaunts on the stones here, and in some doorways there are recesses in which a prayer written on parchment was fixed. In 1492, however, the Jews were expelled from Spain, because their presence did not please the rulers of that time, Ferdinand and Isabella, who sought to convert the entire population to Catholicism. If you are interested in the history of the Jews, then you can visit the Museum, which is called the Museum of the History of the Jews. All visitors will be warmly welcomed.
In some places, the fortress walls of ancient Roman origin, buried in gardens, are still preserved. From the top of the fortress wall, the Old Town is visible at a glance.
Nearby is the University of Girona. The building of the university once served the monks, there was a monastery of San Dominic. A similar fate befell the monastery of St. Peter Galligans, which is currently the Archaeological Museum.
The city's patrons are Saints Felix and Narcissus. Saint Narcissus' Day is celebrated annually on October 29th. In honor of Felix, the church of Esglesia de Sant Feliu was erected in the 14th century. Sant Feliu is famous for its alabaster figure of Christ dating back to 1350.
In Girona, you can also go shopping, visiting many small and large shops scattered throughout the city. Many well-known world brands are represented here. Here is such a wonderful city waiting for you to visit. And it should be noted that you will not be disappointed, just as tourists who have already been here have not been disappointed.
