Visiting Beautiful Girona, Spain

Girona, Spain is a jewel located in the northeast of Catalonia, Spain. It is found where the rivers Onyar, Ter, Guell, and Galligants meet. It is known as one of the major Catalan cities. Girona, Spain is actually the ancient city of Gerunda and was first inhabited by the Iberians. Many peoples have made their mark in this city including the Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors, the Jews, and the French. The city has been under siege 25 times and captured seven of those times. The multicultural influence of these peoples have played a large role in the in what is now modern day Girona.

The Main Attractions of Girona, Spain

Girona is a major tourist destination for travellers from all over Europe and a lovely day trip from Barcelona. Take the train from Barcelona and enjoy the lovely Catalan scenery on your way. Old town Girona sits atop a steep hill of the Capuchins and is beside the river, while the modern city is located in the plains. The architecture influenced by various cultural influences over hundreds of years will astonish and amaze.

The Cathedral

Girona’s Cathedral was used by the Moors in ancient times as a mosque. The Girona Cathedral is located in the heart of the city and you must walk up a large staircase to reach the entrance. The original cathedral was originally built on the same site as the present Girona Cathedral. It has a magnificent approach of 86 steps and contains beautiful chapels and gorgeous interior decorations designed by renowned Valencian Pere Bernec. The sheer size of the structure will leave you in awe. Be sure to take the audio tour to learn about the history of the cathedral and its collection of treasures.

Girona Cathedral, Spain by Craig Wyzik

The Old Fortifications

The Old Fortifications are located in the Old City of Girona and can be reached by foot once you are in Girona. Wear some hiking shoes, because you will have to walk up a steep hill to reach them. These fortifications are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Girona. They were originally built for the protection of the city from invaders hundreds of years ago. The city walls were originally built by the Romans around 1^st century BC. The walls were rebuilt around 14^th century with the original Roman walls used for foundations. From the start of the 16^th century, the wall was eventually absorbed into the city of Girona. You can walk the entire expanse of the walls and climb the lookout towers to see the 360 degree views of Girona and the beautiful countryside. Wander the alleyways to see the monks wander around the historic old town and the exquisite wrought ironworks, archways, and brightly coloured antique doors.

Tossa de Mar near Girona, Spain by Freebird

Visit the Beaches

Take a trip from Girona to the beaches which are known for their lush beauty and gorgeous turquoise waters. The village of Tossa de Mar is another medieval marvel with amazing turreted towers and protective walls. It is a stone’s throw from Girona and is located on the coast. You can reach this destination by car or from the airport located northwest of the village. You can see the village fisherman out on their fishing boats bringing in the day’s fresh catch. The main beach in this area is Platja Gran featuring an otherworldly blend of golden pebbles and sand which sparkle in the sunlight. For a quiet beach picnic, visit the Platja del Reig and the Platja Mar Menuda which have a much more secluded and quiet atmosphere.

About the Author: Alyssa is the author of this article, she is the chief writer of the Discount Attractions website, visit this site for getting discounts on Los Angeles attractions.

Tags: Catalonia, Girona’s Cathedral, Main Attractions of Girona, Old Fortifications, Spain, Visit the Beaches

Category: Cities, Cities