Girona is a city that rewards the curious traveller. It sits between Barcelona and the French border, yet feels worlds apart from both. The Onyar River splits the old town from the new. Colourful houses lean over the water, their facades painted in ochre, terracotta, and burgundy. Girona has a medieval Jewish Quarter, a cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world, and Roman walls you can walk along. The city is compact. You can explore its key sights on foot in a single day. The food scene here rivals Barcelona at lower prices. The atmosphere is relaxed. Girona offers everything a traveller wants from Spain without the crowds.
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The Cathedral of Girona: 23 Metres of Gothic Grandeur
The Cathedral of Girona dominates the city skyline. Its Gothic nave measures 22.98 metres wide. That makes it the widest Gothic nave in the world, surpassing St Peter’s in Rome and Notre-Dame in Paris. Construction began in the 11th century in Romanesque style. The Gothic expansion started in 1312 and continued for over 200 years. Visitors climb 86 steps to reach the main entrance. These steps date from 1690. Inside, the Baroque altarpiece is made of gilded wood. The cloister contains 24 carved capitals depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis. Entry costs 7 euros for adults (as of 2026). Children under 7 enter free. Photography is allowed without flash.
The Jewish Quarter: One of the Best-Preserved in Europe
Girona’s Call, the Jewish Quarter, is a labyrinth of narrow streets and stone archways. It dates from the 9th century. At its peak in the 13th century, the community numbered around 1,000 people. The quarter covers about 4,000 square metres. The Museum of Jewish History opened in 2000. It traces the history of Jews in Catalonia from the 9th century until the expulsion in 1492. Exhibits include a 14th-century marriage contract and a replica medieval synagogue. Entry costs 4 euros for adults (as of 2026). Free guided tours in English run every Saturday at 11 AM. Look for the Hebrew inscriptions carved into stone doorways. Number 6 Carrer de la Forca has one of the best examples. The quarter is free to wander.
The Roman Walls: 2 Kilometres of Ancient Defence
Girona’s Roman walls date from the 1st century BC. They were built to protect the city of Gerunda, a Roman settlement on the Via Augusta. The walls originally enclosed about 6 hectares. Today you can walk a 2-kilometre circuit along the top. Fifteen towers survive. The Tower of Gironella is the tallest at 25 metres. The walk takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. You get views over the old town, the cathedral, and the Pyrenees on clear days. Access is free. The path is open from 10 AM to sunset. The best section starts at the Garden of the Alemany, a small park with benches and olive trees.
Food: Michelin Stars and Market Stalls
Girona punches above its weight in gastronomy. El Celler de Can Roca has held three Michelin stars since 2009. It was named the best restaurant in the world in 2013 and 2015. The tasting menu costs 195 euros per person (as of 2026). Reservations book out 11 months in advance. For everyday eating, the Mercat del Lleó operates under a 19th-century iron roof. It has 60 stalls. Local specialties include xuixo, a cream-filled pastry covered in sugar. The best xuixo comes from Pastisseria Jaume Riera, which has been open since 1922. Each xuixo costs 2.50 euros. A plate of jamón ibérico and a glass of local red wine costs around 12 euros at the market bar.
The Arab Baths: A 12th-Century Roman-Style Bathhouse
The Arab Baths of Girona were built in 1194. Despite the name, they were built in Romanesque style, not by Arabs. The name comes from the Moorish-inspired architecture of the vaulted ceilings. The bathhouse follows the Roman model: a cold room, a warm room, and a hot room. The central pool in the frigidarium is surrounded by 24 columns with carved capitals. A central skylight lets in natural light. The baths were used until the 15th century. Restoration began in 1929. Entry costs 3 euros for adults (as of 2026). Children under 7 enter free. The visit takes about 20 minutes.
Have you explored Girona, and what surprised you most about this Catalan gem? 🏛️
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