Imagine walking through cobblestone streets where every stone has witnessed centuries of history. In Girona, the walls whisper Roman stories, the squares hold medieval secrets, and the echo of legends still resonates in the air. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees, this Catalan jewel is much more than a beautiful postcard: an open book where every corner tells a story.
A city with Roman origins
Girona was founded under Gerunda between 15 and 14 B.C. when the Romans built a military camp. Later, Emperor Augustus granted it the Latin right, allowing its inhabitants to access certain privileges.
It became a strategic colony, and with the construction of the Via Augusta, it grew and prospered. Since then, it has been a crossroads, a place of resistance, and an architectural treasure.
The Roman walls protected the city and can still be visited today. Walking along them is like traveling back in time.
The origins of the name
Girona comes from the Latin Gerunda; some theories relate it to Julius Caesar. It is said that the origin of the toponym could mean ‘between the Undarius,’ which is the river Oñar in Latin (Onyar in Catalan).
Girona’s most famous Myth
Girona is made of stone and water, and stories have been passed down from generation to generation. The city is full of myths and amazing stories. Here are some of the most famous ones:
The Witch of the Cathedral: it is said that a woman threw stones at the Cathedral and was turned to stone as punishment. Today, her sculpture remains on the façade of the temple.
San Narciso and the Flies: During a siege of the city by French troops, miles of flies emerged from the tomb of San Narciso and drove away the invaders. Since then, Girona has had a special connection with these insects.
El Tarlà: A legendary figure of Girona who, with his acrobatics, entertained people in times of plague. In addition, its streets tell urban stories, such as the Lady of the Wall, a ghost that appears on foggy nights.
The Jewish Quarter
One of Girona’s most special corners is its Jewish quarter, «El Call Jueu.» During the Middle Ages, the Jewish community was one of the most important in Spain. Its narrow cobbled streets and hidden courtyards transport us to a time when Girona was a key cultural and religious center for Judaism.
>> Get a tour of the Girona Jewish Quarter here.
The Mi’kveh
In Girona, there was a Mi’kveh, a Jewish ritual bath used for spiritual purification. Although not preserved in its entirety, it is believed to have been near the main synagogue of the Call Jueu. This type of bath was essential in medieval Jewish religious life.
Arab Baths: Medieval Treasure
Built-in the 12th century, the Arab Baths of Girona follow the design of the Islamic hammam, with cold, warm, and hot water rooms. Despite their name, they were not built by Muslims but by Christians inspired by Islamic architecture.
One of its most impressive spaces is the domed room with columns where a skylight magically lets in light, as if the water tells ancient stories with every reflection. The Arab Baths are an oasis of calm that has survived the passage of time with breathtaking beauty.
The Cathedral of Girona
The Santa Maria de Girona Cathedral is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval Catholic quarters. At 22.98 meters wide, its central nave is the widest Gothic nave in the world, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This impressive structure was built between the 11th and 18th centuries, combining Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Upon entering, light filtered through the stained glass windows, and the immensity of the space generated an unforgettable visual impact.
The Cathedral of Girona is a cornerstone of Catalan Gothic architecture, exemplifying the region’s distinctive style interpretation. Its vast single nave, a remarkable engineering feat, reflects the Catalan preference for wide, open spaces rather than the towering verticality typical of French Gothic. The cathedral’s austere yet grand design embodies the functional elegance characteristic of Catalan Gothic, while its intricate ribbed vaults and sculptural details showcase the craftsmanship of medieval artisans. As a symbol of religious devotion and artistic achievement, the cathedral is a testament to Catalonia’s cultural and architectural identity.
>> Get your tickets at the official site of Girona’s Cathedral.
The Oñar Houses
The colorful houses along the Oñar River are one of the symbols of the city. From the Iron Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, you get an incredible view. also known as hanging buildings and creating a picturesque image—an icon of the city.
These houses were built in the Middle Ages, taking advantage of the old walls. Over time, the houses were extended towards the river, giving rise to their characteristic appearance, with balconies and windows suspended over the water.
The Napoleonic wars (1808-1809)
Undoubtedly, that of the Sieges of Girona (1808-1809), where a small city defied Napoleon’s unstoppable army and became a symbol of bravery and patriotism.
When Bonaparte decided to expand his control over the Iberian Peninsula, Girona became a key part of his strategy. However, the French did not expect the fierce resistance they would encounter in this Catalan city, which would become a nightmare for their troops.
Girona’s resistance became a legend. Despite being surrounded by 40,000 French soldiers, the city’s population of just 9,000 resisted against all odds.
For seven months, it suffered constant bombardment, devastating hunger, and deadly epidemics. The brutality of the siege and the bravery of its inhabitants inspired all of Spain to continue fighting against the French.
The Game of Thrones
Walking around Girona, you will feel like you are in a movie. Its medieval streets have been the backdrop for major film productions to bring fantasy worlds to life, as in the hit series “Game of Thrones.”
The sixth season of the hit series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in the city, especially in the Cathedral and the Jewish quarter.
The Cathedral represented the Great Sept of Baelor in the series. Key scenes like Jaime Lannister’s ascent on horseback were filmed on its steps.
Bishop Josep Cartañà Street, located behind the Cathedral, was used to represent the streets of Braavos. Here, Arya Stark begs and wanders blind, one of the most emblematic scenes of the series.
The Perfume movie in Girona
The film based on Patrick Süskind’s novel used Girona to recreate an 18th-century French villa. Few imagined that many of its most striking scenes were not filmed in Paris but in the magical city of Girona. Its perfectly preserved medieval architecture became the ideal setting for recreating 18th-century France, transporting viewers into a world of mystery, beauty, and obsession. The film crew covered the streets with straw, mud, and debris to achieve maximum authenticity, making them look even more ancient and decadent.
Sport Games in Girona
Girona is not only a city of history and culture but also a sport. In recent years, its football team, Girona FC, has experienced a meteoric rise and has become a strong rival in La Liga. Girona FC has gone from being a modest team to becoming one of the revelations of Spanish football. Founded in 1930, it lived decades in lower categories until it achieved its historic promotion in 2017.
Today, the team competes with the greats of Spanish and European football and has gained recognition for its dynamic style of play and ability to surprise the giants of world Football. Watching a match at the Estadi Montilivi is a thrilling experience where the local fans create a vibrant atmosphere
>> Get Football Game tickets here.
Marc Gasol, an NBA player in Girona
Girona is also a land of basketball. In 2014, Marc Gasol, the 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, decided to return to his roots and founded Bàsquet Girona.
Gasol, one of the most important figures in Spanish basketball, played in the NBA for over a decade with the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, and Raptors. His return to Girona strengthened the club and inspired new generations of players.
If you are a basketball fan, watching a Bàsquet Girona game is a unique opportunity to experience the city’s sporting spirit.
Where to go near Girona?
Costa Brava near Coastline
Just an hour’s drive from Girona, the Costa Brava unfolds its untamed beauty. This coastline is a dream for sea lovers, from hidden coves with crystal-clear waters to charming fishing villages.
>> See this post of beautiful towns in la Costa Brava.
The Pyrenees near mountains
But if you prefer snow instead of sand, you can reach the Pyrenees in less than an hour and lose yourself in their dreamy landscapes. In winter, they become a paradise for skiers, while in summer, the same mountains offer trails that cross glacial lakes, lush forests, and peaks with breathtaking views.
No matter the season, you can choose between the murmur of the waves and the silence of the peaks, between the adrenaline of water sports and the peace of an alpine hike.
A tour to Girona from Barcelona
This post was made with the Collaboration of Toni Riva from Rule Agape Girona Tours. You can contact us to get a tour with him here:
