Girona Tour
Girona is a beautiful old town that has plenty to offer; culture, tranquillity and is only a short distance from the Catalan capital, Barcelona. To make the most of your trip to this wonderful city, learn about the all the different areas and what they have to offer. This way you can be sure to book the right Girona accommodation for you; whether it be one of the many Girona hotels or one of the numerous Girona apartments.
The old quarter – Barri Vell
This area of Girona is a safe haven away from the modern hustle and bustle of the city. However, there is still plenty to do. There are dozens of old buildings to get lost in and a history that dates back to the 11th century. There are numerous cafes and restaurants that line the cobbled streets and courtyards from which you can see many ghostly little alleyways that lead to nowhere. Or do they? It’s up to you to explore and find out! In this quarter you will find most of the city’s museums, fine shops and boutiques.
The Wall Walk
In the 19th century, a lot of Girona was rebuilt as the city saw a regeneration plan. This part however, was restored as it was considered to be one of the most important historical points in the city. The best point of entrance for the wall is near the ‘Ex-Col-legiata de St Feliu’ (or the Church of St Feliu) as this way you’ll be descending and not climbing (a serious mistake if you visit during the summer months). The wall hosts spectacular views in all directions and entrance is free. You can visit the wall between 8am and 10pm every day.
The Cathedral
This cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is without a doubt the most important building in the city. The charm of this building is that it does not belong to one era or design; in fact, the cathedral has been added to over the years and can now boast styles from almost every imaginable era.
On the inside, the cathedral has many beautiful artefacts; the Tapestry of Creation dated back to the 11th century, the 10th century manuscript, ‘Beatus’ and a rich collection of medieval gold and silver work. The cathedral boasts many beautiful features such as a stairway of 90steps, 3 landings, a nave that is second in length to the Vatican’s St Peters, a museum and a handsome bell tower.
The Cathedral is open from 10am to 7pm from November to March, and until 8pm between April and October. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around 3-5euros with a guided tour, with discounts for OAP’s and students.
The Rambla
The Rambla of Girona is situated down Calle Nou and just across the Pont de Pedra. Here you will find an array of bars, shops and restaurants that provide chilled out terraces by day, perfect for soaking up the sun and for people watching and exciting nightlife during the later hours. Every Saturday, you can visit the local flower market until 2pm. Furthermore, until early evening every day, you can stroll along the cobbled roads and meet the locals while browsing at the many craft stalls which sell some very original, local gifts.
This is only a short guide to Girona, so make sure to visit this wonderful city as it really does have everything to offer.