About Girona
Within easy distance of Barcelona, the French border and the Costa Brava, Girona is a gem of a small city, which offers a multitude of options - shopping, culture, dozens of restaurants, cafes and bars, mountains, beaches (not to mention fantastic running) - its all there for you! A packed events calendar throughout the year, from the international flower festival in the Spring to the famous fiestas of St. Narcis in the autumn, there's always something going on.
Check out the official site for Costa Brava and Girona all year round website for more info.
More on Girona - history, tourist highlights
Often compared to the Renaissance cities of Tuscany, Girona is an ancient mix of cultures, with a rich history that is finely preserved. It has been fought over in almost every century since it was the Roman fortress of Gerunda on the Via Augusta. Following the Moorish conquest of Spain, Girona was an Arab town for over two hundred years, a fact apparent in the maze of narrow streets in the centre, while there was also a continuous Jewish prescence for over 600 years. Given its location and history it is therefore a unique Catalan city which retains the stamp of its diverse past and an overall beauty - especially during its long hours of sunshine and blue skies.
Tourist highlights include the perimiter wall which protected the city from a total of 21 attacks until the 18th Century. The wall affords a fantastic view of the town and local mountains. The centrepiece of the old town is the magnificent Cathedral, which at 22m, has the largest single-naved vault in the world. This mighty Gothic creation is an imposing sight over the rest of the town, especially when lit at night. It is approached by almost 100 17th century Baroque steps. Girona is also home to the best-preserved Jewish quarter in Western Europe, and being based next to the cathedral, adds to the overall beauty and richness of the old quarter.
Several famous Catalan museums are also housed in the city - showing anything from Andy Warhol exhibitions to cinema and religious and historical artifacts.
This old town is home to some beautiful bars and restaurants, with outside dining during the warmer months especially reminiscent of parts of the Italian mediterranean. Over the river the newer part of the city, including the Plaza Independencia, further complements the rich array of eating and drinking options. Mexican, Basque, Chinese, Italian all available in addition to the local dishes.