Gerona What to see and do in this Catalan city with personality?

The province of Gerona , Girona in Catalan, is located in the northwest of Spain, in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. This city is one of the most beautiful in the country and also in Europe. In fact, many consider it a second Florence. Its streets have also been used as the setting for several series and movies.

What to see in Gerona?

Cathedral of Santa Maria

Catedral de Santa María, Gerona

The Cathedral of Santa María is one of the most important places in the old town and also in the city. It stands on the Força Vella, the name by which the old part of the city is known, and has a large staircase at its feet. It was built between the 11th and 18th centuries , so different styles can be distinguished in its architecture, such as Romanesque, in the cloister and in the Carlemany tower; and the baroque, on the façade and on the staircase. Although all this is already quite interesting and impressive, the main element is the nave, which was built between the 15th and 16th centuries and is the largest vaulted Gothic space in the world . Also noteworthy are its porticoes, Sant Miquel to the north and Los Apóstoles to the south; and the largest silver and enamel altarpiece, the Creation tapestry, the stained glass windows or the angel located in the highest part of the cathedral.

Força Vella

There is a section of Barri Vell known as Força Vella that is a stop that we consider mandatory. This section was a military fortress built by the Romans in the 1st century BC. C. , Much later, during the second half of the 16th century, it underwent modifications by orders of King Pere III el Cerimoniós . This construction notably improved the old wall , which was reinforced in some sections and replaced in others. It has a triangular shape and is located on a natural rock on the Oñar river (Onyar in Catalan).

Arab baths

Los baños árabes de Girona

The Arab baths have become one of the most emblematic corners of Gerona. It is a Romanesque style building that was built in 1194 with a structure that mimicked the well-known Arab baths. They were the first public baths in the city. Inside, the entrance, the changing room, the rest area and the annular vault stand out, although obviously what attracts more people is the central pool covered by a dome set on columns and ornate capitals.

There are two ways to get to know these baths, with a guided tour or on your own. For the first option, we recommend visiting their website or asking for information on the spot. If you opt for a free visit, the entrance fee ranges between € 1 and € 2.

The walls

Another essential part of the city are its walls, which were built as the population increased and new neighborhoods appeared between the 11th and 15th centuries. The neighborhoods are Sant Feliu and San Pedro to the north of Força Vella, Areny and Vilanova between the mountain and the river and Mercadal to the west. In order to protect these new populated areas, these walls were built, which can be visited on the Ronda road.

The Carolingian wall is one of those that are in the best state of conservation , it also serves as a viewpoint and from it you get very beautiful views of the city. The journey can begin at the bomb shelter or at the Jacint Verdaguer i Santaló square. From here you can take a walk until you reach the well-known Caserna dels Alemanys, at the other end of the wall.

Jewish quarter

Museo Judío de Gerona

The word call , the name by which the Jewish quarter of Gerona is known, comes from Hebrew and means “community”. It is the word that is used in Catalonia to name the various Jewish neighborhoods that exist in it and its equivalent in Spanish is Jewish quarter.

The call of Gerona is an area full of labyrinthine streets that lead to alleys or patios . According to various documents, in the year 888 there were about 25 Jewish families in Gerona. Little by little the number grew and it became the city with one of the most important Jewish communities in the West . It is currently the city with the best preserved Jewish quarter in Europe .

The most remarkable thing is a study center that aims to recover and maintain the Jewish heritage, the Centro Bonastruc Ca Porta , which is located right where there was a synagogue that was sold by King Ferdinand’s decree of expulsion along with other surrounding buildings.

Houses of the Oñar

Casas colgantes de Oñar

For many it is one of the most beautiful areas of Girona. Along the river Oñar, going out to the outside of the historic center, are the famous and colorful hanging houses that may well be reminiscent of those of several Italian cities. The best place to observe them is from the bridge of the Fishmongers , which was built in 1877 by the Eiffel company. The most famous house is that of the local architect Rafael Masó i Valentí, whose facade is white and blue. It is open to the public but you have to book the visit a little in advance.

Other visits

If you have time, the Museu del Cinema de Girona (Girona Film Museum) is well worth a visit. It was inaugurated in 1998 and was created from the donation of the private funds of the Catalan film director Tomàs Mallol i Deulofeu. Since that time it has grown and has become a very interesting and interactive place that takes a journey through the entire history of cinema. Inside there are projection machines to props, original posters and other very curious materials.

The Plaza de la Independencia , the most important in the city and neoclassical in style; the Plaza del Vi, with the Palace of the General in Gothic and Renaissance style; the Devesa park , which is a kind of urban forest; and the sculpture of the Lioness of Girona are also very interesting visits.

What to do in Girona?

Gastronomy

A city is also known through the palate. The xuixo , for example, is a very typical Girona sweet that can be found in most pastry shops. It is a thin, fried and sugary dough with a cylindrical shape filled with cream. Another very typical product is the sweet sausage , which is of medieval origin and can be obtained tender or cured.

Xuixo, dulce típico de Girona

And in addition to tasting Empordà wines and cavas , the most daring can try ratafía , a sweet liqueur made with local herbs.

All these products can be found in the Mercat del Lleó , a market that distributes fresh produce from the city.

Beaches and lakes

In addition to visiting the most emblematic places of the city, Gerona has some fantastic beaches . In fact, its Costa Brava is one of the most beloved in Catalonia . And some of these beaches accept dogs!

Costa Brava

And very close to the city, about 30 minutes away, is Lake Banyoles, which is the largest freshwater lake in Catalonia . Here you can take small boat trips and hiking.

Gerona is a city with many interesting places to discover and we want to reassure those who do not have many days to get to know it in depth. There is a legend that says that those who kiss the ass of the Lioness of Girona will one day return to the city . Is it worth it or not?