Your Next Getaway in Spain: Girona’s Culture, History, and Game of Thrones Magic
Girona is a captivating city in Catalonia. Its sites display layers of multicultural history, colorful culture, and cinematic beauty. The city, with its blend of medieval mystery and culinary expertise, is tucked just north of Barcelona. Via car, the route between Barcelona and Girona is only an hour and a half; via train, a convenient and affordable option, the trip takes roughly 45 minutes. A walk through the Old City feels like a journey back in time, while fans of Game of Thrones will recognize certain cinematic backdrops. Here are five things to check out in Girona on your next getaway in Spain.
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Girona’s Medieval Old Town and City Walls
Girona’s Old City (Barri Vell) is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of Spain. The ancient city walls (Passeig de la Muralla) surround its enchanting quarters. Visitors can walk atop these Roman walls and enjoy stunning views of the cathedral and even the Pyrenees Mountains on a clear day. El Call is Girona’s Jewish Quarter, with its narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. The city’s cathedral sits atop more than 90 steps. The nave, the church’s central section, is the widest in the world, wider than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
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Geeking Out for Game of Thrones
Much of the show’s season 6 was filmed right in the heart of Girona. The cathedral transformed into the Great Sept of Baelor. The city’s winding stone streets became King’s Landing and Braavos. The popular show filmed there in 2015 and aired the following year. The 90 stairs leading up to the cathedral’s entrance are dramatic and offer the perfect scene location. Plaça dels Jurats square transformed into the Braavosi outdoor theater. Girona’s Archaeological Museum is housed in the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century, which became Game of Thrones’ citadel.
The Arab Baths and Girona’s Multicultural Past
Girona’s Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) were built in 1194 and in use as public baths well into the 15th century. Contrary to what their name might suggest, the baths were not built by Arabs. Instead, Christians built the site while drawing heavily from Muslim bathhouse architecture, quite popular in Spain at the time. The pool room is quite impressive. Natural light filters through small openings in the iconic dome and casts dancing shadows over ornate architecture and stone textures.
Colorful Houses on the Riverbank
The shores of the Onyar River are home to colorful houses and home to some of Girona’s most photogenic spots. The river cuts through the city, separating the Old City from more modern neighborhoods. Travelers enjoy strolling by the houses that line either side of the river, taking in the rich tones of coral, red, orange, yellow, and ochre. From the Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles), a bridge built by Gustave Eiffel right before he built the iconic tower in Paris, is a fantastic vantage point for views of the colorful houses!
THN Traveler Tip: head to the Casas del Onyar at golden hour, right before sunset, for some of the best photo opportunities!
Catalonia’s Cycling Capital
Girona is one of Europe’s unofficial under-the-radar cycling capitals. The city’s perfect training conditions and panoramic routes draw amateurs and professionals looking to enjoy the best that Catalonia has to offer. There are plenty of bike rental shops for bikes and gear and repair shops if needed.
THN Traveler Tip: Head to the Via Verda (the Green Way) for an epic bike ride. The route is on an old railway, from Girona city center south through lush woodlands, forests, and medieval towns.
