Girona's Timeless Tapestry: Beyond Game of Thrones - Unearth Medieval Secrets, Culinary Delights, and the Soul of Catalonia
Girona’s one of those places that quietly creeps up on you. It doesn’t shout about itself like some of the big Spanish cities do—but honestly, that’s part of the charm. You wander in expecting a quick look around and suddenly you’re three hours deep, weaving through cobbled alleys, completely hooked on the place.
What hits you first is the old town—those narrow, winding streets in the Jewish Quarter are so atmospheric it almost feels like time’s folded in on itself. You’re walking through history without it being overly polished or packaged up. I remember sitting on the stone steps near the Cathedral (which is massive, by the way—you don’t quite grasp the scale until you’re standing at the bottom of that staircase), sipping a coffee from this tucked-away café with barely a soul around. The stillness there is unreal.
And if you're even vaguely into architecture, you’re in for a treat. You’ve got these pastel-coloured houses lining the River Onyar, all leaning in on each other like old friends, and the views from the medieval city walls are just magic. If you’ve got a head for heights, definitely do the wall walk at sunset—it’s golden hour goals.
Also, side note: if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, some of the scenes were filmed right here. You’ll spot familiar corners if you’ve watched it, but even if you haven’t, the vibe is proper cinematic.
There’s this quiet confidence about Girona. It’s not trying too hard—it doesn’t need to. You’ll eat well, walk loads, and probably fall a little bit in love with it without realising. I left thinking, “Why doesn’t everyone talk about Girona more?” Maybe it’s better that way—it still feels like a bit of a secret.
5 Interesting Facts about Girona
- Girona was a particularly strategic location for the Romans as a stopover between Augusta and Cadiz.
- It was declared a city in the 11th century, thanks to the King of Aragon.
- There has been an important Jewish community since the 12th-Century.
- Over the years Girona has suffered more than 20 different sieges.
- The Cathedral of Saint Mary was consecrated in 1038.
Top 10 Things To Do In Girona
- Take a stroll along the imperious Roman walls.
- Visit Girona Cathedral, including St. Peter's Basilica.
- Walk around the historic Jewish quarter.
- Visit the Jewish History Museum in El Call.
- Explore the impressive Saint Feliu Church.
- Be part of a Game of Thrones walking tour.
- Visit the Dalí Museum in Figueres.
- Enjoy an evening of Tapas in the Old Quarter.
- Visit the nature park at Lake Banyoles.
- Take a stroll along the River Onya.
Top Attractions in Girona Spain
Girona Cathedral
The Santa Maria de Girona Cathedral is a beautifully imposing symbol of the city home to the second-largest nave in the world. Special attractions include the spectacular staircase, the Gothic body, Romanesque supports, the Baroque facade, the cloisters and the Romanesque "Tapestry of the Creation".
The Jewish Quarter
Located in the Forca Vella district of the city, the Jewish Quarter is an emblematic area of the city where the narrow streets and tight alleyways have a real medieval feel about them. The Girona Jewish quarter is recognised as one of the most important in the world.
The Jewish History Museum is well worth visiting. Located on Calle de la Forca, 8, this important museum examines the lives of Jews from the 9th to the 15th Centuries. The exhibitions are divided into different areas where you can learn about the Jewish community, their customs, festivities, and traditions. The museum houses one of the largest collections of tombstones in Spain.
Passeig de la Muralla
The Passeig de la Muralla is a 3-kilometre-long walk along a pathway that tops the city's ancient walls, offering stunning views over the rooftops and Cathedral and out across the distant Pyrenees mountain range.
Onya Riverwalk & Eiffel Bridge
No visit to Girona would be the same without a walk along the Onya river that winds through the city.
Start your journey at the northern end by the Placa Vicens Vives, close to the bus station, then head south, passing all the city's main attractions. These include the Old Quarter, the Jewish History Museum, the Cinema Museum, and plenty of charming little bars along the way.
You can cross no less than five bridges during your walk; the last one located within the old city is the Pont de Pedra bridge.
The Arab Baths
The Arab Baths, or Banys Arabs, are a historic landmark in the heart of Girona's Old Town. They date back to the 12th century and were likely built by the Moors, who once occupied the city.
They are a perfect example of the traditional Romanesque architecture that was popular in Catalonia during the Middle Ages. The baths consist of three main rooms: the frigidarium (cold room), the tepidarium (warm room), and the caldarium (hot room).
The baths are open to visitors, so you can explore the different rooms and see the intricate stonework and arches that make up the baths.
The Arab Baths are open to visitors throughout the year, with varying opening times depending on the season. During the summer months, the baths are typically open from 10 am to 7 pm daily. In the winter, the baths are open from 10 am to 5:30 pm daily.
Visitors can purchase tickets to the Arab Baths on-site or online in advance. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the history and significance of the baths.
The Gastronomy of Girona
Girona is not only a city of history and culture but also of gastronomy. Its rich culinary tradition reflects its geographical location between the sea and the mountains and its cultural influences from different civilizations.
Here are some of the highlights of Girona's gastronomy and where to find them:
- Sweet 'botifarra' sausage with apple: This is a typical dish from Empordà, a region in northern Catalonia that includes part of Girona province. It consists of a cured pork sausage made with sugar instead of salt, which gives it a sweet flavour. It is usually roasted and served with apple slices cooked with cinnamon and lemon. You can try it at Restaurant Ca l'Aurora, which specializes in traditional Catalan cuisine.
- 'Xuixo': This is a pastry filled with cream and deep-fried, then sprinkled with sugar. It was created in Girona in the 1920s as an adaptation of a French dessert called 'chou a la creme'. It is one of the most popular sweets in Girona and can be found in many bakeries. You can taste it at Can Castello, a bakery making 'xuixos' since 1931.
- Pals Rice: This is a variety of rice grown in Pals, a town near Girona, which has been cultivating rice since the 12th century. It is known for its quality and resistance to overcooking, which makes it ideal for rice stews ('arrossos'), a typical Emporda dish. You can enjoy it at El Pedro de Pals, a restaurant that offers different kinds of rice stews with meat, fish, or vegetables.
- 'Fesol d'ull ros': This is a local bean grown in the Baix Empordà and Estany area for centuries. It has a brownish colour and no black eye ('ull negre'), unlike other beans. It is often cooked with cod ('bacallà escaixat') or grilled vegetables ('escalivada'). You can sample it at L'Alqueria, a restaurant that serves traditional Catalan food with seasonal products.
- 'Ratafia': This is a liquor made by macerating various ingredients (such as fruit, herbs, nuts, and spices) in brandy or other spirits. It originated in the Catalan Pyrenees but has become popular in Girona thanks to the Ratafia Festival, which takes place every November in Santa Coloma de Farners. You can drink it at La Confraria de la Ratafia, an association that promotes this liquor and organizes tastings and workshops.
These are just some examples of Girona's exciting gastronomic offerings you should try If you want to experience some of the best local food in Girona, you will not be disappointed dining out at any of the following award-winning restaurants:
El Celler de Can Roca: According to various rankings, this is one of the world's best restaurants. It is run by three brothers who combine creativity, innovation, and tradition to create exquisite dishes based on local ingredients.
- Massana: This is another Michelin-starred restaurant that offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with high-quality products.
- Divinum: This is a cosy restaurant that serves tasting menus inspired by seasonal products.
Walking Tour of Girona Spain
Girona is a city that can be easily explored on foot, as it has a compact and well-preserved historic center.
Here is a possible walking route that covers some of the best parts of Girona and takes about 2 hours:
- Start at Plaça de Catalunya, a large square that connects the old town with the modern part of the city. From here, you can admire the views of the River Onyar and its colourful houses.
- Cross the river via Pont de Pedra (Stone Bridge), a 19th-century arch bridge that leads to Plaça de la Independencia, a lively square surrounded by arcades and cafes.
- Walk along Carrer de la Força, a street that follows the ancient Roman road and was once the main artery of the Jewish quarter. Here you can find many interesting buildings and shops.
- Turn right at Carrer dels Ciutadans, another street with medieval charm and historic landmarks. At number 18, you can see Casa Pastors, a Gothic palace with a beautiful courtyard.
- Continue until you reach Plaça dels Jurats, a square that hosts cultural events and concerts. Here you can also see Sant Domenec Convent, a Gothic building that now belongs to the university.
- From here, you can climb up to Passeig de la Muralla (Wall Walkway), a path that follows the remains of the medieval walls and offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
- Follow the wall until you reach Plaça de la Catedral (Cathedral Square), where you can admire Girona Cathedral, an impressive Gothic church with the widest nave in the world. You can also visit its treasury museum and cloister for an extra fee.
- Next to the cathedral, you can find Museu d'Art (Art Museum), which displays artworks from Romanesque to modern times in an old episcopal palace. You can also visit it for an extra fee.
- Behind the museum, you can find Banys Arabs (Arabic Baths), which are actually Roman baths inspired by both Roman and Arabic designs. They feature a central pool surrounded by columns and arches. You can also visit them for an extra fee.
- From here, you can walk down to Plaça dels Raïms (Grapes Square), where you can see Casa Maso, a modernist house that was the birthplace of architect Rafael Masó. You can also visit it for an extra fee.
- Cross Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Old Fishmongers' Bridge), another bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel over the River Onyar. Here you can enjoy more views of Girona's skyline.
- End your walk at Rambla de la Llibertat (Liberty Boulevard), a pedestrian street lined with trees and shops. Here you can relax at one of its terraces or browse its stalls.
Another great way to learn about Girona on foot is by joining a local guided tour, a perfect way to learn all about Girona's history and culture.