- Places of worship in Girona
- City museums
- Jewish quarter and its history
- Girona squares
- Delicious points on the map
One of the most beautiful Spanish cities, Girona is very attractive to the traveler. The city has preserved many medieval historical and architectural monuments. The history of Girona dates back to the time of the Iberians, who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula in the 3rd millennium BC. The Romans called the city Gerunda and left behind many ancient ruins. Then the Moors came to the northeast of modern Spain, and at the end of the VIII century. - francs.
If you like to get acquainted with the history of the city in the museum halls, the answer to the question of where to go in Girona can be found in the tourist guide. The city has several museums dedicated to a wide variety of aspects of life - from history to contemporary art.
Places of worship in Girona
City temples and churches are worthy of the attention of not only pilgrims, but also fans of the architecture of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance:
- The cathedral was consecrated in 1038 in honor of the Virgin Mary. Construction continued in the 13th century. in the Gothic style, which successfully complemented the original Romanesque project. Today, the bell tower and the monastery, decorated with columns with sculptural capitals, remain from the early construction. The temple has the widest Gothic nave among all the world's cathedrals - almost 23 meters. The height of the vaults of the nave reaches 35 m. The main facade of the cathedral, richly decorated with sculptural compositions, is also worthy of attention. The rosette window above the western portal is dated 1705, and the main white marble altar appeared in the temple during its early construction in the 11th century.
- The Church of Saint Philip is the oldest religious building worth seeing in Girona. It played an important role already in the 6th century, when pilgrims came to its walls from all over the Iberian Peninsula and even from France. The temple was converted into a mosque during the Arab invasion, but then returned to the Christian mission. The main facade of St. Philip is made in the Baroque style, from the north a strict Gothic portal leads to the temple, and the most ancient attraction here is called the tomb of St. Narcissus, made by an unknown master in the 12th century.
- The Benedictine Abbey is a must see for a tourist interested in Romanesque architecture. The cloister of Sant Pere de Galigans was founded at the end of the 10th century, but the church and galleries appeared a little later, in the 12th century. The Romanesque church is decorated with carved stone columns, the bell tower has an octagonal shape, and the diameter of the rosette window on the front facade reaches 3.5 m.
Another important place for believers in Girona is named after Saint Daniel. He preached in the 9th century. and had an impeccable reputation as a righteous man and educator. The monastery of St. Daniel was first documented in the manuscripts of the first third of the 11th century, although the church at the place of the preacher's burial appeared immediately after his death in 888. Some buildings and decorative elements have survived in the monastery from the time of its foundation. The Romanesque apse and church dome date back to the 9th-10th centuries.
City museums
Museum expositions dedicated to the history and cultural traditions of Catalonia will help tourists to spend their time in Girona. One of the most popular museums presents a collection of archaeological relics found in the vicinity of the city. The Archaeological Museum of Girona is one of the oldest in the province. It was founded in the first half of the 19th century, and today the exposition is presented in the Benedictine abbey of Sant Pere de Galigans. In the halls of the museum, you will see objects confirming the version of scientists about the existence of a settlement on the site of modern Girona in the Neolithic period. The collection includes tools of labor of ancient people, medieval weapons, coins, jewelry and household items that have survived from the time of Roman rule.
The Cathedral Treasury, located in the city's main temple, is famous for its tapestry of Creation. Dated XI-XII centuries. Romanesque tapestry depicts scenes of the creation of the world, figures of biblical characters. The panel of wool, according to scientists, served as a canopy for the altar, located at the entrance to the Cathedral of Girona. In the museum of the cathedral you will also see manuscripts of the 10th century, the casket of the Caliph Hakam II of the same period, the Pieta of the 15th century, the Pearl Cross, decorated with enamel images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, and many other priceless exhibits.
The Art Museum of Girona carefully preserves and studies the cultural heritage of Catalonia. The period covered by the collection presented in its halls is from the Romanesque era to the end of the last century. Among the most valuable rarities and works of art are objects of the religious cult of the Romanesque era, Gothic canvases, stained glass windows and embroidery, altarpieces of the 16th century, baroque dishes and engravings, paintings by the Impressionists, Modernists and Symbolists. During the tour, you will be shown glassware dating from the 16th century, a unique typewriter made in the 17th century, and ceramics. The Museum of Art is located in the old quarter, and the Bishop's Palace, where the exhibits are exhibited, was built at least in the 10th century.
Film fans will have a nice time at the museum dedicated to the history of cinema. The private collection of Thomas Malol, who collected everything related to the film industry, was presented to the general public in 1998. At the Girona Film Museum, you will get to know the early cinema cameras, learn how the first projections were made, and get an introduction to magic lanterns and Chinese shadow theater.
Jewish quarter and its history
In the Middle Ages, one of the largest Spanish Jewish communities existed in Girona. Its importance can be judged by the fact that the Jews of Girona founded their own Kabbalistic school. The Jewish quarter occupied a solid part of the historical part of the city, and its special architecture has been preserved even after the famous events of the 15th century. Then the Spanish monarchs began to massively accept Catholicism, and the process turned into the implantation of faith to everyone around. Jews who did not want to be baptized were expelled from Girona, but the name "Jewish" remained behind the block.
The history of those difficult years can be learned in detail in the Jewish Museum of Girona, and the best time to walk along the narrow streets is at the end of May, when Temps de flors passes through the city. The Flower Festival in the Jewish Quarter still reminds of the connection of the adherents of Judaism who lived here in the Middle Ages with the city, which became their second homeland. Each flower arrangement has a special meaning and symbolizes the continuity of generations.
Girona squares
When planning your own city tours, pay attention to Plaça Catalunya. Particularly interesting routes offered by local guides begin from here. The widest bridge across the river Onyara, on the banks of which the city stands, is Plaza Catalunya. There is another famous Girona Bridge nearby. It is called Stone, and it is known, first of all, for its Sunday flea market, which sells antiques and handmade souvenirs. Tourists are especially interested in the flies of Girona, which once saved the city from enemies.
The siege of the city by Napoleon's troops during the Iberian War is reminiscent of the Independence Square. Previously, the monastery of St. Augustine was located on this site, and today there is a monument in the center of the square in honor of the feat of the defenders of Girona. Parades and festive events take place on Independence Square, and the most famous restaurants and shops are located in the surrounding buildings.
Delicious points on the map
The cuisine of Girona's restaurants is truly a gourmet paradise for all ages and nationalities. She absorbed the culinary traditions of Catalonia and neighboring France. In the process of preparing their main masterpieces, local chefs use the best ingredients generously offered by the Mediterranean. In the menus of Girona restaurants, where you can go for a meeting with friends, for a family lunch or a romantic dinner, you will find fish and meat delicacies, gourmet desserts and fine wines, ideally matched to any meal.
Among the impressive list of restaurants, El Celler de Can Roca is rightfully ranked first. Guest reviews certainly contain the epithets “wonderful” and “magnificent”, the kitchen leaves no chance to go hungry, the wine cellar is distinguished by a special variety, and the serving of dishes does not disappoint even the sophisticated esthete. The chef of the establishment often comes to the guests and as a bonus they get the opportunity to visit the holy of holies - in the kitchen of El Celler de Can Roca.
Despite the name, München delights with Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. Orders are often taken by the owner of the establishment, and therefore you can be sure that they will advise you the best. The interior is cozy and quite modern, the serving of dishes is very original, and the establishment is located not far from the Cathedral, which is very convenient for guests of the city.
The high level of service in Massana, where waiters are happy to help you choose dishes and tell about them in detail and in detail, is not the only advantage of the institution. The food here is not only delicious, but also beautifully presented, and communication with the chef, who traditionally comes out to the guests at the end of dinner, complements the pleasant experience of visiting Massana.
The perfect paella is a special feature of L'alqueria. The restaurant is often noted as the place with the most caring staff in Girona, and therefore, coming here and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the day is the perfect scenario for a romantic dinner.
When choosing an institution, focus only on the cost of dishes and the location of the restaurant. There is no need to worry about the quality of the food prepared and the hospitality of the staff in Catalonia!
