Beautiful, Colorful, Romantic Girona
Posted on 22. Feb, 2012 by Marie in Destinations, Europe Travel, Press Trips, Spain
Very little people actually know much about Catalonia, except for Barcelona. Independence? Costa Brava? Wineries? What? I was one of these people. And after spending 5 days in the region, I am somewhat ashamed of the very little knowledge I had before, and kind of sad that I didn’t visit before… because in case you didn’t know, Catalonia is awesome!
One of the city I discovered during my trip is Girona, Northern Catalonia’s capital.
Our group was taken on a fun guided tour that showed us what to do in Girona, and we learned more about the sights and history. I particularly loved the story about locals kissing the lion statue’s ass to get in the city after the doors were closed in Roman times… I didn’t dare to, but needless to say it’s a very popular attraction!
Girona's riverside
My favorite part, however, was standing on the bridge near Sant Feliu’s Church and admire the typical Girona houses, called cases penjades, along the Onyar River, in every possible shade of pink, yellow and orange. It seems like they are piling on top of each other in a chaoticm yet beautiful way. A municipal rule actually stated that whenever someone wants to repaint a facade in Girona, it has to be one of the 700 pre-selected colors, in order to maintain a coherent color theme throughout the city. Pretty smart!
Girona's Old Jewish Quarter
Girona actually has a pretty important Jewish heritage, and the Old Jewish quarter is one of the prettiest, with dozens of narrow, dark alleys. Up until their expulsion of Catalonia in 1492, Jews flourished in the area and developed an intricate network of patios, which they used to meet up, away from the Christian eyes. These patios are now part of the famous Temps de Flors festival and host amazing flower displays every year.
Cathedral Saint Mary of Girona
Another important attraction is the Girona Cathedral, well known for its quirky architectural details, including the widest Gothic nave in the world. Its construction, which started in the 11th century and ended in the 18th, was spread over so many years that it’s actually changed styles! There are touches of Roman, Gothic and Baroque architecture, making it totally unique.
After this thorough visit of Girona, I have to admit that I am somewhat ashamed of myself for not visiting sooner because of my lack of knowledge. It’s a beautiful city, filled with romantic alleys, colorful houses and a rich history, and a great introduction to the rest of Catalonia. And not to speak of Girona restaurants…
Disclaimer: I was offered a complimentary blog trip by Charming Villas Catalonia. As always, all opinions are my own.
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27 Responses to “Beautiful, Colorful, Romantic Girona”
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Andrea
23. Feb, 2012
Such a colourful riverfront! Looks like a really interesting place to visit
admin
14. Mar, 2012
I was quite surprised by the colors actually, it kind of reminded me of Italy!
Erin
23. Feb, 2012
Great overview of Girona – absolutely loved it there!
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Me too! Both the city and the food!
Caro from Passport and a Toothbrush
24. Feb, 2012
Gorgeous! I was browsing Barcelona day trips since I too, know nothing of Catalunya and Girona came up! We’ll have to go then!
admin
14. Mar, 2012
You MUST! Girona is easily accessible and definitely enjoyable.
Christy @ Technosyncratic
24. Feb, 2012
It sounds like just wandering through the beautiful streets would be enjoyable.
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Very much so! The Jewish Quarter is stunning.
Madaboutravel
24. Feb, 2012
Loved your post! I live quite near Girona and I try to visit as often as I can. It is a unique and very beautiful city (and not too crowded!)
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Yeah I think the most fun part is that it’s a city, but not too crowded or overwhelming.
Laurel
26. Feb, 2012
I didn’t much about Girona either until I visited, but thought it was amazing as well, such a beautiful, historic city!
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Same for me! Positively surprised.
Jade - OurOyster.com
27. Feb, 2012
Wow it looks really pretty! I love the riverside house photo! Spain always enchants me… I can’t wait to go back to Europe
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Me too! It kind of reminded me of Italy.
Richard in Spain
28. Feb, 2012
Nice photos, I too realy enjoyed visiting Girona. I think that Girona and other towns like Tarragona and Zaragoza often get overlooked because of their proximity to Barcelona.
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Yes, Barcelona definitely overshadows the rest of the region, sadly. But I’m so glad I chose to exclude it from this trip!
Iain Montgomery
28. Feb, 2012
One of the most overlooked cities in the Europe. I loved Girona and only discovered it with a spare day waiting for a Ryanair flight home!
Some incredible architecture and passionate people.
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Haha apparently there ARE upsides to flying with Ryanair!
lara dunston
01. Mar, 2012
Beautiful pics. It’s always been one of my favourite parts of Spain. My husband and I did a two week driving trip through the region many years ago and spent Christmas in the Spanish Pyrenees – was magical. Until I got ill. But still lovely! Loved Girona.
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Yes, spending the holidays there must be quite magical indeed. I’m really glad I discovered Catalonia outside of its capital.
Kurt
01. Mar, 2012
Some good photos. I would have to say that when I visit Spain the southern and northern parts are what interest me most.
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Me too! I absolutely love Andalusia and Catalonia – I could never choose!
cheryl
13. Mar, 2012
I too loved Girona and agree, it’s very romantic! You should have kissed the butt of the lioness to ensure you will come back.
admin
14. Mar, 2012
Yeah I should have but we were a bit rushed in time
And I didn’t trust my coordinating abilities to get me up there haha
Mary @ Green Global Travel
03. May, 2012
Beautiful photos! I love the Jewish Quarter passage ways.
Marie
14. May, 2012
It was my favorite photo as well!