Girona Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Girona, Catalonia, Spain)

The north-east Catalonia city of Girona is often ignored in favour of the attractions of the nearby sun-drenched Costa Brava. Those visitors who do choose to make Girona their primary holiday destination soon discover that there is more to this city than they might first think.

Over the years, Girona has been shaped by numerous cultural influences, all of which have added to its considerable charm. Its labyrinthine narrow medieval streets are peppered with tourist attractions, including some notable historic sites. These comprise a fine cathedral, Arab baths and an ancient Jewish Quarter.

Just a few steps from Girona's cathedral is the Basilica of Sant Feliu, or Saint Felix, with its distinctive Gothic spire. Considered to be the oldest church in the city, legend has it that the church was built on the site of the city's ancient catacombs.

Arab Baths (Banys Arabs)

Address: Carrer Ferrán El Católico, Girona, Spain
Built in the 12th century, many years after the end of Islamic occupation, these medieval Muslim-style baths are remarkably well preserved and a major tourist attraction in their own right. They feature a changing room, an octagonal pool, and cold and warm rooms. There is also evidence that hot steam baths were also available to the good folk of medieval Girona.
Open: October to March, Monday to Sunday - 10:00 to 14:00; April to September, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 19:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge

Església / Basilica of Sant Feliu

Address: Pujada de Sant Feliu 29, Girona, Spain
It is clear to see that the Basilica of Sant Feliu is a mix of several different architectural styles. Between the 13th to the 18th centuries, a Baroque facade and Gothic naves were added to the original building. Perhaps what is most interesting is that the church has a fortress-like appearance. This may be due to the fact that the building lies outside the city's defensive walls. Inside are some interesting 4th-century early Christian sarcophagi, as well as a 14th-century statue of Christ, sculpted by Aloi de Montbrai. Sant Feliu was a Catalan saint who died in Girona during the 4th-century.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 18;00
Admission: charge

Cathedral

Address: Plaza de la Catedral, Girona, Spain
Girona Cathedral's main claim to fame is that it has the widest Gothic nave anywhere in the world. Other jewels in the cathedral's crown are its high altar 'reredos' (ornamental altar screens), made from silver and precious gemstones. The Treasury, which serves as a museum-type attraction, is full of valuable works of art, including a 10th-century copy of Beatus's Commentary on the Apocalypse and the famous Tapestry of Creation. Architecturally speaking, the building has developed over the centuries. Its large staircase dates to the 17th century, whilst the cloister is from the 12th century and the bell tower is 11th century in origin.
Open: October to April, Monday to Sunday - 10:00 to 20:00; November to March, Monday to Sunday - 10:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Valley and Monastery of Sant Daniel

Address: Carrer de les Monges 2, Les Gavarres / Valley of Sant Daniel, Girona, Spain
Head out of the city of Girona and you will come across the Valley of Sant Daniel, a stretch of countryside that has become popular with hikers and cyclists. As well as offering plenty of shady places and natural springs, it is also home to the Monastery of Sant Daniel (Monestir de Sant Daniel), founded in 1017. The monastery's church is the final resting place of Saint Daniel, who lived in the 14th century. His tomb was created by the sculptor, Aloi de Montbrai. Of particular note is the monastery's cloister, which dates back to the 13th century, with a second floor added in the 15th century. The monastery is still maintained by a community of Benedictine nuns.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Convent of Sant Domènec

Address: Placa Ferrater Mora 1, Girona, Spain.
Founded in the mid-13th century, the Convent of Sant Domènec consists of a Gothic church, two cloisters and a convent. The church was remodelled in the Baroque style during the 17th century. The attraction is perhaps best known for its connections with the infamous Spanish Inquisitor, Nicholas Eymerich, who was born in Girona and returned to the convent for the final years of his life. In 1985, the convent was declared to be a national monument.
Open: church open daily for services
Admission: free