Girona Landmarks and Monuments

(Girona, Catalonia, Spain)

Sometimes, it is worth setting aside a day of your itinerary to simply enjoy a stroll around a city. It is perhaps the best way to soak up the atmosphere of a place and take in the best of its landmarks and monuments. This is certainly the case with Girona.

The city's narrow streets, sociable squares and expansive walls are what make it so special. It is little wonder, then, that they are among some of the city's most popular landmarks.

The impressive and imposing City Walls of Girona were certainly designed to last. In fact, they have withstood more than 30 sieges over the course of 800 years. These ancient walls encompass the old part of the city and are worth spending at least an hour or two to properly explore.

Placa de la Independencia

Address: Carrer de Jaume I, Girona, Spain
Built on the site of the Convent of Sant Agusti, the Placa de la Independencia is Girona's most popular square for tourists to visit. Neoclassical in style, it is surrounded by numerous restaurants. At its centre is a monument that commemorates those who defended the city in the year 1809.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Placa del Vi

Address: Carrer Nou del Teatre, Girona, Spain
Girona's Placa del Vi is enclosed by traditional arcades and several historic buildings. These include one that used to house the Catalan government in the 16th and 17th centuries and the Municipal Theatre, which dates back to the 19th century. Today, the Placa del Vi is a bustling square.
Open: daily
Admission: free

City Walls

Address: Girona, Spain
Climb up to one of the observation towers and you will get even better views of the city and beyond, from the city's rooftops and courtyard gardens to distant mountains and vineyards. Access can be gained at a number of places along the City Walls, although it is popular to start near the Girona's cathedral. The walls are particularly family friendly - the terrain isn't challenging and handrails are fitted for extra safety.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Torre de Gironella

Address: Girona, Spain
The Torre de Gironella is located at the highest point of the Roman Wall and serves as one of the city's oldest landmarks. Originally built as a defensive tower, it was used a welcome place of refuge for the city's persecuted Jewish community in the late summer of 1391. They emerged from the Tower four months later to discover that their houses were in ruins. In 1814, the Tower was destroyed by Napoleonic forces and although it was later reconstructed, it now lays in ruins.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Carrer de la Forca

Address: Carrer de la Forca, Girona, Spain
This narrow, cobbled street in Girona was once part of the Via Augusta. It was essentially the road that led from the southern tip of Spain to Rome by way of the Pyrenees. During medieval times, it served as the main road through the city's Jewish Quarter.
Open: daily
Admission: free