Girona between history, nature and culinary delights

History and museums in Girona

More than 2,000 years of history can be traced in Girona’s historic city through its two fortified areas, Força Vella and Eixample Medieval.

The Museum of Jewish History explains the history of the medieval Jewish communities in Catalonia, with a particular focus on Girona. The Museum of Jewish History also displays a unique collection of medieval Hebrew tombstones from the Montjuïc Jewish cemetery.

The Museum of Cinema presents the Tomàs Mallol collection on the prehistory of cinema. The collection spans from the first moving images of shadow theatre to cinema today.

The Archaeology Museum was founded in 1846 and is one of the oldest museums in Catalonia. The Archaeology Museum preserves archaeological finds from excavations in the Girona region, particularly from Empúries and Girona itself. The finds date from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Girona has seven museums that present history and art from antiquity to the present day and offer activities for all target groups throughout the year.

Romanesque buildings and religious history

Els Banys Àrabs is a unique Romanesque building from the 12th century, inspired by Roman baths. Els Banys Àrabs has a central pool covered by a dome resting on slender columns with intricately ornamented capitals.

Sant Pere de Galligants is a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. The Basilica of Sant Feliu was Girona’s first cathedral until the 10th century.

Nature and guided trails

Girona’s urban surroundings include rivers that flow into the city, Mediterranean and riparian forests, mountain ranges such as the Gavarres, the Sant Daniel Valley, as well as fields, gardens and agricultural areas.

Guided walks are offered in and around Girona. Hiking is possible in the Sant Daniel Valley. Girona also offers nature tours, gastronomic routes and tours adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Tours in Girona focus on the city’s cultural heritage, history and legends, the Jewish Quarter, the medieval Jewish influence in the city and the filming of Game of Thrones.

Events and culinary profile

For nine days in May, Girona Temps de Flors transforms the city with artistic, musical, recreational, gastronomic and tourist activities. Girona Temps de Flors has taken place since 1954.

The Mercat del Lleó is Girona’s municipal fresh-food market and has 60 stalls. Girona’s culinary profile combines traditional and avant-garde cuisine with its own roots and local products from the region.

Practical information for your visit

Casa Masó can only be visited as part of a guided tour, in groups of no more than eight people and at scheduled times. Advance reservation by telephone or email is required.

The nearest public transport stop to Girona Cathedral is L7 Plaza de Sant Domènec, 180 metres away. The stop is not accessible.

Other places for planning your trip: Alp, Campdevànol, Gombrèn, Puigcerdá, Planoles, Toses, Bolvir, Queralbs, Llívia, Ribes De Freser, Campelles, Ger, Ogassa, Urús, Fontanals De Cerdanya, Isòvol.

For the higher-level travel overview: Catalonia.