GironaPersonal travel impressions in stories and pictures from Girona, Spain. Click on the pictures to enlarge, send as a free e-card, or download for personal use. You can locate Girona and navigate the world using Google Earth Show on map
N 41° 59.022
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The second city of Catalunya, Girona is easily reached from Barcelona and well worth a visit. Walking into the old city centre, across the bridge from the railway station, took me from a rather uninspiring neighbourhood to a surprisingly attractive old city centre. I directly went to the Onyar river and crossed it several times, enjoying the view over the river of the colourful waterfront houses that are so characteristic of the town. The image of these houses has been reflected in the river since the late Middle Ages.
I finally crossed the river using the Pont de Sant Feliu and started to walk around in the old area of Girona. I visited the Arab baths, which are actuallly Romanesque baths with muslim elements. From there, I walked to the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligant and the church of Sant Nicolau. Two 12th century Catalan Romanesque buildings, embellishing the northern entrance to Girona. From here, I walked into the Sant Daniel valley, a quiet green area outside Girona that has inspired both poets and painters.
Upon reentering Girona, I decided to walk the city wall. It permitted me a great view over the city, over the most remarkable buildings, and over the surrounding countryside. After descending to the streets below at the end of the wall, I walked back to the old city centre, to the Call or jewish quarter. Here, cobble strone streets are narrow and lead to hidden squares, arches opening up to stone stairs leading to higher parts of town. I found Girona to be a truly charming place and had an enjoyable visit.
