4 hours in the old town of Girona, Spain
🚄 From Barcelona, we took a train going to Girona. We only have 4 hours to explore here so here are the places we went to:
🌉 Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel Bridge)
This iron bridge was designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company just before he built the Eiffel Tower. You can view the Onyar River and the colorful houses by the river from here.
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☕ Mes Brots
Decided to take our brunch here and ordered the following:
🔸 Cappuccino and Coffee with milk (Cafe con leche)
🔸 Spinach crepe (Crepe de espinacas)
🔸 Nutella crepe (Crepe de nutella)
I love the service, they are very nice and we also liked the food and drink :)
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⛪ Catedral de Santa Maria / Girona Cathedral
Completed in the 18th century, this cathedral has three styles: Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. The main façade and grand staircase was used to film the exterior for the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing in season 6 of Game of Thrones.
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⛪ Basílica de Sant Feliu / Collegiate Church of St. Felix
This basilica is dedicated to St. Felix, a Catalan saint. The gothic tomb of Saint Narcissus is inside this basilica.
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🏛️ Els Banys Àrabs / Arab baths
The Arab baths of Girona are a Romanesque construction from the 12th century.
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🧱The Passeig de la Muralla / Girona city walls
The old town in Girona is surrounded by medieval walls. These walls date back to Roman times and expanded throughout the Middle Ages. You can walk on top of these walls for free. A great place to view Girona city and the surrounding mountains.
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🦁 Antic Hostal de la Lleona / Old Hostel of the Lion Marker
A medieval folk sculpture of a lion. There is a local tradition that if you kiss the lioness's bottom, you become an accepted citizen—or at least would return to Girona.
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🪰The Flies of Saint Narcissus
You can find some sculptures of the flies of St. Narcis along the intersection of Carrer del Pou Rodó and Carrer de les Mosques. In 1286, the French invaded the city of Girona. They went to the church of St. Felix and tore open the tomb of Sant Narcís. A swarm of stinging flies came out from the tomb, and attacked every single French soldier.
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🦶The foot of Saint Narcissus in Girona
This sculpture can be found in the same area as the flies of Saint Narcissus. There is a belief that touching the footprint will bring good luck.
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🥖Casamoner
They are selling a pastry named Xuixo which is a must-try in Girona. It is deep-fried, sugar-coated, and filled with burnt cream.
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Having spent a short but rewarding time exploring Girona, I can truly recommend this charming city for travelers with limited time. The compact old town allows you to comfortably walk to major attractions within a few hours. One of my favorite experiences was strolling along the Passeig de la Muralla, the old city walls. Walking atop these medieval fortifications offers stunning panoramic views of Girona and the surrounding mountainous landscape—a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. The Pont de les Peixateries Velles, also called the Eiffel Bridge, is not only a functional crossing but a piece of engineering history, designed by Gustave Eiffel’s company. Its vibrant colors and views of the Onyar River add an artistic vibe to the surroundings. Brunch at Mes Brots was a delightful break. The spinach and Nutella crepes paired with smooth cappuccino and café con leche made for a satisfying meal. The friendly service enhances the cozy ambiance, making it a memorable dining experience. Historic sites like the Girona Cathedral and the Basílica de Sant Feliu deeply impressed me with their architectural splendor and historical significance. Knowing that the cathedral’s façade featured in Game of Thrones adds an intriguing cultural touch for fans. I also found the local folklore fascinating, especially the sculptures of the flies and foot of Saint Narcissus near the church of St. Felix. These unique cultural elements give insight into Girona’s rich traditions and legends. Don’t leave without trying the Xuixo pastry at Casamoner. This sweet, deep-fried treat filled with burnt cream is a local favorite and offers a taste of Girona’s culinary heritage. Overall, Girona is a gem easily accessible from Barcelona for day-trippers. Its blend of history, culture, and food creates a captivating experience even within a limited timeframe. For anyone planning a similar trip, I suggest comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and an appetite for both exploration and delicious local flavors.
