Girona’s city centre
It is small and secluded yet bursting with all kinds of monumental and artistic attractions, restaurants and shops. Best of all, despite the unevenness of the upper quarter, the area around the cathedral and the perimeter walls, the city centre is remarkably easy to get around on foot.
Girona city centre is divided into three administrative districts: the Old Town (also known as the “Call Jueu”, or Jewish quarter), which is home to most of its monuments and its oldest streets and squares; Mercadal, or the city’s Medieval expansion district that lies on the other side of the Onyar River, with many pedestrianised streets that are punctuated with shops, bars and restaurants; and the more residential Carme neighbourhood, which lies to the south of Mercadal.
Just over 10,000 people live in the Carme district. While it isn’t the geographic centre of the city as we know it today, it was the city’s birthplace and once served as its beating heart. The city expanded outwards from Carme over time, crossing the banks of the Onyar and eventually forming the municipality as we know it today.
The first population nucleus dates back to the Iberian period and was located in what is today known as El Llano de Girona. However, the current city and its centre were founded in 77 BC when the Roman general Pompey erected a defensive structure, taking advantage of the uneven terrain on the Via Heracles. He called this city Gerunda.
The city centre’s golden years took place during the Middle Ages, lasting from the period of Arab rule (in the late 8th century) to the 17th century. It was the seat of one of the most important Jewish Kabbalistic schools of its time. This demonstrates the importance of the city’s Jewish community, which was concentrated in its Jewish quarter. This is considered to be one of Europe’s best-preserved and most impressive Jewish quarters, whose network of narrow streets makes it one of the most photographed places in the city. The Museum of Jewish History, which was built on the site of one of the city’s old synagogues, is also well worth a visit.
The city’s cathedral is also very striking, as is its imposing staircase which ascends from the Calle de la Força. These two landmarks would be instantly recognised by millions of people around the world, as several memorable scenes from the HBO series “Game of Thrones” were filmed at this location. No less spectacular is the wide walkway that extends along the top of the city’s Medieval walls, which offers some of the most impressive panoramic views of the old town and the rest of the city.
Other monuments such as the Arab Baths, the Sant Pere de Galligant Monastery and Sant Feliu Church, with its imposing bell tower, are also worth visiting.
In the Mercadal district, beyond the walls in the lower part of the city, the most iconic landmark is the so-called Eiffel Bridge (officially known as the Peixateries Velles Bridge). This bridge, which connects the city’s two main central districts, offers priceless views of the colourful Onyar Houses, which are particularly delightful at sunset. Photos of these houses are regularly shared on social media by admiring residents and visitors, making them genuine icons of the city.
As we’ve already mentioned, the Mercadal district is home to a large part of Girona’s shops and some of its most highly regarded restaurants. We also recommend visiting the Museum of Cinema – Tomàs Mallol Collection, where you can admire a wide range of film props, equipment and posters.
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