Cathedral of Saint Mary
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona, known in Catalan as the Catedral de Santa Maria de Girona, stands at one of the highest points in the old city. Its monumental position has made it one of Girona’s defining landmarks. Visitors approach its western entrance by climbing ninety broad stone steps, an ascent that gradually reveals the scale and detail of the façade.
Although the cathedral developed over many centuries, the entrance facing the city is distinctly Baroque. The first stone of the façade was placed in 1606, but its construction and decoration continued for generations. Designed like a monumental stone altarpiece, it rises through three carefully arranged levels and culminates in a large circular window surrounded by carved flowers, fruit and ornamental stonework.
Columns, cornices and deep niches create changing patterns of light and shadow. Near the circular window are sculptures representing the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, created by Pere Costa in 1730. The niches intended for saints remained empty for centuries. The figures seen today, including Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint James, Saint Joseph, Saint John, Saint Narcissus and the Virgin Mary, were installed between 1960 and 1962.
The experience changes at the top of the staircase. Looking back, the steps descend into Girona’s historic quarter, framed by stone buildings, tiled roofs and narrow streets. From below, the staircase and façade emphasize the cathedral’s grandeur; from above, they reveal how closely the Cathedral of Saint Mary remains connected to the old city at its feet.
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