Girona
Recent Articles
Sant Pere de Galligants
Nestled below Girona’s ancient walls near the small Galligants River, the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants is one of the city’s most important Romanesque landmarks. Its sturdy stone church and distinctive octagonal bell tower seem naturally suited to their quiet setting, surrounded by the medieval streets, gardens and fortifications of Girona’s Old Quarter. The […]
Passeig Arqueològic
The Passeig Arqueològic follows the northeastern edge of Girona’s historic center, winding among sections of the city’s ancient walls, medieval towers and religious buildings. Stone stairways, terraces and pathways pass beneath tall cypress trees, creating a peaceful transition between the densely built Old Quarter and the greener landscape of the Galligants Valley. Although the walkway […]
Basilica of Sant Feliu
Rising above Girona’s Old Quarter, the Basilica of Sant Feliu is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Its tall Gothic bell tower dominates the surrounding rooftops and forms an important part of Girona’s historic skyline. Although it is sometimes overshadowed by the nearby cathedral, Sant Feliu has its own remarkable history extending back to […]
Casa Masó
Standing along Carrer de les Ballesteries in Girona’s historic center, Casa Masó offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval buildings for which the city is best known. Its warm ochre exterior, dark wooden window frames, wrought-iron balconies and geometric arrangements of blue and green glazed tiles immediately distinguish it from the surrounding buildings. The façade […]
The Museum of Jewish History
The Museum of Jewish History is located on Carrer de la Força in the center of Girona’s historic Jewish Quarter. Its exhibits document the Jewish communities that lived throughout medieval Catalonia, with particular attention given to the people who made Girona an important center of Jewish life and scholarship. The museum uses archaeological discoveries, historical […]
War of the Spanish Succession
Within a quiet, overgrown corner of Girona, an informational panel recalls a conflict that once placed the city at the center of a struggle for the Spanish throne. The War of the Spanish Succession began after King Charles II died without an heir in 1700. European powers divided their support between two claimants: Philip of […]
The Onyar River
The Onyar River flows northward through the center of Girona before joining the larger Ter River. It is one of four rivers associated with the city, together with the Ter, Güell and Galligants, and has played an important role in shaping Girona’s growth and appearance. As we walked along the river, we stopped to take […]
The Bed of the Virgin
As we explored the side chapels of Girona Cathedral, the contrast between the dark stone walls and this richly gilded installation immediately caught our attention. Set within the Chapel of Hope, it appeared almost like a stage, with blue fabric drawn back beneath an enormous crown to reveal the figure at its center. Known as […]
The Mezuzah
Inside Girona’s Museum of Jewish History, a large piece of an old doorway preserves the long, narrow recess that once held a mezuzah. Displayed beside examples of parchment scrolls and protective cases, the stone connects a continuing Jewish tradition with the families who lived in Girona’s Jewish Quarter centuries ago. The tradition originates in two […]
The Monument del Lleó Girona
While walking through Girona, we noticed this tall column rising above a surviving section of the city’s old fortifications. Known as the Monument del Lleó, or Lion Monument, it stands in Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba beside the Mercat del Lleó. The monument honors the soldiers and civilians who defended Girona during the Napoleonic sieges of […]
The 1492 Edict of Expulsion
This document records the order that brought Girona’s centuries-old Jewish community to an end. Issued by Ferdinand and Isabella on March 31, 1492, the Edict of Expulsion required practicing Jews to leave the kingdoms under their rule unless they accepted baptism and converted to Christianity. The edict was closely connected to the Spanish Inquisition and […]
Monument to the Defenders of Girona
While visiting Girona during our travels in Spain, we noticed this impressive monument standing in the center of Plaça de la Independència. So much of Spanish history is new to us, which makes it especially important to pause and identify the prominent monuments found in the country’s public squares. These memorials often reveal the events […]
