Girona Cathedral — Attraction in Girona

For a city so small in size and compact, Girona - the ancient centre in particular - punches well above its weight in old-world charms, boasting some of Catalunya’s finest man-made creations outside Barcelona. The train-station and bus-station zones on the left bank of Riu Onyar are 20th-century inceptions where there’s no reason to hang around beyond taking a train or a bus. But take one of the bridges to the right bank and you will be rewarded with an ample dose of quirky Romanesque monuments, Gothic buildings, Baroque attractions and superbly preserved ruins. The jewel in the crown of Girona’s host of antiquities is unmistakably the billowing Cathedral, placed magestically high at the head of a monumental flight of steps (I lost count at 82 after I ran out of breath) over Placa de la Catedral. The facade, viewed from the downward level of the square seems a miniature of what it really is: an outstanding stone frontage of sober Catalan Baroque graced by side statues and an impressive central Madonna and Child, the latter being attributed to the Catalan school of artists responsible for the fine decorations gracing the Church of the Sacred Heart on Tibidabo Hill in Barcelona. The long flight of steps is not the only way leading to the Cathedral but it is definitely the one that unfolds step by step the exterior architectural beauty of the Cathedral and the other monumental mansions strewn around the square. All the narrow (some less than 1m wide) cobbled alleyways along Carrer de la Forca (on the right as you approach Placa de la Catedral) climb up to the Cathedral and provide another mode of access, perhaps more convenient and less tiresome than the steps. An early visit (free, no ticket needed) to the Cathedral is recommended. Morning church service is restricted to a chapel on the left as you enter and so an early visit is a guarantee that you will be left alone to roam around as you like. Unlike the stone facade, the inside brick structure is purely Gothic. Decorations in the form of paintings and sculptures are thin on the ground but the lack of such ornamentation is compensated for by the majestic roof structure, a masterful display of rows of wide pointed arches, separated from each other by intricate networks of ribbed vaults. Apart from being sublime with regard to appearance, the roof structure allows for a wider-than-average nave. In fact, at 23m, Girona’s Cathedral boasts the widest Gothic nave in Europe. Near the Cathedral is the Cathedral Museum, another fine Gothic building crammed with old religious paintings, sculptures, tapestries, manuscripts, ecclesiastical vestments and collections of chalices and monstrances. The oldest exhibit is an invaluable Mozarabic manuscript dating back to AD 975. Pride of place is given to a faded Romanesque tapestry that portrays creation as illustrated in the Book of Genesis. In addition to the Museum, the entry ticket also allows for a visit to the 12th-century cloister, a lovely building with a central courtyard surrounded by a sheltered colonnaded passageway. The head capitals adorning the columns are still graced by a display of magnificent carved stonework, albeit worn-out as a consequence...

Visiting Girona Cathedral was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Spain. Climbing the steep steps to see its stunning Gothic façade and elegant Baroque details, I knew it was going to be unforgettable. Inside, the cathedral’s nave—the widest Gothic nave in the world—left me completely in awe. The way light streamed through the stained-glass windows and highlighted the intricate stonework made me feel like I was walking through centuries of history. What fascinated me even more were the stories hidden within these walls. The cathedral has witnessed pivotal moments in history, from the medieval struggles during the Reconquista to its role as a religious and political center in Catalonia. I was intrigued to learn that it was originally built on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, and its construction spanned several centuries, reflecting the changing styles and influences over time. Beautiful cloisters, which date back to the 11th century, have seen everything from daily monastic life to historical ceremonies that shaped the region. Inside, there is so much to see. The main altar, with its stunning Gothic retablo, is breathtaking, and the Treasury houses priceless religious artifacts, including chalices, reliquaries, and medieval manuscripts. The Museu d’Art Sacre attached to the cathedral showcases beautiful liturgical garments and intricate paintings. I was also captivated by the fantastic rose window at the entrance and the Baroque pulpit, which is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship. Legend adds an extra layer of magic to the cathedral. They say that on quiet nights, the ghostly figure of a white-clad woman—known as the “White Lady of Girona”—wanders the cloisters, mourning a lost love. Locals claim she was a noblewoman whose secret romance ended tragically, and her spirit now lingers, protecting the cathedral and its treasures. This add a pinch of mystery to the history of this magnificent church. Climbing the tower gave me a breathtaking view of Girona’s old town, the Onyar River, and the surrounding hills—it really makes you appreciate how this cathedral has stood as a guardian over the city for centuries.For anyone visiting Girona, the cathedral is not just a sight to see—it’s a journey through time, mystery, and culture. Entrance cost €7.50 and its...

The Girona Cathedral, also known as the Catedral de Santa Maria, is a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral located in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. This architectural marvel is renowned for having the widest Gothic nave in the world, measuring 23 meters (75 feet) across1. The cathedral’s construction began in the 11th century in the Romanesque style and continued into the 13th century with Gothic elements, making it a fascinating blend of architectural styles.

One of the most striking features of the Girona Cathedral is its grand Baroque façade, which is approached by a monumental staircase. The interior is equally impressive, with its vast nave, intricate stained glass windows, and a beautifully carved wooden choir. The cathedral also houses the Tapestry of Creation, a remarkable piece of Romanesque textile art from the 11th century.

Visitors often find the cathedral’s history and architecture captivating. The serene cloister, dating back to the 12th century, offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the cathedral’s Romanesque origins. The bell tower, completed in the 18th century, provides panoramic views of Girona and its surroundings.

Overall, the Girona Cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and serene atmosphere make it a highlight of Girona’s...