Gerona: Culture, History and Ways Through Nature

The Jewish Quarter of Gerona consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets and courtyards. These streets and courtyards have preserved a medieval atmosphere. The quarter is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in the world. The city’s cultural collection includes the Tomàs Mallol Collection, which comprises approximately 20,000 items.

Culture and History

The Arab Baths are a Romanesque building from the 12th century, inspired by Roman baths. Their central pool is covered by a dome. This dome is supported by slender columns whose capitals are elaborately decorated. The structure, pool, dome, and columns combine here to form a clearly recognizable historic space.

Sant Pere de Galligants is a Benedictine monastery from the 12th century. Today, Sant Pere de Galligants is used as a museum. The monastery has remarkable capitals in the nave and cloister. Thus, both the central church space and the cloister form part of the preserved monastic complex.

The Basilica of Sant Feliu was Girona’s first cathedral until the 10th century. The Girona Art Museum is located in the former Bishop’s Palace. Its collection ranges from the Romanesque period to the beginning of the 20th century, thus spanning a broad period of art history.

The Girona History Museum is located in a former Capuchin monastery from the 18th century. The drying room, cloister, and cistern have been preserved there. The museum tells the history of the city from its foundation by the Romans in the 1st century BC to the return to democracy from 1975 onward. The exhibition therefore connects the history of the Roman foundation with political developments up to the more recent past.

Trails and Nature

The Walls allows visitors to walk along sections of Girona’s Carolingian walls. The route leads over parts of those walls that have been preserved as Carolingian fortifications. Historic fortifications and today’s walking route are directly aligned along the same path here.

The Girona Greenways and Pirinexus route enables cyclists to pass through parks and diverse natural areas. This route includes both parks and different natural areas. As a result, the route encompasses various landscapes without being limited to just one type of landscape.

The circular trail in the Sant Daniel Valley leads to the valley’s most significant features.

Seasonal Gastronomy

Restaurants in Girona organize seasonal gastronomic events. Local products from the respective season are used at these events. The seasonal connection is therefore reflected both in the event format and in the selection of the products used.

Other Places

Other places in the same higher-level area are Vilallonga De Ter, Palau-Sator, Espolla, Planoles, Rabós, Salt, Pujals dels Pagesos and Llagostera.

For the higher-level travel overview: Girona.