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Articles > Europe > Spain > Barcelona > Beyond Barcelona - Decovering Girona
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Beyond Barcelona - Decovering Girona
In the north of Catalunya, close to the Pyrenees Mountains on the border of Andorra and France, lies the province of Girona, best described for its diversity. Medieval towns, Coastal resorts, beaches and a fascinating history makes this city, at only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona capital, a great day trip. The city, whilst preserving it's enchanting old town, is also has it's vibrant shops and cafes and bars. Let's look at those un-missable sights if you decide to take a day trip.
Like many Roman towns, Girona was built next to a river and was enclosed by the city walls. One of the best points to view this historical viewpoint is a view from the River Onyar, with the coloured houses seemingly arranged higgledy piggeldy, but at the same time having uniformity. Moving on from here, and entering on towards the city's Cathedral, you will pass the steep Jewish quarter – again mirrored in Barcelona too – which even now houses a History museum of the Jewish occupancy, and has some great photo opportunities. The city's Cathedral is a worthy sop off, dating back to 1038. At the time, many magnificent tapestries were made in the city's cathedrals, and some were left in ruin, to be carefully transported to what is now the Catalan History Museum in Barcelona. Girona's Cathedral has some wonderful gold and silverwork, as well as tapestries of the Creation and the Beatus, dating from the 10th and 12th Century respectively.
Sant Feliu Church was originally built outside the city walls of Girona - similar to Sant Pau del Camp in the Raval Quarter of Barcelona- and is a classic example of a fortified church, although much has been added since the earliest details of construction dating as far back as the 4th Century. Enjoy the best viewpoints of the city, including the church, with a stroll along the path of the old roman walls, dating back to early medieval times and offering the best vantage points for your photo album and indeed a great place to stop for a picnic.
Finally the Arabian Baths must be worth a mention – although suggesting a highly Muslim influence, this is a 12th Century Romanesque building inspired by the classic Roman baths. Without doubt the most interesting part is the "Frigidarium" – as the name suggests the cold water room, like an ancient poster bed-style bath. Slender columns of stone cover the dome and a vault-like bath invites you to dip! Girona is a great city to visit and a worthy addition to any itinerary for Northern Barcelona.
Like many Roman towns, Girona was built next to a river and was enclosed by the city walls. One of the best points to view this historical viewpoint is a view from the River Onyar, with the coloured houses seemingly arranged higgledy piggeldy, but at the same time having uniformity. Moving on from here, and entering on towards the city's Cathedral, you will pass the steep Jewish quarter – again mirrored in Barcelona too – which even now houses a History museum of the Jewish occupancy, and has some great photo opportunities. The city's Cathedral is a worthy sop off, dating back to 1038. At the time, many magnificent tapestries were made in the city's cathedrals, and some were left in ruin, to be carefully transported to what is now the Catalan History Museum in Barcelona. Girona's Cathedral has some wonderful gold and silverwork, as well as tapestries of the Creation and the Beatus, dating from the 10th and 12th Century respectively.
Sant Feliu Church was originally built outside the city walls of Girona - similar to Sant Pau del Camp in the Raval Quarter of Barcelona- and is a classic example of a fortified church, although much has been added since the earliest details of construction dating as far back as the 4th Century. Enjoy the best viewpoints of the city, including the church, with a stroll along the path of the old roman walls, dating back to early medieval times and offering the best vantage points for your photo album and indeed a great place to stop for a picnic.
Finally the Arabian Baths must be worth a mention – although suggesting a highly Muslim influence, this is a 12th Century Romanesque building inspired by the classic Roman baths. Without doubt the most interesting part is the "Frigidarium" – as the name suggests the cold water room, like an ancient poster bed-style bath. Slender columns of stone cover the dome and a vault-like bath invites you to dip! Girona is a great city to visit and a worthy addition to any itinerary for Northern Barcelona.
About the Author
David Brydon is an Englishman living in Barcelona, Spain. He is married and has 2 children. He has been working in the vacation apartment rentals business for 7 years. For more information on Barcelona, see this Barcelona Old Town Guide and Apartments for groups in Barcelona.
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Total views: 74
Word count: 434
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