Girona Tourist Information

Most travelers flying into the airport at Girona (Gerona) head straight for either Barcelona or the resorts of the Costa Brava, and then miss this attractive Catalan city. Girona has much to offer the visitor, including museums, historic monuments, art galleries and medieval architecture. Flowing through the city is the River Onyar spanned by the Pont de les Peixateries bridge which was designed by Gustav Eiffel. Picturesque old houses painted in green, orange, red and ochre line the river.

Girona's long history dates back to the Celtaiberian tribes, and it later became an important Roman town known as Gerunda. There was a large Jewish population up until their expulsion in 1492, and the well-preserved labyrinth of streets which make up the old Jewish Quarter is one of Girona's top sights. The story of the medieval Jewish community is documented at a fascinating museum situated on calle Forca.

North of the Jewish Quarter are the Arab Baths, which date back to the late 12th century. Despite their name, they were actually built by the Christians many years after the Moors had left the city. The baths consist of a corridor and four rooms; the apoditerium, the frigidarium cold pools, a warm tepidarium and the hot caldarium. Nearby is the monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants which is an excellent example of medieval Romanesque architecture. The building now houses the Archaeology Museum which contains a collection of items that have been excavated from around the city. Highlights include Roman mosaics and some medieval tombstones.

A major landmark in the city is the striking cathedral which dates back to the 11th century, although there have been several major alterations and additions right up to the 18th century. The cathedral is notable for its wide Gothic nave and 17th century Baroque-style facade. Inside is a small cathedral museum boasting an array of items, including a set of 10th century manuscripts known as the 'Beatus', and the 'Tapestry of Creation' dating from the 12th century.

Just to the north of the cathedral is a former 18th century monastery housing the City History Museum, an interesting feature of the building are the alcoves where the deceased monks' bodies were left for several years to decompose. The museum houses artifacts which covers the history of Girona from prehistoric times to the present day. It pays particular attention to the Spanish Civil War and the Catalan struggle against Franco's fascist government.

Girona's Museum of Art is housed within a former Episcopal Palace close to the cathedral. The museum has an extensive collection of art, including 11th century carvings of monks, and paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Girona Tourist Office is situated on the Rambla de la Llibertat by the riverside. Here you can buy the Tiquet M5 which offers discounts at many of the city's museums. Girona is situated about 4 miles (7km) from the airport. The Sagales bus company operates a regular service from the airport to Girona Bus Station in the city centre.

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