3 reasons to visit the city of Girona
The City of Girona – A must-see cultural diversion when you land at Girona Airport!
Lying at the confluence of four rivers, the refreshingly small yet sublimely interesting city of Girona is a city with a rich and complicated history.
During its existence, Girona has withstood 25 sieges and has fallen into the hands of its oppressors seven times. In 1809 the city was besieged by Napoleonic troops and for a time held firm under the command of Alverez. The French eventually conquered the city and ruled it until 1813. At one time or another Girona has also been in the hands of the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors.
Here’s 3 reasons to visit the city of Girona.
Girona Airport
Girona has an airport which predominantly caters for travellers on their way to a beach holiday on the Costa Brava. Resorts such as Lloret-de-Mar, Tossa-de-Mar and Le Franc are typical Mediterranean destinations for arrivals at Girona airport.
Although with such a popular holiday coastal destination being nearby, unfortunately many tourists arrive at Girona Airport and fail to visit this fine and beautiful city, as they are intent on laying out their beach towel as soon as possible!
The Jewish Ghetto
The old Jewish ghetto, with its narrow streets and atmospheric squares is one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, and consequently is a major tourist attraction. The Jews flourished here from around the time of the 12th century and were expelled by the Catholics in 1492.
If you are fortunate to be visiting Girona some time soon, as you wander through these delightful streets looking for a bar to drink in or a quaint restaurant to eat in, be sure to ponder about the mayhem that must have taken place here in 1492 as the Jews were rounded up to be expelled.
Architectural delights
The Cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Sant Feliu, the marvellous old city walls, the Sant Pere de Galligants and the Independence Square, are just a few of the many wonderful structures in Girona, making it one of Catalonia’s most fascinating and picturesque cities.
Visitors can walk the whole length of the city walls, drinking in the views as they do so. Houses are built tall and grand by the side of the River Onyar and are painted in bold colours.
These are just 3 reasons to visit the city of Girona, it would be well worth at least a day trip or at the very least a cultural diversion from when you land at Girona Airport.