Girona Cathedral is a Baroque monument and one of the city’s most important tourist attractions.
Girona is a beautiful and ancient city full of historical sites and tourist attractions that you can explore endlessly. It is located in Catalonia, in northeastern Spain. The city captivated me, especially the old town, which is considered the oldest in Spain. Moreover, the largest historic Jewish quarter in Europe and the Arab baths are must-visit places when in Girona.
However, the most fascinating landmark in the city turned out to be the Girona Cathedral, with its Baroque main façade, accessed by a grand staircase. In the article below, I will tell you about our visit to the cathedral, as well as a bit about its history and the most interesting features.
Girona Cathedral practical information
- The cathedral is open to visitors during opening hours depending on the season:
- From early November to mid-March from 10:00 to 17:00 (on Sundays the church is open to tourists from 12:00 to 17:00).
- From mid-March to mid-June and from mid-September to the end of October, the cathedral is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00. On Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 18:00.
- From mid-June to mid-September, the cathedral is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00. On Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 19:00.
- Please note that during church services and religious holidays, the cathedral may not be open to tourists.
- There are two options for visiting the cathedral:
- Monumental Girona – The visit includes a visit to the Cathedral and Basilica of Sant Feliu. The visit lasts just under two hours. The ticket price is 7.50 euros (electronic guide included).
- Episcopal Church of Girona – The visit includes a visit to the Cathedral, Basilica and Art Museum of Girona. The duration of this tour is approximately 3 hours. The ticket price is 8 euros.
- The Cathedral is free for residents of Girona, children under 8 and people with visible disabilities.
- Remember that prices can change suddenly and often, so take the above information as a guide, not a certainty.
Girona Cathedral is located at Plaza Catedral, 17004 Girona. At the same time, you must remember that Girona Cathedral is a working church, so when visiting it, behave appropriately to the place.
Girona Cathedral and its history
Centuries ago, before the Muslims conquered the Iberian Peninsula and established their laws, a modest Christian church stood on the site where Girona Cathedral stands today. The Arabs converted it into a mosque, which remained in use until the year 785, when knights from Germania, led by Charlemagne, recaptured the city. In 908, the former mosque was reconsecrated as a Christian temple.
Girona Cathedral is a rather unique monument, combining Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic elements, all due to the multiple reconstructions of the temple. The first major expansion took place in 1064, when the construction of the bell tower began, which was completed in 1117. Another significant expansion occurred in 1416, during which a massive 23-meter-wide Gothic nave was built. To this day, it remains the widest Gothic nave in the world and the second-largest overall, following St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The cathedral’s beautiful façade was designed in 1606. Unfortunately, due to numerous setbacks and unforeseen events, this part of the church was only completed in 1961. As a result, most of the stone sculptures and ornaments on the main façade date back to the 20th century, replacing the lost statues of the twelve apostles originally sculpted in the 15th century by Antoni Claperós. However, if you look carefully, you can still find two original statues—those of St. Peter and St. Paul—which are now housed in the cathedral’s chapter house.
The church has two bell towers. The older one dates back to the time of Charlemagne, while the newer tower was built in 1590. At the top of this latter tower hang six bells, the oldest of which dates back to 1574.
Visiting the old temple
Visiting this centuries-old church left a lasting impression on me, especially since the various elements of the cathedral are remarkably well-preserved. At every turn, you can see the hard work of scientists and caretakers who strive to maintain it in excellent condition. From the high steps leading to the cathedral, there is a lovely view of the narrow streets crisscrossing the old town, as well as other historical landmarks further away.
Inside the church, pay attention to the colourful stained-glass windows, which illuminate the dark interior and add an incredible, mysterious atmosphere. As you walk through the cathedral, don’t miss the beautiful Romanesque cloister, adorned with columns and sculptures depicting fantastical figures, as well as plant and animal motifs. Higher up on the friezes, you will also find scenes from the New Testament. Be sure to visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Gracia and Bell-ull, which centuries ago served as an important entrance to the cathedral. In the recesses of the ancient walls, you will also find numerous tombs of figures significant to the cathedral’s history.
I, personally, recommend visiting Girona in spring or autumn. During these seasons, the atmosphere is truly unique, and the temperatures are very pleasant. Additionally, the steps leading to the cathedral are adorned with an abundance of flowers and greenery-filled baskets, creating a spectacular sight.
Legends and myths related to the cathedral
The founder and patron of the grand Girona Cathedral was none other than Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Lombards, as well as the Holy Roman Emperor. He came from the Carolingian dynasty and was the grandson of Charles Martel, a statesman who cunningly seized power in the Frankish kingdom.
One legend tells that after defeating the Muslims, Charlemagne arrived in Girona, where he was welcomed as a hero. Many hailed him as the holy defender of the faith. Charlemagne seemed to enjoy his new titles, as he never denied the stories that portrayed him as a near-divine force vanquishing the Arab occupiers. Moreover, as a reward for the devotion and love of the city’s inhabitants, he decided to build a great church in Girona, giving rise to the true cult of the emperor.
Charlemagne remained a legendary hero in Girona, and the places associated with him are treated almost like relics. You can visit Charlemagne’s Tower, see the chair he once sat on, and admire a grand tapestry depicting the moment of creation, which, according to legend, the emperor spent entire days contemplating. Each of these artifacts has its own stories and legends, which you can hear while exploring the city.
On January 29, Girona celebrates Charlemagne’s feast day. The streets come alive with festivals, and the cathedral hosts prayers and processions throughout the day.
Inside the cathedral stands an unassuming statue of Saint Charlemagne. A legend is associated with it, telling of an inspired sculptor who created a figure of the saint holding a prophecy for the world in his hand. Unfortunately, shortly after the statue was completed, it was sent to Seville, so the city’s inhabitants could admire it. However, when it arrived, the hand and the object it once held were missing.
Despite many efforts, the missing piece of the statue and its mysterious divine message were never found.
Girona Cathedral facts, information and interesting facts
- The Cathedral of Girona is a Roman Catholic Church.
- The construction of the cathedral lasted from the 11th to the 18th century.
- The cathedral combines many architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic.
- The temple stands at the highest point in the city.
- The church has two bell towers, one of which was named after Charlemagne.
- The tower of the Cathedral of Girona is 67 meters high.
- One of the most valuable things in the cathedral is the Tapestry of Creation, a tapestry depicting the miracle of creation. It is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque tapestry.
- Right next to the cathedral is the cathedral treasury. This is where the most valuable treasures of the cathedral are located, and these are the aforementioned tapestry of creation, a copy of the commentary on the Apocalypse made in the 10th century and an Arabic chest belonging to Hixem II, dating from the 10th century.
- The cathedral is often a film set for many productions. Among other things, scenes for the series Game of Thrones were filmed here.
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