More than 2,000 years of history can be traced in Girona through the fortified areas of Força Vella and Eixample Medieval. For a visit focused on history, this is a useful starting point: both areas offer a glimpse of the city’s long development without reducing Girona to a single era. Museums and individual buildings also explore different historical themes—from archaeological finds and medieval communities to 12th-century architecture. This allows you to plan your discoveries around your own interests.

Buildings and historical perspectives

Els Banys Àrabs is a unique Romanesque building from the 12th century, inspired by Roman baths. Its architecture includes a central pool and a dome resting on slender columns with intricately ornamented capitals. Sant Pere de Galligants, a Benedictine monastery, also takes visitors back to the 12th century. The Basilica of Sant Feliu offers a different historical perspective: it was Girona’s first cathedral until the 10th century.

The Museum of Jewish History is dedicated to the medieval Jewish communities of Catalonia, with a particular focus on Girona. Its collection includes unique medieval Hebrew tombstones from the Jewish cemetery on Montjuïc. The Archaeology Museum has a different focus: founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest museums in Catalonia. Its archaeological finds come from excavations in the Girona region, especially at Empúries and in Girona itself; they span the period from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

The Museum of Cinema also offers a distinctive perspective on history. Its Tomàs Mallol collection explores the prehistory of cinema, from the first moving images of shadow theatre to cinema today. Girona has seven museums in total, presenting history and art from antiquity to the present and offering activities for all audiences throughout the year. Individual museums’ programmes may change.

City life, events and guided explorations

Girona Temps de Flors has been held since 1954. This recurring festival transforms the city for nine days in May with artistic, musical, recreational, gastronomic and tourism offerings. If you are planning a visit during this time, check the exact event dates and the programme for that year: the programme may vary from year to year.

Guided tours explore Girona’s heritage, history and legends, as well as its Jewish quarter, the medieval Jewish influence on the city and the filming of Game of Thrones. Nature tours, food routes and tours adapted for people with reduced mobility are also available. Guided walks are offered in and around Girona, too. The offerings of individual providers may vary.

Landscape and local cuisine

The landscape is also part of what there is to discover in Girona. The urban surroundings feature rivers running through the city, Mediterranean woodlands and riparian forests, mountain ranges such as Les Gavarres, the Sant Daniel Valley, as well as fields, gardens and agricultural land. Hiking is possible in the Sant Daniel Valley. La Devesa adds a large park to Girona, covering more than 40 hectares.

The Mercat del Lleó offers another glimpse of city life: Girona’s municipal fresh food market has 60 stalls. As operational details may change, check them before planning a specific market visit. Girona’s culinary scene combines traditional and avant-garde cuisine with its roots and local produce. You can explore the cuisine in its own right while also discovering fresh produce at the market.

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To the broader travel overview: Catalonia.