Located 50 miles northeast of Barcelona, the city of Girona is like a time capsule that transports you back to medieval times while also revealing its rich Roman history.
Origins
With its history dating back to over 2,000 years ago, Girona is thought to have been established officially in 79 BCE. The city was originally a small Iberian settlement before it caught the attention of the Romans.
The Romans saw the location of Girona as strategic. It was an important stop-off along the lengthy Via Augusta, which was a system of Roman roads that went between Cadiz (Spain) and Rome (Italy). The Romans built a citadel there and named the city ‘Gerunda.’
Over the centuries there were inevitably many battles for control of the town as it grew. Girona came under the control of the Visigoths before they were ruled by the Moors. The Moors were then overthrown by Charlemagne in the year 785.
Royalty in Girona
Under Charlemagne, Girona became one of the principal districts within Catalonia and the town continued to gain size. They improved their infrastructure and expanded their boundaries. By 878 Girona had joined forces with neighboring Barcelona. They were declared cities during the early years of the 11th century by the King of Aragon and Navarre, Alfonso the Battler.
Then in 1414, Spanish king Ferdinand I of Aragon made history by granting his youngest son the Prince of Giron, a very prestigious title. The title no longer existed after the 16th century, but the Spanish royal family began using the title again in the late 1970s.
Jewish influence
The resident Jewish community began establishing itself as a prominent part of Girona’s population during the 12th century. They built schools and religious buildings there that were revered all over Europe. Girona played a pivotal role in the development of medieval Jewry not only in Spain, but all over the world.
The Jews lived in Girona prosperously until their prominence came to an abrupt ending in the 15th century. The Roman Catholic kings during that time forcibly removed all Jewish families from all of Catalan. Their influence was no longer as strong; however, it is still preserved.
Today, visitors to Girona will find that the Jewish Quarter or Call has become of the main attractions in the city. The Jewish Quarter consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets and patios that still maintain their medieval style. The fact that it is one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in the world shows just how important the Jewish culture was in Girona.
“With the fact that the Jews were removed from this area so long ago, it is really cool how well preserved it is,” Rachel Tivy, a student visiting the city, said. “It’s amazing to be able to be able to step back and see how different groups of people lived during medieval times.”
The Força Vella
Another one of the main attractions in Girona that cannot be missed is the Força Vella. In the first century BCE the Romans built their mighty citadel which is known as Força Vella, which is a sort of acropolis with a triangular perimeter.
The fortress was very well protected by the defensive rampart built from large stone ashlars. This was the first fully enclosed city and it remained unchanged until the year 100. Today, visitors can still see and walk along parts of the wall that are still intact.
These ancient walls that make up the perimeter are probably the most striking of the historical structures that can be seen in Girona. Walking along the walls in what is called the Passeig de la Muralla, takes you through many different historical periods as the walls were expanded on as the city changed. Along this path you will even cross some of the longest sections of the 9th century Carolingian walls in Europe.
“I have learned a lot about the Romans and their dominance during school,” Ella Alverez, a student visiting the city, said. “Walking along the walls really puts into perspective just how much power they really had. The way they put up this fortress is really incredible.”
The Cathedral
At the heart of the Força Vella is the Cathedral, built between the 11th and 18th centuries. What makes this Cathedral an interesting place to view is the variety of artistic styles used to create it.
The Cathedral has a Romanesque tower and cloister but is fitted with a baroque façade and front steps. The combination of styles continues as you observe the gothic nave that was built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the widest of its kind in the world at 23 meters (75 feet).
This Cathedral is definitely worth the visit as it is a very unique architectural structure that shows how styles changed throughout history.
“The Cathedral was definitely my favorite thing I saw as I was walking around Girona,” Sam Kinter, a student visiting the city, said. “It is so interesting to see how all the different styles of architecture come together so cohesively.”
Houses on the Onyar
On the edges of the Old Town, as you stroll towards the water, you will find more contemporary, yet still iconic structures. The houses along the Onyar River are a must see.
Built during the 19th and 20th centuries, these houses have become an emblematic image of the city. The facades of the houses were restored in 1983 with a color palette that is based on the spectrum found in the surrounding landscape. This includes colors like yellow, red ochre, and sienna. The colors reflect beautifully off the blue river and are reminiscent of what you would see in Venice.
There are 11 bridges that span the river so visitors can cross from the Old Town to the more modern part of the city. The Peixateris Velles Bridge is of particular significance as it was built by the Eiffel Company in 1876. You can see the resemblance to the iconic tower located in Paris as you stop to admire the view.
Whether you are stopping by for a couple of hours or spending a few days in Girona, you will not be able to miss the history hidden behind its walls.
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