Girona is located in the north eastern part of Spain. It lies at a distance of one hours drive north of Barcelona, and 30 kilometers inland from Costa Brava.
Enter Girona to find hotels:
| Hotels Combined |
Girona is located in the north eastern part of Spain. It lies at a distance of one hours drive north of Barcelona, and 30 kilometers inland from Costa Brava. Girona was established in the first century BC by the Romans. The strategic location of Girona has over the centuries resulted in many battles and struggles to gain control of it. By the eighteenth century, Girona had been besieged on twenty-one occasions. The architectural styles of the many monuments and structures in the city reveal the influences of Roman, Moorish and Jewish settlements. Today Girona has a population of just under 90,000.
The ancient portion of the city with its once formidable fortifications stands on a steep hill, while the more modern section is in the plain and stretches beyond the Onyar River. The bastions of the walls, which have withstood so many sieges, are still to be seen. The 12th century saw a flourishing of the Jewish community of Girona, which ended in 1492 when all the Jews were expelled from Spain. Today, the Jewish Quarter, with its labyrinth of streets, is one of the best preserved in Europe, and a major tourist attraction of Girona. North of the Jewish Quarter are the Arab Baths, which dates 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.
Another major landmark of the city is the Cathedral which dates back to the 11th century. Its Romanesque origin is shown in its fortress like appearance and strategic location, although the most outstanding aspect is an immense Gothic nave, the widest in Medieval European architecture. 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.
The commercial center in the modern part is the Mercadal quarter, where most of the business establishments are located. There are shopping malls and boutiques in this part of the city. The most prominent location is Carrer Santa Clara, a very busy shopping street in the new district.
The town´s airport, Girona-Costa Brava, is located 10 kilometers south of the town center. It has grown tremendously in recent years and is now connected to a number of destinations across European. Furthermore the airport has been used since the early 1980s for charter flights for holidaymakers and travellers to the resorts of the Costa Brava.
San Sebastian
