A visit to Girona is a must if you are spending any amount of time in the province of Catalonia.
Whether you plan to visit Girona as a Game of Thrones fan or not, even if you have 24 hours to spend; this city will not disappoint you. There are loads to see and appreciate in the town.
Cathedral of Girona
The cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Built in 11th and 18th centuries according to Gothic style on the scenic Plaça de la Catedral, Cathedral of Girona sits on 91 stone steps and features among the world’s widest nave, 29.98 meters. Whether it’s the Baroque staircase outside the cathedral or the perfect locations in the series that was used as the exterior for the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing this is a must visit spot for visitors.
The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish quarter lies in the ancient town of Força Vella, an inspiring fortress built by the Romans. The area is filled with cobbled streets, winding alleyways and narrow archways that served as setting of a fictional ideal city Braavos. In the series Game of Thrones where becomes blind and is forced to beg on the streets Waif is filmed on the stone steps of Carrer del Bisbe Josep Cartañà, the small alleyway that loops just behind Girona Cathedral.
Plaça dels Jurats
A popular venue for musical concerts and theatre during the summer season, this is the festival square of Girona. This is the place where Arya Stark watched the outdoor play while spying on the lead actress by order of Jaquen H’gar. The bridge between the Plaça dels Jurats and the Sant Pere de Galligants Abbey was used as the bridge in Braavos where the waif, masked as an old woman, stabbed Arya Stark.
Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants
Built in the 12th century, the Monastery is a Benedictine Abbey and is one of the most important Romanesque sites that also houses the Archaeological Museum. Given that most of the monasteries are located in isolated areas, the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants is located within the urban setting. . The monastery was used as the setting for the Maesters’ citadel in Braavos, King’s Landing and Oldtown. One can see the interiors of the monastery clearly in the scene when Sam, Gilly and the baby first arrive.
Arab Baths
Built like the Medieval Muslim baths that dates back to the 12th century, this singular Romanesque architecture is one of the most spectacular sites whose entrance was used as a changing room and recreational area covered with a barrel vault and a cupola covering the central pool. This is one of the still intact bathhouses offering a breath-taking experience to tourists. Situated just behind the cathedral, fans can see the spot where after regaining sight, Arya hid by ducking inside a bathhouse while trying to flee from the Waif.
The Sant Domènec Stairs
This is the market where Arya Stark runs into the crowd, flips down the stairs into a crate of oranges. This scene was shot on the stairs leading up to the Sant Domènec convent, which was founded in the city of Girona in 1253. The Waif meanwhile, is standing stood at the top of the stairs, looking down on her, ready to attack once more.
Girona Old Town
This is a historical part of the city that dates back to 2,000 years and is reflected in its buildings and architectures. With two fortified enclosures; one Roman and one from the medieval ages, the Gothic buildings and a Jewish quarter called ‘Call jueu’, this town is known for its shops and cuisine. The stairs of Sant Marti Sacosta church is another filming location in Girona used for the markets in Braavos.
