Girona Favorites

Favorite thing: In some guidebooks Girona is named as “small Venice”. The main reason of it is the beautiful Onyar river channel. There are a few old and modern bridges through Onyar river, from here you could watch into picturesque houses and spires of churches.

The Onyar river itself looks neglect, possible it is polluted and sinken.

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Favorite thing: The Jewish Quarter of Girona (The Call) is a collection of narrow streets (and many steps) surrounding Carrer de la Forca, where today practically anything can be purchased. On the other hand, in Medieval times, it was a leading Jewish cultural center. Today its reflection can be seen at the Bonastruc ca Porta Centre, which contains the Museum of History of the Jews and the Nahmanides Institute.

In the hearf of the quarter there is the City Museum, specialized in the history of the city of Girona.

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Favorite thing: The University of Girona (Universitat de Girona) was established in 1446 by the king Alfons el Magnanim who started studies of the Rethorics, Philosophy, Teology, Law and Medicine in this city.

Today the University of Girona (UDG) is a modern university with over 12 000 students studying at five campus. The UDG consists of nine faculties and nine superior schools.

Information:

Universitat de Girona
Placa Sant Domenec 3
17071 Girona

www.udg.edu
informacio@udg.edu

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Favorite thing: The view of the houses on the Onyar river, built from the late Middle Ages onwards, is one of the most authentic of Girona.

When I first visited Girona I immediatelly thought it's kind of like Venice (Italy). Colorful buildings and Onyar river with its incountable bridges really gave me this impression, althrough the cities in reality are quite different. Few months later, when I went to Porto (Portugal), I got the same feeling. It's just colorful buildings, water and bridges... :-)

Favorite thing: where to stay: PENSIÓN MARGARIT... nothing great or special, but good location fom train&bus station, cheap and friendly hostess

what to visit: have a walk to old town centre, accross the river from the "new" town. streets around the cathedral are worth to see, there's a nice view of the Pyrinees... maybe a good exhibition in Fundación La Caixa. the streets show medieval reminders of the town... nice cafeterias by the river

Favorite thing: Although I didn’t have the time to visit all the museums in Girona there are 5 really interesting ones. The ticket fee is low anyway but have in mind if you pay the full price at the first one you can visit the other 4 with 50% discount.

1)City History Museum
It’s housed on a building from the 18th century and here you can see the history of Girona from the Roman era to the medieval period and then till modern times.
The entrance fee is 3 euro. It’s open daily 10.00-14.00, 17.00-19.00 (Sundays 10.00-14.00). closed on Mondays. Address:Carrer de la Forca 27

2)Archeological Museum of Catalunya
It’s housed on Sant Pere de Galligants church, check the romansque building anyway and inside you will find roman sculptures and other prehistorical exhibits.
It’s open daily 10.00-14.00, 16.00-19.00 (Sundays 10.00-14.00). closed on Mondays.

3)Cinema museum
If you like cinema you will have great time at this place, not in the Old Town but very close. You can spend hours with movies, clips and articles about old and new films. I was surprised about the visual exables from the medieval era (yes, there was life before Buster Keaton). Even their site is great.
The entrance fee is 4 euro. It’s open Tuesday-friday 10.00-18.00, Saturday 10.00-20.00, Sunday 11.00-15.00. closed on Mondays. Address:Carrer Sequia 1

4)Museum of History of the Jews
A great museum to learn the history of Jews in Catalunya during the medieval era till the end of 15th century. The gravestones are impressive.
The entrance fee is 2 euro. It’s open daily 10.00-20.00 (Sunday till 15.00) Address:carrer de la Forca 8-10

5)Museu d’Art
I didn’t visit this one but I’ve read it has a nice collection of Romanesque and gothic art. Address: Palau Apiscopal-Puhada de la Catedral 12

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Favorite thing: The Tourist Info (pic 1) is located right at the beginning of Rambla de la Libertat you will probably begin to walk into the Old Town from here like I did. The friendly women provided us with a free map of the city and pointed us the main sites. They also informed about the museums/cathedrals, the times and the prices. The map was simple and just gave us a general orientation but Girona is a small town anyway

Some people dosnn’t speak English in town but if you know basic Spanish you wont have any problem. Of course, like in all town of Catalunya the main language is Catalan which sounds like a mix of Spanish and French. Most of the signs/menus etc have both languages.
Say “Hola” (hello), Gracies (thanks), Bon dia (good morning), Bona nit (good night) and most of the locals will be happy :)

If you want to visit the museums avoid Monday when everything is closed.

The Info is located by the River Onyar at Rambla de la Libertat 1, 17004 Girona.
Next to it is a kiosk full of newspapers and magazines (pic 2)

Favorite thing: Tourism Offices:

* Rambla de la Libertat, 1
17004 Girona

- Tel.: (+34) 972 226 375
- Fax: (+34) 972 226 612

- Internet: www.ajuntament.gi/turisme (different languages)
- E. mail: turisme@ajgirona.org

* Berenguer Carnicer, 3
17001 Girona

- Tel.: (+34) 972 211 678
- Fax: (+34) 972 221 135

- Internet: www.girona-net.com (different languages)
- E. mail: pbturisme@ajgirona.org

* Other websites:
- www.turismegirona.com (different languages)
- www.guiadegirona.es (in Spanish)