Girona is a the capital city of the Girona Province in Catalonia, Spain. Regular trains run by Renfe from Barcelona to Figueres which travellers take to visit Dali's hometown inevitably have to pass by Girona.
Travelling to Girona
Two types of train run from Barcelona to Girona: Media Distancia and Regional; the first being faster and thus take shorter time but the fare is slightly more expensive. Moreover, the seats are more comfortable though both are passenger friendly. Supplements can be purchased on the train if one is taking a Media Distancia with a Regional ticket. There is no fine for that nor for taking the train without a ticket, except for the latter a more expensive one way ticket will be charged. The conductors are on the whole friendly and they take it as a matter of fact when they encounter passengers without ticket.
As in many Spanish city and towns, the most interesting part is the old part. In Girona the old town is separated by the river Onyar, which can be accessed by eight different bridges linking the two sections together. Unfortunately, due to recent droughts, most of the year the river is at its lowest, unable to hide the unappealing refuse from the city, giving at some parts an unhealthy swarm like appearance and its associated odor.
The most popular bridge and the reference point for celebrations is the Pont de Pedra (literally the Stone Bridge). It is also the place where tourists can hop on the little green train which circles around the touristic spots in the city with commentary.
This article will deal with the journey to the Cathedral museum which exhibits some precious objects which make the trip to Girona worth the travellers' while.
On the Way to the Cathedral
The Cathedral bell tower looms impressively over the city and visitors, on crossing the Pont de Pedra, cannot miss the ever watchful monument. The effect is particularly spectacular at night, when the white nummulitic limestone that is used to build the cathedral shines with an unearthly halo in the dark.
Visitors can walk from the Pont de Pedra and take the street Ciutadans which leads eventually to the Cathedral. Lots of signs are available on the way so it is quite impossible to be lost. When travellers get to the street Força, the atmosphere changes from the series of junk stores and unpromising touristic eating places to a solemn and strangely quiet ambiance, despite the constant traffic in the narrow and winding street.
There are two museums on this street, one on the history of the city and the other on Jewish history. More quaint shops litter here and there. Open doors reveal charming patios and mysterious staircases of historic buildings. Tourists can enter and take some pictures freely. Occasionally one passes by arches and narrow steps that connect to a parallel street. They give a cool and romantic gateway to imagination.
The Cathedral Museum
The street Força eventually leads to the Plaça Catedra, where a bar with a terrace offers a good place for visitors to contemplate the magnificent Baroque façade of the cathedral at the top of an imposing staircase. Many faithful have climbed up the same steps to offer their worship. The curious will be rewarded for this exercise.
Do not be discouraged to find out that, after the strenuous efforts, though the doors are open, entrance is refused. Turn left and an office will be seen, where visitors can purchase a ticket to get in the cathedral. An adult ticket is 5 euros, reduced price is adopted for children, students and retirees. The price includes audio guide, which contains short sections so visitors will not feel bombarded with too much information. For the inquisitive, more detailed guides can be purchased for 8.50 euros.
On Sundays, entry is free but it is open only half a day; and otherwise visits during worship times are discounted.
It is not allowed to photograph, but on the whole, taking photographs without flashlight is tolerated.
Inside the Cathedral
Now visitors are ready to begin. Readers please follow the next article for descriptions of the impressive nave of the cathedral, its chapels and altars, the cloister, the exhibition of the liturgical vestments and the important treasures of the cathedral.
Join the Conversation