Girona Cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, sits at the highest point of the Old Town on Plaça de la Catedral. A long Baroque staircase leads up to its façade. Inside, the Gothic nave is broader than any other Gothic nave in the world, and the Romanesque cloister and the medieval Tapestry of Creation are the pieces to look for. Construction ran from the 11th to the 18th century, so Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque all appear in one building. Allow time for the cloister, the garden and the treasury as well as the climb.
From a Roman forum to the 18th century
The cathedral stands on the highest ground of the Força Vella, the walled old core of Girona, and can be seen from most parts of the city. Parts of its foundations date from the 5th century, and the site is thought to sit over an old Roman forum. A Christian church existed here before the Moorish conquest, and the site was turned into a mosque in 717.
The present cathedral was begun in the 11th century and built up over many centuries, finished in the 18th. A second bell tower was added in the 18th century. The result is a mix of styles: a Romanesque cloister and the Tower of Charlemagne among the oldest parts, a Gothic nave, and a Baroque façade with the wide staircase in front of it.
Its Romanesque origins show in the fortress-like position above the old walls. Before the cathedral, the nearby Basilica of Sant Feliu was the main church of the city.
Inside the cathedral
The Gothic nave is the main reason to go in. It is wider than the nave of any other Gothic church in the world, and among all naves of every style only the one in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican is broader. Large stained glass windows light the space.
The Tapestry of Creation is the piece to find. It is a Romanesque textile from the 11th century, one of the finest of its kind to survive, and it is kept in the treasury with other valuable objects.
The Romanesque cloister has double columns and is a calm place to walk. Behind it there is a small garden, and a gallery of artifacts and religious art. The audio guide covers the history of the building and these collections.
The staircase and the Game of Thrones scenes
The monumental staircase rises from Plaça de la Catedral to the main portal, and it is one of the most photographed in Spain. It appears in season 6 of Game of Thrones as the exterior of the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing. Jaime Lannister rides up it to face the High Sparrow, and Cersei's walk of atonement was also filmed here. The interior was not used as the Sept's inside.
The steps are often crowded, while the interior stays calmer. If you prefer to avoid the climb, the east entrance has no stairs. Light on the stone façade is warm around sunset.
A local legend points to one of the gargoyles on the upper ledge as a witch who once threw stones at the cathedral. You can look for it from the square without a ticket.
Tickets and what to pair it with
Tickets are sold at the counter at the front of the cathedral. The ticket includes the nave, treasury, cloister and the Basilica of Sant Feliu. A joint ticket with the museum is also on sale. The cathedral and the basilica together take longer than the cathedral alone, so plan for both if you buy the joint ticket.
The Call, the old Jewish quarter, is a short walk away, with narrow lanes along La Força, which follows the line of an old Roman road. The Arab Baths, from the 12th century, are nearby too. The old city walls have an access point in the gardens behind the cathedral, and walking them takes one to two hours depending on stops. For a drink with a view of the steps, the terrace of Café l'Arc is on the corner of the square.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee for Girona Cathedral?
Yes, you need a ticket to go inside, but the exterior and staircase are free to see. The ticket covers the nave, treasury, cloister and the Basilica of Sant Feliu. A joint ticket with the museum is also sold.
Where do I buy tickets?
At the ticket counter at the front of the cathedral. Booking ahead is also an option if you want to be sure of entry.
How long does a visit take?
About 45 minutes covers the cathedral. Allow longer if you read everything, use the audio guide or add the basilica.
Is there a step-free way in?
Yes. Use the east entrance, where there is a small parking area and no steps up to the door. This is the best route for visitors with reduced mobility and for those arriving by car.
Was Girona Cathedral used in Game of Thrones?
Yes. The cathedral and its staircase appear in season 6 as the Great Sept of Baelor. You can see the steps where Jaime Lannister rides up to confront the High Sparrow.
