Yes, Girona was the setting for many scenes in Game of Thrones. However, it also has a long and rich history with the original Iberians establishing the settlement (thank you Wikipedia). The Romans founded the city itself, called Gerunda. It has been ruled by the Romans, Charlemagne, the French and others and was devastated during the Spanish Civil War.

Today it is under constant attack by tourists from Spain, Germany, France, Italy, the UK…and Australia. Those are just the accents I recognised.

We reluctantly left Cadaqués yesterday morning and after an easy drive found our way to our Girona hotel, the Gran Ultonia. It is a very good hotel, an easy walk to the old town and all the attractions. Unfortunately, our room wasn’t ready at 1:30. So they very obligingly upgraded us to a Junior Suite. Like I said, this is a very good hotel!
Needing sustanance after our trip, we headed to Plaça de la Independéncia, which is a huge square lined with restaurants. Lunch was foccacia and anchovies washed down with cervecas.




Had to order two more of the anchovies
After lunch, we wandered through the old town towards the cathedral and decided to visit the Basilica de Sant Feliu, a beautiful church dedicated to Saint Felix of Girona. Beautiful church with some fantastic paintings.



After a siesta at the hotel, we headed into the old town and enjoyed jamon, steak and duck washed down with a good vino tinto at a small restaurant.
Today was our last day in Girona and we started with an excellent breakfast with good coffee at a small cafe across from our hotel.
Next stop, Girona Cathedral or to Game of Thrones fans, the Sept of Baelor.

The stairs featured in a number of GOT episodes and were quite challenging for me as well.
I learned from my audio guide that the span of the nave is one of the widest in the World – St Peters at The Vatican is wider.



The sheer scale of the cathedral was impressive and the many richly decorated chapels were magnificent.


The cloisters


Next stop was the Girona Museum of Art which is an interesting collection of works of art and architecture dating back to the middle ages.





Tonight, dinner was at Fonda Cal Ros, a restaurant specialising in traditional Catalan cuisine.
On the way, we needed to enjoy some aperitifs at Cafe Royale – vermouth and Campari tonic.

We moved to the restaurant at 8pm and the food was great and the staff were very welcoming.




Fantastic meal washed down with a nice Rioja tempranillo
Tomorrow – Begur.

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