Girona is an excellent day-trip destination if you are staying in a resort on the Costa Brava or anywhere in Northern Catalonia. Located in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, on the River Onyar, Girona is renowned for its medieval architecture, ancient walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell), and the Roman remains of the Força Vella, a mighty fortress built in the first century BC. The serene, landscaped gardens lining the Passeig Arqueològic, a walkway following the Old Quarter’s medieval walls, transport visitors back in time. It’s no surprise that Girona was chosen as the backdrop for much of season 6 of Game of Thrones, which was the inspiration for our visit, and it did not disappoint.
Great Sept of Baelor – Girona Cathedral
The Girona Cathedral, featured prominently as the Great Sept of Baelor, is where the scene with the most extras was filmed, including about 200 Tyrell soldiers, several dozen sparrows, and beggars. Notably, Jaime Lannister was seen climbing the imposing stairs on horseback. The magnificent views of the sea were added digitally.
Margaery, played by Natalie Dormer, is the main character in this scene, contrary to common confusion with the “Walk of Shame” scene filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Cathedral of Santa Maria (Girona Cathedral), seat of the Bishopric of Girona, boasts the widest Gothic nave in the world at 22.98 meters, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Located centrally in the old city, the “Old Force,” it coincides with the layout of the Roman settlement Gerunda, parts of whose walls remain in the current Cathedral square. It is undoubtedly the city’s most visited tourist spot.
Streets of Braavos – Bishop José Cartañà Street
In the first episode of season six, Arya Stark is seen begging and wandering blind through the streets of Braavos. One of these scenes was filmed in front of the gardens behind the Cathedral, specifically on Bishop Josep Cartañà Street. The steps here are a popular spot for tourists reenacting Arya’s begging scene.
Braavos Port Market – Ferran el Catòlic Street and Archaeological Walk
In the seventh episode of Game of Thrones, Arya Stark strolls through the market of Braavos seeking passage out of the city. This market was set in the Archaeological Walk of Girona and Rei Ferran el Catòlic Street, right in front of the entrance to the Arab Baths. Rei Ferran el Catòlic Street is a must-visit, running from the Archaeological Walk to the Cathedral Square, and includes the Church of Sant Lluc along its short route.
The Baths of Braavos – Arab Baths
During a chase scene, Arya enters the Braavos Baths, which are actually the Arab Baths of Girona, a cultural asset of national interest. Built in 1194 in a late Romanesque style, they mimic the structure of North African Muslim baths. After being demolished in 1285, they were rebuilt in 1294 by Ramón de Toila. They ceased functioning in the 16th century and were acquired by Capuchin nuns in 1618 to establish their convent. Restoration began in 1929, led by architects Rafael Masó and Emili Blanch.
Braavos Bridge – Galligants Bridge
Arya contemplates a huge sculpture at the entrance to the port of Braavos before being stabbed by a girl with an old woman’s face. This scene was filmed on the Galligants Bridge.
Driving
We’d driven to Girona from our campsite in Lloret – not thinking to remove the roof box from the car before we left; without a thought that parking might not be the easiest in a city where large parts still resemble a medieval fortress.
We managed to squeeze the car into an underground car park which was close to the old town. However, exiting from said car park was quite another matter. We’d heard a few scrapes on the way into the car park. But the route to the exit appeared to have a lower ceiling with pipework adding to the challenge. It was quickly apparent that we wouldn’t be able to exit without taking a number of cables and pipes down with us – so we had the delightful job of removing the roof box (which, luckily was empty) – pushing all the seats down in the back of the car so we could fit it into the vehicle, driving out of the car park – and finding a suitable spot to reverse the operation so we could fit the rest of the family back in the car! This was a mistake we would only make once more on our trip 😊
Food
For a late lunch – we discovered a quirky little restaurant called Chef Guevara, located just outside the old town, which served an excellent selection of tapas. It did seem a bit of a one-man operation but everything about the service and the food couldn’t be faulted!
Hidden Gem
A hidden gem for us – especially for movie mad teenagers – was the Museu del Cinema-Col·lecció Tomàs Mallol which was the perfect place to get out of the burning sun for an hour.
