Girona, Around Town

Marc advised us to walk on the city walls of Girona. Compared to the other city walls we have seen on the trip, the 9th century Carolingian walls don't look so impressive. Walking on it was nevertheless fun and full of viewpoints, great for day and night.

We came across a hiking route (the Stone Route) somewhere in town and followed it, and found ourselves in the country in no time, leaving the crowds of the flower festival far behind. In addition we also made the rounds to the modernist buildings in Girona.

About an hour after Marc dropped us off at Hotel Europa, we headed out to walk the city wall only to find the entrance gate(s) locked. Bummer. However, after walking along the base of the wall for 30 minutes or so we found ourselves on top of Torre Gironella with sunset views west to the Cathedral and the Pyrenees.



A bonus beautiful view of the apse of the Cathedral on our way down.

The Onyar River flows through the center of Girona. We crossed it many times, each a photo op.

The next morning we passed a peaceful march by the sanitation workers who have "threatened to mobilize" during the festival as they have not received the salary increases promised in their collective bargaining agreement with the City Council.

This evening, the gate to the top of the wall (Passeig de la Muralla) was open. Woohoo!



This city wall (right) is narrow, barely enough room for 2 people to pass.









And another night photo of the River Onyar.

The third day we walked to a nearby but separate section of the wall with the opposing view to the Cathedral (center right) and Sant Feliu (far right).

View across the Onyar River.

View from our room at the Hotel Europa.

Another day, another walk on the city walls; this time with a clear view to the Pyrenees (left).

The Ruta Pedra (Stone Route) hiking trail begins just a few minutes walk east of the Cathedral. The first section goes by an old aqueduct that brings water from Font de les Curculles to the Old Town.



We walked to the top of this hill...

...where there's a great view towards the Old Town.

Then down to a small stream near a meadow with an outdoor "dance hall" i.e. the Sardana Plaza.

Back in the Old Town, we walked the Ruta Pedra to the old quarries. One was reclaimed as a garden of sorts.

Others are outdoor museums.

With views, of course, to the Cathedral and the Pyrenees.

We spot a Eurasian Hoopoe!!!

Route complete!

Delivery guy.

In Girona, there are many Modernista buildings designed by architect Rafael Maso. For example: Casa La Punxa.

And La Farinera Teixidor (The Flour Mill).



Parting shots.