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Cathedral · Girona, Catalonia
Catedral de Girona
Catedral de Santa Maria, at the top of the Barri Vell, with a baroque staircase of 90 steps and the widest Gothic nave in the world, at 22.98 metres. It houses a 12th-century Romanesque cloister and the tower of Carlos Magno.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral de Girona
The Catedral de Girona, dedicated to Santa Maria, occupies the highest point of the Barri Vell, on the site of the ancient Roman city of Gerunda. During the Muslim occupation, between 715 and 785, the previous temple was used as a mosque. The first Romanesque cathedral was consecrated in 1038.
Gothic works began in 1312 at the chevet. In 1416, a board of master builders decided to make a single nave instead of three, and Antoni Canet took charge of the construction from 1417. The result is the widest Gothic nave in the world, with a span of 22.98 metres. Among naves of any style, only that of the Basílica de São Pedro in Rome is wider.
What remains of the Romanesque cathedral includes the cloister, with a trapezoidal plan and capitals showing scenes from the Old Testament, and the so-called Torre de Carlemany, an 11th-century bell tower that today acts as a buttress for the nave. Inside are the tombs of Count Ramon Berenguer II and Countess Mafalda, and that of Bishop Bernat de Pau from the 15th century.
The Baroque façade began in 1680, and the monumental staircase of 90 steps was built between 1690 and 1694. Among the surviving Romanesque pieces are the episcopal chair and the Tapestry of the Creation.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1.5 hours for the nave, the cloister, and the treasury.
Best time
Right when it opens in the morning, the nave is usually quieter. The staircase looks particularly nice in the late afternoon, with the sun on the façade. During masses, tourist visits are often restricted.
How to get there
On foot. From the train station it’s about a 20-minute walk, crossing the Onyar and going up through the Barri Vell. The staircase starts at the Plaça de la Catedral, next to the Carrer de la Força.
Tip
The tourist visit is usually ticketed and includes the cloister and the treasury; confirm what is included and the opening hours before you go. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders. The climb of 90 steps can be strenuous in summer: bring water.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Girona
Why is the cathedral nave famous?
Because it is 22.98 metres wide, the widest among Gothic naves in the world. Only the nave of the Basílica de São Pedro, in Rome, of a different style, is wider.
How many steps does the staircase have?
There are 90 steps, built between 1690 and 1694, with three landings. For those who have difficulty, there is access via side streets of the Barri Vell; ask at the entrance.
Is the cloister included in the visit?
Generally, the tourist visit includes the nave, the Romanesque cloister and the treasury. Check at the ticket office, because conditions may change.
Can it be combined with other nearby places?
Yes. The Museu d'Art is next door, the Banys Àrabs and the Basílica de Sant Feliu are a few minutes' walk away, and access to the Passeig de la Muralla is right behind the cathedral.