Oh, my fellow Game of Thrones enthusiast, let me tell you about the enchanting city of Girona in Catalonia, Spain! Picture this: a medieval gem nestled in the heart of Spain, with its cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and stunning vistas. And guess what? Girona played a major role in the world of Westeros! This quaint town became the backdrop for more Game of Thrones scenes than any other place in Europe. Can you believe it? As a die-hard fan, wandering through the same streets that Arya Stark did or exploring the captivating Gardens of the Alhambra, where Jamie Lannister fought, is an experience that will make your heart skip a beat. Come, my friend, and uncover the magic of Girona and the Game of Thrones for yourself. Valar Morghulis!

In case you don’t have time to read the full article, these are the top tours I recommend: Girona: Game of Thrones Small Group Tour, Girona: Cathedral of Girona + Art Museum + St. Felix Church tour to learn more, and Girona: Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit tour.

These are the top hotels I recommend: Boutique: Hotel Historic, Hotel Carlemany, and AS Palau dels Alemanys . Affordable: Ibis Girona, Hotel Ultonia, or Hotel Costabella. Budget: Girona Hostel or Hostal Horta Rosell .

Introduction

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Game of Thrones fans know that many real-world sites served as backdrops for the show’s fictional settings. One such place was the picturesque medieval city of Girona in Catalonia, Spain. Though a modest town of under 100,000 residents, Girona has an outsized connection to the world’s most popular television series. In fact, Girona was the filming location for more Game of Thrones scenes than any other place in Europe!

Game of Thrones fans know that many real-world sites served as backdrops for the show’s fictional settings. One such place was the picturesque medieval city of Girona in Catalonia, Spain. Though a modest town of under 100,000 residents, Girona has an outsized connection to the world’s most popular television series. In fact, Girona was the filming location for more Game of Thrones scenes than any other place in Europe!

Visitors to Girona can walk the same cobblestone streets and grand staircases brought to life in Game of Thrones. From King’s Landing to Braavos, Girona has portrayed numerous iconic fictional cities. Any diehard fan of the series will want to visit Girona’s Game of Thrones sites and live out scenes from their favorite episodes.

Overview of Girona

Girona is a city located in the northeastern corner of Catalonia, Spain. With a population of around 100,000 people, it’s one of the largest cities in the Catalonia region.

Situated on the Onyar river, Girona features a historic Old Town with buildings dating back to medieval times. Some of the top sights include:

• The Gothic Cathedral – A massive cathedral towering over the city with a spire almost 100 meters tall. The interior contains the widest Gothic nave in the world. Take this Girona: Cathedral of Girona + Art Museum + St. Felix Church tour to learn more.
• Old Jewish Quarter – Called El Call, this labyrinth of narrow streets contains the Museum of Jewish History chronicling the city’s Jewish community. If you want to learn more you can take this Girona: Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit tour.
• Plaça de la Independència – The main city square featuring brightly colored buildings and the grand staircase leading up to the cathedral.
• The Arab Baths – Romanesque public baths dating from the 12th century.
• City Walls – Portions of the medieval defensive walls still surround parts of the city. Visitors can walk along the walls for scenic views.

Girona has been inhabited since ancient times due to its strategic location. It was conquered by Muslims in the 8th century and became an important Islamic center. The Carolingian Franks took back the city in 785. Many Romanesque and Gothic buildings were constructed during the Middle Ages when the city was part of the Crown of Aragon.

Girona’s Connection to Game of Thrones

The medieval city of Girona with its ancient stone walls, Gothic cathedral, and maze of cobblestone streets served as an iconic filming location for many scenes in Game of Thrones. Parts of season 6 were filmed in Girona, with it standing in for Braavos and parts of King’s Landing.

Specific Girona locations that were featured prominently include:

• The Gothic Quarter’s stone bridges over the Onyar River became the setting for Arya Stark’s dramatic leap into the canal.
• Girona Cathedral’s sweeping staircase was used for a tense scene where Jaime Lannister and the Tyrell army stormed the Great Sept of Baelor.
• The Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants was used for exterior shots of the orphanage where the Waif was raised.
• Plaça de l’Oli turned into one of the winding streets of Braavos where Arya recovered her vision after being blinded.

Wandering through the medieval alleyways of Girona allows fans to truly step into the world of Game of Thrones and recognize many familiar sights from pivotal scenes.

Getting to Girona

Girona is located about 60 miles northeast of Barcelona in the Catalonia region of Spain. The closest major airport is Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), which receives flights from destinations across Europe and the world. From the Barcelona airport, it’s about a 1 hour 15 minute drive or train ride to reach Girona.

The best way to get from Barcelona to Girona is to take the train. There are regular train connections between the Barcelona Sants train station and the Girona train station. The journey takes around 40 minutes and trains depart every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the train station or online in advance.

Another option is to take the bus from Barcelona to Girona. The bus station in Barcelona is the Barcelona Nord Bus Station, located next to the Arc de Triomf metro station. Buses leave almost hourly and take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Girona. You can buy bus tickets online, at the bus station, or directly from the driver. Companies like ALSA run regular bus routes between the two cities.

You can also rent a car and drive from Barcelona to Girona in about an hour, depending on traffic. Take the AP-7 toll highway which goes directly to Girona. Be sure to stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful Costa Brava coastal scenery.

For the closest airport to Girona itself, the Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) has some budget airline connections from Europe. It’s located about 15 minutes by taxi or bus from the city center.

Top Game of Thrones Tours

Two of the most popular Game of Thrones tours in Girona are the Girona: Game of Thrones Small Group Tour and the self-guided Game of Thrones: Girona Walking Tour.

The small group tour takes you to the most important Game of Thrones locations in the area in just 90 minutes. A professional local guide leads you through the historic center showing you spots like the iconic Girona Cathedral stairs, which served as the backdrop for Braavos and more. You’ll get plenty of insider info and photo opportunities on this comprehensive tour.

For a more flexible experience, consider the self-guided Game of Thrones walking tour. Follow the route map through the city at your own pace, stopping to see filming locations and info about scenes shot there. Highlights include Plaça dels Jurats, the Arab Baths, and the monastery steps where Arya begged for money. The use your own audio guide allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of the show as you walk.

Both tours give you an inside look at Girona’s role in Game of Thrones and let you walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters. Choose the option that best fits your travel style.

Self-Guided Game of Thrones Tour

For those wanting to explore the Game of Thrones sights in Girona at their own pace, a self-guided walking tour is easy to arrange. Armed with a map and list of key filming locations, this DIY option allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Westeros on your own schedule.

The main sites you’ll want to hit are:

• The iconic Girona Cathedral, which stood in for the Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing. This massive Romanesque and Gothic cathedral is where Cersei Lannister did her walk of shame.
• Sant Pere Street, Girona’s picturesque medieval street lined with buildings painted in warm pastel hues. Scenes of Arya running through Braavos were filmed here.
• The Arab Baths, built in the 12th century. Try to find the spot where Jaime Lannister and Bronn discussed Tyene Sand in the cells beneath the Red Keep.
• Plaça dels Jurats, the leafy town square used for scenes when Arya is begging on the streets of King’s Landing.
• The stone steps leading up to Girona’s iconic red-walled city gardens. You may recognize them from when Sansa Stark fled through the streets.

With stops at these and a few other Girona highlights linked to the show, you’ll feel like you’re walking right through the world of the Seven Kingdoms on a DIY Game of Thrones tour. Just be sure to watch out for any dragons overhead!

Other Game of Thrones Sites Nearby

Girona itself may have been a prominent Game of Thrones filming location, but there are other nearby medieval towns and natural landscapes that also made appearances in the hit HBO show. Consider taking a day trip from Girona to explore these other Game of Thrones sites.

Besalu

The small village of Besalu, located about 30 miles north of Girona, stood in for several Westeros locations throughout Game of Thrones. Its stone Roman bridge was used for scenes depicting the Twins in Season 6, while its streets and plaza became parts of Braavos in Season 5 and 6. Besalu’s historic architecture and picturesque river views make it easy to see why the GoT location scouts chose it. A guided day tour from Girona is the easiest way to visit Besalu and learn about its role in the series.

Santa Pau

About 60 miles south of Girona, the otherworldly volcanic natural park near Santa Pau was where they filmed Daenerys’ entrance into Vaes Dothrak in Season 6. The unique rock formations of this area were perfect for bringing the Dothraki homeland to life. Guided tours are available from Girona specifically for Game of Thrones fans who want to recognize filming sites.

While you’re in the region, the nearby Mediterranean coastline also stood in for parts of the Stormlands and Dragonstone in the later seasons of Game of Thrones. The craggy shorelines and historic castles around towns like Tossa de Mar and Cadaques provided ideal scenery. A walking tour focused on Game of Thrones sites along the Costa Brava coast is a great option for dedicated fans.

With so many filming locations within easy day trip distance, Girona makes the perfect home base for a Game of Thrones tour of Catalonia. Along with seeing the sites in Girona itself, devote a day or two to exploring nearby medieval villages and rugged natural landscapes that also captivated TV viewers.

Where to Stay

Girona has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some top recommendations for places to stay during your Game of Thrones tour:

Boutique Hotels

For a luxurious and intimate experience, consider staying at one of Girona’s boutique hotels located in the historic center. Some options include Hotel Historic, Hotel Carlemany, and AS Palau dels Alemanys. Medieval architecture surrounds the hotel and it has window views of the cathedral. The personalized service and elegant decor make it worth the splurge.

Apartments

To get a taste of local living, book an apartment rental in the Old Town. You’ll have access to a kitchen to prepare your own meals and more space to spread out. Try Apartaments Plaça del Vi for modern apartments in old buildings. For a budget choice, check Airbnb for private room rentals.

Hotels Near the Train Station

For convenience if arriving by train, look at hotels like Ibis Girona, Hotel Ultonia, or Hotel Costabella. While not as charming, they offer affordable rates and easy access to public transportation around the city. You can quickly get to the historic center.

Hostels

Backpackers and solo travelers can stay at Girona Hostel or Hostal Horta Rosell and meet fellow travelers. Take advantage of free amenities like WiFi, linens, and breakfast. The savings allow you to splurge on Game of Thrones tours and meals out.

No matter your accommodation style, Girona offers plenty of great options for a base during your stay. Book early to secure your top choice location.

Other Things to Do in Girona

Beyond its Game of Thrones sites, Girona offers many other interesting attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do:

Top Attractions

• The Gothic Quarter – This picturesque medieval neighborhood features cobblestone streets, buildings with colorful facades, and the grand Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary.
• Arab Baths – Built in the 12th century, these beautifully preserved Roman baths allow you to experience a Moorish-style spa in a historic setting.
• Jewish History Museum – Located in the former Jewish quarter, this museum documents the history of the Jewish community in Girona.
• Walls of Girona – Parts of the old medieval walls still stand today. Walk along them for excellent views of the city.

Outdoor Activities

• River Onyar – Take a stroll along the colorful riverbanks or go for a scenic boat ride.
• Hiking – There are great hiking trails in the surrounding natural parks and along the city walls.
• Cycling – Girona is very bike friendly. Rent a bike and cycle along the river or through the countryside.
• Hot air ballooning – Get a bird’s eye view of Girona and the surrounding landscapes from a hot air balloon.

With ancient architecture, natural beauty, and a vibrant culture, there are plenty of remarkable things to experience in Girona beyond Game of Thrones.

Conclusion

Girona and the surrounding areas of Catalonia provide an immersive experience for Game of Thrones fans. The well-preserved medieval architecture of Girona transports visitors to the show’s iconic settings like Braavos, King’s Landing, and Oldtown.

Following in the footsteps of characters like Arya Stark and Daenerys Targaryen through the alleyways and staircases of the historic Old Town is thrilling. Guided tours make exploring filming locations even more insightful by providing behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Beyond the Game of Thrones sites, Girona offers rich history and culture to discover. The streetscapes, bridges, and cathedral reveal why they chose it as an ideal backdrop for the show’s fantasy realms. Satisfying local cuisine and charming accommodations enhance the experience.

If you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast, Girona should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking medieval beauty that captivated the show’s producers and inspired the fictional world of Westeros. Let the adventure begin!

Common FAQ’s

Hey there, fellow traveler! I’m excited to answer some of your burning questions about the magical land of Girona. Let’s dive right in!

Was Game of Thrones filmed in Girona?

Yes, it was! If you’re a GOT fan, you’ll love knowing that Girona’s enchanting landmarks and medieval streets served as the backdrop for many pivotal moments in the series. From the iconic “Walk of Shame” scene to Arya Stark’s adventures as a Blind Beggar, Girona has left its mark on the Westerosi world.

What has been filmed in Girona?

Apart from GOT, this captivating Catalan city has also been featured in many other shows and movies, as well as commercials and music videos. Some of the notable ones include “The Three Musketeers,” “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer,” and the Netflix series “Money Heist.”

What part of Spain was Game of Thrones filmed?

Game of Thrones was filmed in various locations throughout Spain, including the Andalusian town of Osuna, the Basque Country, Seville’s Alcazar, and, of course, Girona.

Where did they film the shame scene in Game of Thrones?

The infamous “Walk of Shame” scene in Game of Thrones was filmed in Girona’s charming narrow streets. The crew made use of various landmarks, including the grand staircase of the Cathedral of Santa María, the Plaça dels Jurats, and the steps of the Sant Martí Sacosta church.

I hope these answers have shed some light on this glorious gem of a city. Now it’s your turn to venture out and discover the magic of Girona for yourself. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

Further Reading

If you are interested in more Barcelona travel information, make sure to check out these posts: Christmas in Barcelona, Unlock Hidden Gems: A Guide to the Best Nightlife in Barcelona, Bite-Size Barcelona: A Foodie’s Adventure into the World of Tapas, the Ultimate Bucket List: Top Things to Do in Barcelona and Barcelona Travel Guide 2024.