Get a visa at the Spanish Embassy in Moscow and spend 48 wonderful hours in Girona
Когда речь заходит о Каталонии, большинству тех, кто уже получал визу в консульском отделе посольства Испании в Москве, сразу приходит на ум Барселона. И действительно, столица автономии является одним из самых притягательных для туристов городов не только Испании, но и всей Европы.
However, the Catalan capital may soon have to make room on the podium. After all, it is being confidently caught up by Girona, which is rapidly gaining popularity due to the fact that the next season of one of the most famous modern TV series, Game of Thrones, will be filmed here. Since the number of fans of this mega-popular project is in the hundreds of thousands, there is no doubt that in the coming years Girona will not know the lack of tourists.
Of course, it is worth setting aside a few days to get to know this city. But even 48 hours spent in Girona can be a real highlight of your vacation. What to spend them on?
Start your first day in Girona with breakfast at La Fábrica. It boasts a spacious, elegant wood and brick interior and a fantastic breakfast menu. The café is located on the edge of Girona’s Jewish Quarter, historically home to Jewish families before they were expelled from the city in 1492. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the cobbled Calle Forca, which divides the quarter into two parts, and visit the History Museum, housed in a former synagogue built in the 15th century.
The day can be spent strolling around the Cathedral Square, followed by lunch at the Café de l’Arc. During lunch, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the majestic Gothic Cathedral and its Baroque steps. The cathedral can also be viewed from the inside, enjoying its magnificent decoration. The nave of this cathedral is the largest Gothic nave in the world.
Less impressive, but also very beautiful, is the nearby Basilica of Sant Feliu. It contains the tomb of Saint Narcís, the patron saint of Girona. Legend has it that when Girona was about to surrender to the troops of Philip V in 1285, thousands of deadly horseflies burst out of the tomb, putting the conquering army to flight.
In the evenings, many Girona residents head to the Rambla de la Libertat. Why not join them? There are plenty of small cafes and shops here (incidentally, Girona ranks first in Spain for the number of shops per capita). And on Saturdays, there is a colorful flower market. And at the nearby tourist office, you can pick up a map for a game of treasure hunt, which is great fun for children.
Many visitors to the city know very well that in Girona there is a restaurant of the famous Roca brothers – Celler de Can Roca, which has repeatedly received the title of the best restaurant in the world. True, the waiting list for this establishment has already stretched for 12 months, so it is unlikely that you will be able to get in. But do not be upset – instead, you can go to the restaurant where the Roca brothers themselves do not disdain to dine – Plaça del Vi 7. The restaurant, without any special tricks, has a name similar to the address at which it is located. However, this in no way affects the excellent work of its chefs, ready to offer guests the best Catalan dishes.
After breakfast, you can go to the Onyar River, crossing it on the bridge designed by Eiffel himself. From here you have a beautiful view of the colorful houses lining the river, which have long been famous in Girona. Then you can go to the “new” part of the city. To the right of the bridge rise the neoclassical docks of the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you can also have a snack, sitting under the porticoes.
Cinema lovers should visit the Museu del Cinema, one of the most charming and unique museums in the city. It houses a collection of exhibits that remind us of the best and most beloved films. In the museum, you can learn the history of cinema, starting with the Lumière brothers, admire optical illusions and shadow theater. This museum was opened in 1998 with the personal funds of the Catalan director. The exhibition presents the equipment used to shoot films, including the Lumière brothers’ projector, as well as dozens of photographs and posters.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Roca brothers’ restaurant, it’s highly recommended that you check out the culinary workshop of one of them, Jordi. We’re talking about the Rocambolesc ice cream shop, which attracts with its colorful design and offers the most delicious ice cream in the city, and maybe even in the world.
In the evening, it is worth returning to the Old Town and visiting the El Vermutet bar. From its terrace you can watch the locals drinking their daily vermouth before a hearty dinner. If you have the energy, it is worth visiting the Church of Sant Marti, which was built in the 16th century. It is reached by a high staircase, in the middle of which there is a terrace with a small cafe Le Bistrot. Here you can enjoy an excellent dinner, where Catalan and French cuisine is served. This is a great place to relax and remember the impressions received in one of the most beautiful cities of Catalonia.
