Girona Cathedral

Address:Plaza de la Catedral. 17004 Girona
Telephone:972215814

The overriding impression of Girona’s cathedral is one of sheer size. One of the largest Rococo staircases in Europe (an imposing flight of ninety steps, dating from 1690) leads up to the ornate west facade, built between the XIVth and XVIIIth centuries, its sturdy Gothic bell tower and intricate Baroque high niches combining to create an oddly harmonious whole. A place of worship since Roman times, the first cathedral replaced a Moorish mosque in 1038, and the building evolved over the centuries; most of the current limestone structure dates from the XIVth and XVth centuries, but a few earlier parts survive, including the XIIth century north tower and the Romanesque cloisters.
The scale of the interior is impressive: at just under 23m, this is the broadest Gothic nave in the world, and is second only to the Baroque nave of St Peter’s in Rome (25m). Originally, the intention was to build three naves, but a controversial decision was taken in 1417 to follow the plans of Guillermo Bofill and build just one aisle.The most notable features are the XIV- to XVIth century stained-glass windows, some of the earliest examples in Catalonia, and the XIVth century embossed silver canopy over the high altar with its highly detailed gilded silver reredos.

Highlights of the Museu Capitular, inside the cathedral, are a beautiful Xth century illuminated manuscript of the Beatus and the stunning XIth century Tapís de la Creació (“Tapestry of the Creation”), which originated in Italy; the earliest record of its being in Girona dates from 1538.The XIIth century cloisters are reached through the museum.

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Girona Cathedral stairs

Catedral de Girona

Claustre de la Catedral de Girona

Girona Cathedral Cloister

Fachada de la Catedral de Girona

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