While looking up things to do in Barcelona, I toyed upon the idea of embarking on a day trip to see other towns outside of the bustling metropolis. I brought it up to my travelling companions Vanessa and KC, to which they responded gladly and affirmatively. Thus we embarked.
About 40 minutes northeast of Barcelona by train lies the quaint medieval city of Girona. The main reason it came under my radar was because of Game of Thrones, a show of which I am big fan of, and incidentally so is KC. Girona was a major filming location of the show’s sixth season. That was enough for us to decide that the excursion was of an utmost necessity. Knowing very little about the old town, we went about wandering on foot following a self-guided GOT-themed tour I found on the internet. I’d have liked to share it here but I can no longer find the link. Regardless, there’s plenty of other guides out there for your perusal (you know – for when the pandemic ceases to screw all our life plans up).
As we exited the railway station, the facade that greeted us was anything but remarkable. A wide expanse of concrete that made for what I can only assume a major thoroughfare followed by an empty parking lot. From where we were standing, I could see a small city that’s every bit as commercial as its larger counterparts. I started to wonder whether the trouble was worth it. We walked to the direction of Pont de Pedra, a neoclassical stone bridge traversing the River Onyar. It was to be the starting point of our walking tour. A short distance parallel to the bridge is another bridge called Pont de les Peixateries Velles. It felt imperative for me to mention the historical importance of this bridge because the architect who designed it was none other than Gustave Eiffel, the same Eiffel of the iconic tower in Paris. Girona has started to feel promising.
The deeper we went into the old town, the older in time we were transported. Medieval places are fascinating. The history etched in each cobblestone sets a reminder that there were men before us and there will still be long after we are gone. It makes one wonder what kind of footprint we are leaving for the humans of the future. Frankly, I don’t feel optimistic.
Depicted in Game of Thrones as the city of Braavos, we went around the old town in search for traces of Arya Stark in baroque staircases, obscure alleys, deserted plazas, mystical abbeys and centuries old Romanesque Arab baths. Valar Morghulis!
But perhaps the most striking piece of architecture in all of town was the iconic Cathedral of Girona. We were downright starstruck by the towering magnificence of GOT’s Great Sept of Baelor. It was definitely the perfect location for one of the show’s most important scenes – Jamie Lannister’s showdown with the high sparrow to prevent Queen Margaery’s walk of atonement (Cercei’s walk was in Dubrovnik!). We were so beguiled by the sight in front of us we felt it was only right to take a moment to raise a glass. Though truth be told, any excuse to have a drink is always accommodated.
Bon. We headed back to Barcelona after several hours of walking. Our time in Girona was rather curt so don’t be surprised if I end this narrative just as curtly. Adéu!
And now for some outtakes…
