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Girona

In Autumn 2012 I visited Girona, a catalan town, North of Barcelona. I´d actually been there before on a very quick visit but didn´t get to see much of the place. This time I would be staying for a weekend and hope to see it in more detail.

Pan amb tomaquet – Bread with tomatoes & olive oli

I was happy to find lots of historic buildings, wonderful tiny streets and delicious food in this town. It´s a fabulous place for a weekend break or for a day trip from Barcelona (just 100 kms away). Tomato bread (picture above) is typical on any Catalan table. The local rustic bread pan de pagés is so wonderful, it´s easy to spoil your meal filling up on this yummy bread alone.

While I was there I took time to catch up with some of my friends who live in the area. They cooked this Fideua (photo above) for Sunday lunch. The dish made of fresh seafood, mussels and noodles was carefully prepared for a hearty family feast. That evening we went to see a renactment of the siege of Girona dating back to the 1809. (photo courtesy of Global grasshopper )

Global Grasshopper Photo of French battle at Girona

This was a very noisy affair with cannon fire and sword fighting between the french troops and locals. The Gironenses fighting to protect their city. Another Catalan tradition that I got to see that weekend was Castellers (Human castles). I have written a  post with video of the amazing feat. These Human towers are often performed at festivals around Catalonia. You can find them almost all year round.

The Church of Sant Feliu pictured above and the ancient Cathedral as worth seeking out when you visit. As well as the coloured houses on the river Onyar. At the end of January Girona celebrates GIRONA 10 which is a cultural festival with discounted prices in many restaurants and events.

Girona streets

A nighttime walk through the old quarter has quite a mysterious and magical feel to it. I found a restaurant to have dinner. Creperie Bretonne. It had a retro decoration throughout with old vintage adverts hanging on its walls and this bus inside.

The french influence is clear in Girona. For several years from 1809 the town was under French rule. The geographical location of Girona clearly influences it´s cuisine as well as it´s history. We had a tangy Breton cider to with our delicious savoury crepes.

I was pleasantly surprised by the cultural offer and the beauty of Girona. I didn´t expect there to be so much to see and do. My weekend was pretty busy indeed.

See my other postcards from my travels around Spain

• A postcard from Barcelona
• A postcard from Malaga
• A postcard from Valencia