After breakfast we took the Metro to Passeig de Gracia and boarded a Renfe MD (Media Distance) train to Girona. These trains are very comfortable and it took just 75 minutes to reach Girona’s station in the new town. We picked up a map as we were leaving the station and wandered towards the old town. In one of the squares there was a wall building competition taking place which seemed to be attracting much interest.
We watched awhile and then continued on our way, crossing one of the bridges over the River Onyar to the delightful old town Barri Vell. The view from the bridge was picture perfect, rows of brightly coloured houses line the river which reflected the light beautifully. Crossing the bridge, we found ourselves in the old town with its polished cobblestone lanes, the main thoroughfare ((Rambla de La Libertat) was festooned with flags and was home to the usual mix of small shops, cafes and bars.
We passed a couple of hours strolling around the maze of narrow lanes, stopping off for drinks in the Independence Square (Placa Indepencia) which was hosting a Saturday local produce market. The square had ample seating which was shaded from the sun by large trees. A sign informed us that the square had been dedicated to troops who fought in the Spanish War in 1808-09.
After our short rest, we continued on up steep, winding lanes to the cathedral and climbed the long stone staircase to its grand entrance. From there, we followed the path (Passeig de la Muralla) along the Roman city walls.
These fortified walls are well maintained, narrow and feature watchtowers at regular intervals which are now used as viewpoints. Walking along the walls it was very quiet with few other people around. Far reaching views of the surrounding countryside and hills were gorgeous, especially with the autumnal tints from the trees. It’s free to walk along the walls, the entire circuit taking approximately one hour.
Our walk passed the University of Girona, the Jardins de La Francesca and the Esglesia de San Feliu. Returning down to the old town we enjoyed a delicious meal sitting out on the terrace of one of the restaurants on Rambla de La Libertat. We then returned to Barcelona by train having really enjoyed our day in Girona and would definitely be happy to return in the future.
Later in the evening we took the tram to Port Vell (The Marina) and walked along the seafront, along Rambla de Mar which connects Port Vell to La Rambla. Along here is the huge Maremagnum Mall, housing a cinema, IMAX, shops and restaurants. We ended the day by having supper at one of the cafes in this complex, sitting out on the terrace by the marina.
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