Medieval Girona: Hidden Tales (Licensed Guide)

Explore Girona’s Hidden Stories on a 1.5-Hour Guided Tour

This Medieval Girona: Hidden Tales tour offers a captivating chance to uncover the city’s lesser-known stories and historic sites in just 1.5 hours. Led by a licensed local guide with over 30 years of experience, this walking tour takes visitors through the charming old town, revealing its secret corners, ancient traditions, and legendary symbols. The tour departs from Plaça de Sant Feliu and features exclusive access to historic sites that only licensed guides can visit, such as the Arab baths and the Cathedral’s cloister.

Designed for those who enjoy cultural exploration at a comfortable pace, this tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Cathedral, with its oldest stained glass window in Catalonia, and the Jewish Quarter, where stories of Sephardic Jews and mysticism await. With a small group limited to 10 participants, the experience remains intimate, informative, and engaging. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a concise yet enriching glimpse into Girona’s medieval past, with options for audio guides in English, Russian, and Spanish.

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours guided walking tour of Girona’s old town
• Highlights: Girona Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Arab baths, historic sarcophagi, and the Tapestry of the Creation
• Guide: Licensed local guide with over 30 years’ experience
• Group Size: Small groups limited to 10 participants
• Languages: Tours available in English, Russian, and Spanish
• Includes: Skip-the-line access to certain historic sites and an audio guide option

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Discovering Girona’s Old Town and Its Ancient Streets

The tour begins at Plaça de Sant Feliu, where the local licensed guide greets the group with enthusiasm and knowledge. As you stroll through the romantic, cobbled streets of the Barri Vell, the guide shares stories of Roman legionaries, Sephardic Jews, and Napoleonic soldiers who once walked these same paths. The pace is comfortable, making it easy to absorb Girona’s atmosphere while listening to legends and historical anecdotes that range from amusing to tragic.

Walking through this medieval old town, travelers get a true sense of Girona’s layered history. The guide’s commentary emphasizes how this area has served as a backdrop for various civilizations, each leaving behind stories etched into its stones. The tour then returns to the Plaça de Sant Feliu, completing the loop after about 1.5 hours of exploration.

Visiting the Girona Cathedral and Its Remarkable Features

The Girona Cathedral stands as a highlight of the tour, celebrated for its Guinness World Record-holding size as one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Inside, the guide points out the oldest stained glass window in Catalonia, a rare find discovered during recent restoration efforts. This window has remained hidden for centuries in a quiet corner of the cloister, making it a special sight for visitors interested in medieval craftsmanship.

The Cathedral’s architecture and history are woven into the narration, offering insights into how it has stood as a symbol of Girona’s resilience. The cloister, adorned with carved biblical scenes on the stone capitals, acts as a visual “book” written in stone, telling stories from the Bible with remarkable detail. The guide highlights how Girona’s local stonemasons of the 12th century created these enduring works, showcasing the city’s long-standing sculptural tradition.

Exploring the Jewish Quarter’s Mystical Past

A key part of the tour is the walk through the Jewish Quarter, known locally as the Call. Here, tight cobbled streets and tiny courtyards reveal traces of mezzuzahs on doorways and the complex history of Sephardic Jews in Girona. The guide explains why Jews faced persecution, where the first Kabbalah school on the Iberian Peninsula was founded, and what happened during the period of forced conversions.

Visitors can choose to include a visit to the Museum of Jewish History, which provides a deeper understanding of Girona’s Jewish community, their traditions, and their tragic history. The tour emphasizes the mystical and cultural significance of this neighborhood, which remains a vital part of Girona’s heritage.

Arab Baths and Medieval Spas

One of the tour’s unique stops is the Arab Baths, where visitors learn how medieval “spas” were designed for relaxation and hygiene. The guide describes the layout and purpose of these 8th-century baths, which reflect the Islamic influence on Girona during medieval times. Visitors see the stone-lined pools and arches, gaining insight into the importance of wellness and architecture during that era.

This stop offers a glimpse into daily life in medieval Girona, highlighting how public baths served both social and health functions. The Arab Baths remain a well-preserved example of Moorish design, adding an extra layer of historical interest to the tour.

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The Secrets of the Tapestry of the Creation

A remarkable highlight is the “Creation of the World” Tapestry, dating from the 11th century. This textile masterpiece depicts biblical scenes with rich symbolism and hidden meanings. The guide explains how, a thousand years ago, people visualized the divine as an all-powerful superhero, comparing Christ’s figure in the tapestry with Hercules.

This tapestry is unlike anything else in the world, and its detailed craftsmanship gives insight into medieval understanding of cosmology and religion. It’s displayed in a quiet corner of the cathedral’s cloister, allowing visitors to appreciate its artistry up close.

The Bible in Stone and Gironese Sculptural Art

The Cathedral’s cloister features carved capitals illustrating biblical scenes, often called the “Bible in Stone.” These carvings serve as a stone-based storytelling medium, crafted by Girona’s 12th-century stonemasons. The guide emphasizes how Girona’s sculptors created a “stone book,” making the cloister a living museum of biblical narrative.

These detailed carvings provide a visual history lesson, revealing the religious and artistic priorities of Girona during the medieval period. The guide’s insights help visitors interpret the symbolism embedded in this impressive stonework.

Mysticism and Legends of Girona’s Landmarks

Throughout the tour, stories of local legends and mystical traditions bring Girona’s history to life. For example, the most beloved church in Girona is associated with legends of magical flies that appeared and with the martyrdom of Girona’s first Christian. These tales add a layer of enchantment to the visit, making history more engaging and memorable.

The tour’s storytelling style emphasizes Girona’s mystical side, connecting legends to tangible sites, and enhancing the overall experience with local folklore.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour departs from the Konig bar, where the guide shares her photo via WhatsApp for easy identification. The group size is limited to 10, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience. The duration is 1.5 hours, with a safety briefing included before starting the walk through narrow, cobbled streets.

The tour is available in English, Russian, and Spanish, with an audio guide included for added convenience. Participants need comfortable shoes, as walking involves some uneven surfaces. The tour is not suitable for children under 11, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or people over 95.

Additional Information and Booking Flexibility

Visitors can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travel plans. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. The small group format enhances interaction with the guide, making it a more intimate and engaging experience.

The guide, licensed in both Barcelona and Girona, brings a wealth of local knowledge to each stop, enriching the visit with detailed historical context and storytelling.

Final Thoughts on Girona’s Hidden Tales Tour

The Medieval Girona: Hidden Tales tour offers a succinct yet immersive look into the city’s medieval secrets and legends. Its focus on key sites like the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Arab baths, and the Tapestry of the Creation makes it ideal for visitors who want a well-rounded, informative experience in a short time.

While the tour is limited to 1.5 hours, it packs in enough highlights to leave a meaningful impression of Girona’s history and mysticism. The small group size, licensed guide, and multilingual options make it accessible and engaging.

This tour suits travelers interested in history, architecture, and legends, especially those who appreciate detailed storytelling and exclusive access to historic sites. Visitors should be prepared for walking through cobbled streets and wear comfortable shoes, but the experience promises a genuine slice of Girona’s medieval past.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours, covering key sites and stories in Girona’s old town.

What languages are available for this tour?
Guides operate in English, Russian, and Spanish, with an included audio guide for each language.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 11 years old and is also not accessible for wheelchair users or babies under 1 year.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Konig bar in Girona, with the guide sharing her photo via WhatsApp for identification.

Can I cancel the tour for a full refund?
Yes, cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
This tour emphasizes hidden stories and sites that are accessible only with a licensed guide, such as the Arab baths and the cathedral’s secret stained glass window. It also features a unique Tapestry of the Creation, making it a rich, detailed overview of Girona’s medieval past.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby