Girona Cathedral
Catalunya
Girona Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Girona and is renowned for having the widest Gothic nave in the world, measuring nearly 23 meters across. The cathedral's construction began in the 11th century in the Romanesque style, with significant Gothic additions in the 13th century. While much of the original Romanesque structure has been replaced, the 12th-century cloister and a bell tower remain as testaments to its early history. The cathedral's Baroque main façade, begun in the early 17th century and completed in the 20th century, features intricate sculptures by local artists. Inside, the single vast Gothic nave is supported by cross vaults and flying buttresses, illuminated by pointed-arch stained glass windows and a large rose window dedicated to St. Michael. Notable interior features include the 11th-century white marble high altar and the Gothic sarcophagus of Berenguer d'Anglesola. The Romanesque cloister is distinguished by its sculpted capitals depicting biblical scenes, animals, and fantastic creatures, crafted by renowned sculptors such as Arnau Cadell. The cathedral treasury houses the famous Tapestry of Creation, an 11th- or early-12th-century masterpiece of Romanesque textile art. Together, these elements make Girona Cathedral a unique architectural and cultural monument, reflecting centuries of religious and artistic evolution.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the cathedral during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially in the morning hours. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to ensure entry and to enjoy guided tours. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. The cathedral also offers virtual tours accessible through its official website for those unable to visit in person.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral's Gothic nave is the widest in the world at nearly 23 meters, surpassing even that of Notre Dame de Paris.
- •The Romanesque cloister contains sculpted capitals by Arnau Cadell, a notable medieval Catalan sculptor.
- •The Tapestry of Creation, housed in the cathedral's museum, is considered one of the most important Romanesque textile artworks in existence.
- •The cathedral's Baroque façade was worked on for over three centuries, with its upper part completed only in 1961.
- •The bell tower named after Charlemagne is one of the oldest parts of the cathedral, dating back to the early 11th century.
History
The site of Girona Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since before the Islamic conquest of Iberia, when a primitive church was converted into a mosque in 717.
After the Frankish reconquest in 785, the church was reconsecrated in 908.
The Romanesque cathedral was constructed mainly between the 11th and 12th centuries, with the bell tower completed in 1117 and the cloister built by 1064.
In the late 13th century, plans for Gothic expansion began, culminating in the construction of the cathedral's vast single nave starting in 1416, which was completed in the 18th century.
The Baroque façade was begun in 1606 and finished in 1961.
Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone various architectural transformations reflecting the evolving styles and religious needs of the community.
Place Guide
Gothic Nave1416-18th century
The cathedral's main nave is a vast, single space with the widest Gothic vault in the world, measuring 22.98 meters in width and soaring 35 meters high. It features cross vaults and flying buttresses that support the structure, creating an awe-inspiring interior space.
Romanesque Cloister12th century
The cloister dates to the 12th century and is notable for its sculpted capitals depicting biblical scenes, fantastic creatures, and vegetal motifs. It also contains tombs of wealthy patrons from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Baroque Façade1606-1961
The cathedral's main façade, begun in 1606 and completed in 1961, features three sculptural orders decorated by local artists from the 1960s. It is preceded by a grand staircase completed in 1607.
Bell Tower of CharlemagneEarly 11th century
Dating from the early 11th century, this square-plan bell tower with six levels is adorned with Lombard bands and double mullioned windows. It is the surviving tower from the original Romanesque church.
Cathedral Treasury and Museum11th-12th century (Tapestry)
The museum houses the celebrated Tapestry of Creation, an 11th- or early-12th-century Romanesque textile masterpiece, as well as other significant artifacts such as paleochristian sarcophagi and medieval manuscripts.
Contact
Phone: 972 42 71 89
