After exploring some of Catalonia‘s most iconic spots, today we delve into one of the most majestic symbols of Catalan Gothic architecture: Girona Cathedral. Perched high above the old town, this imposing building dominates the skyline and holds centuries of history, art, and mysteries waiting to be discovered.
Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Girona has become a veritable architectural palimpsest, where Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements coexist. Its monumental staircase, its Gothic nave—the widest of its kind in the world—and its sculptural façade have fascinated visitors and scholars alike. Yet beyond its visual grandeur, the cathedral conceals unusual stories, popular legends and architectural details that are not always evident at first glance.
In this article, we reveal some of the curiosities and best-kept secrets of Girona Cathedral. A different kind of visit, designed for those who want to see this extraordinary monument with new eyes. Reach Girona with the shared transfer services and private transfer services offered by Shuttle2Sun, which are low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Widest Gothic Nave in the World
One of the most impressive features of Girona Cathedral is undoubtedly its central nave. With a width of 22.98 metres, it is the widest Gothic nave in the world, surpassing even renowned European landmarks such as Reims Cathedral and Notre-Dame de Paris. This fact makes Girona Cathedral a true architectural rarity, the result of a bold decision by the master builders of the 14th century, who abandoned the traditional three-aisle layout in favour of a single vast space.
This decision was not without technical challenges. To achieve the stability of such a large volume without resorting to central pillars, it was necessary to apply innovative solutions in terms of vaults and buttresses. The result was a light but robust structure, combining the typical verticality of Gothic architecture with a spaciousness that allows natural light to enter and enhances the solemnity of the space.
The Widest Vault in Spain
If the central nave of Girona Cathedral is impressive for its dimensions, its vault is no less so. With a span of almost 23 metres, it is the widest Gothic ribbed vault ever built in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. This architectural feat rises above an open and majestic space which, with no columns to interrupt the view, creates an absolutely breathtaking feeling of spaciousness and elevation.
With Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services, you can travel to Girona and Costa Brava from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
A Monumental and Cinematic Staircase
Approaching Girona Cathedral is an awe-inspiring experience. The majestic Baroque staircase, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, is one of the most emblematic features of the complex. It consists of 90 steps spread over three flights, bridging the gap between the square and the main entrance to the temple.
Beyond its architectural value, this staircase has become famous in popular culture. It has been the setting for processions, traditional celebrations and, in recent times, internationally renowned audiovisual productions such as the series Game of Thrones.
The Witch of the Cathedral: Between Myth and Warning
On one of the buttresses of Girona Cathedral there is a very unusual gargoyle: it does not represent a fantastic animal or a monstrous figure, as is usually the case, but a woman with a contorted face. Popular tradition identifies this sculpture with the well-known ‘witch of the Cathedral’, the protagonist of a legend that has endured for centuries among the inhabitants of the city.
According to the story, she was an irreverent, blasphemous woman who hurled stones at the cathedral during religious celebrations. As punishment for her disrespect towards the sacred, one day she was turned to stone by divine punishment, remaining petrified for eternity in the form of a gargoyle, forced to spit rainwater in place of ungodly words.
A Bust Reminiscent of Dalí… before Dalí
Among the many curious details hidden in Girona Cathedral, one of the most talked about is a bust that is striking for its amazing resemblance to Salvador Dalí. This stone face, with a thin moustache and haughty expression, has become one of the most photographed curiosities by attentive visitors. What is truly unusual is that this figure predates the birth of the famous artist from Empordà, which has led more than one person to wonder whether it is a simple coincidence or a mysterious sculptural premonition.
The Angel that Watches over Girona from above
Atop of the bell tower of Girona Cathedral stands a copper weather vane known as ‘the angel’, installed in 1968 by the sculptor Ramón María Carrera. Although popularly called an angel, the original figure from 1746 represented ‘Faith’, blindfolded. After losing its head during the Napoleonic sieges, however, it came to be identified as a winged angel pointing in the direction of the wind. This emblematic sculpture, which crowns the tower and holds a cross, symbolises the spiritual protection of the city and its history.
The Tapestry of Creation: An Embroidered Cosmos
The Tapestry of Creation is a masterpiece of Romanesque art dating from the late 11th or early 12th century. Preserved in the Girona Cathedral Museum, this wool- and linen-embroidered piece depicts a cosmological vision of the medieval world. Although its original function is uncertain, some historians suggest that it may have served as a liturgical carpet or ceremonial hanging. Its style and theme make it one of the most unique treasures of European medieval heritage.
Girona Cathedral, with its remarkable secrets and distinctive features, invites discovery of a historical and artistic legacy that continues to fascinate visitors and experts alike. Remember that Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, which are low-cost and sustainable, allow you to reach Girona from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and the Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
