Enjoy the best views of Girona from its historical viewpoint, the City Walls! Find out the best viewpoints, access points and photo spots!
Girona is a small (and gorgeous) city located 100km (60 miles) from Barcelona. Well-communicated, with many remarkable historical buildings (such as its Cathedral), and one of the most well-conserved Jewish Quarters in the world. Oh, and did you know that Girona’s City Walls have the best view over the city?
Explore Girona with your camera!
Discover Girona’s best photo spots here! (City Walls included)
Its size makes it ideal for a base location if the Pyrenees and Costa Brava are on your radar, as it has all the comfort of a medium-sized city (100.000 inhabitants), or even for a day trip from Barcelona, thanks to the high-speed trains that in only 40 minutes communicates the two cities.
10 one-day trips from Girona
Find out the best ones here! Lakes, castles, medieval cities…
Why visit the Girona City Walls?
After a long day exploring the city and its old town narrow streets, if you have some energy left and you want to get the best views over Girona, head to the City Walls.
Girona City Walls are the first sunset spot that most locals will recommend when you first ask them. As someone born and raised there, I promise it is true! Besides the views, it is also a typical place to meet with friends, have a date or just relax after a hard day. The tallest tower is close to the University of Girona old town campus and it is common to see students taking a break or relaxing in the surroundings.
Not only the views are impressive, but the historical value of the walls should not be underrated. The City Walls were built during ancient roman times, back when Girona was known as Gerunda. Some remains of the original walls built by the Romans can still be found close to the Cathedral, under the so-called Portal de Sobreportes, one of the old city accesses.
If you are not convinced to visit the Girona City Walls yet, maybe the photo below can do it!
How to get to the City Walls?
The Girona City Walls surround part of the old city, from the Cathedral to one of Girona’s most emblematic squares, Plaça Catalunya. Its most characteristic feature is that they are walkable and free.
Overall, Girona’s Old Town is walkable and car-free. Thus, the best way to get to the Girona city walls is on foot.
Walking from one end to the other (exact locations below), will take you around 30 minutes at a relaxed speed. If you stop at any of the multiple towers to admire the views, which is highly recommended, it will take you a bit more time.
Girona City Walls accesses
There are three main accesses to the City Walls, one at each end and one at the highest point of the city.
Jardins dels Alemanys
Besides being one of the most beautiful gardens in Girona, it is also the main access point to the City Walls. Els Jardins dels Alemanys (German Gardens in English) are located behind the city Cathedral, in the heart of the old town, and next to the Jardins de la Francesa (French Gardens). From there it is possible to access the oldest end of the City Walls.
Inside the gardens, you will find the last standing walkable tower, from where you can start the city walls route. This tower appears as Muralles de Girona in Google Maps, so it is impossible to get lost!
University of Girona
The second access to the City Walls is near its highest point. This access is very useful if you don’t want to walk until Plaça Catalunya, and you just want to do the classic old town section. Moreover, this is the fastest way to my favourite viewpoint over Girona (more on that below).
As mentioned earlier, this access is very close to the University of Girona old town campus (known as Les Àguiles). Go to this exact spot and you will see a metallic staircase that connects the walls with the city.
This is the only entrance that has a parking lot nearby. However, it is a bit far away from the other attractions of the city. Girona is a city to be discovered on foot, it has a perfect size and is warm and welcoming.
Plaça Catalunya
The third and last main access to the City Walls is in Plaça Catalunya. One of the busiest squares in Girona and the entry door to the old town. To be 100% accurate, this access is at the so-called Jardí de la Infància.
It is impossible to miss it, as it is the place where the City Walls abruptly finish. This part has a lot of stairs at the beginning. Nonetheless, the views are well worth the effort.
Best viewpoints and photo spots
The Girona City Walls have a non-stop amazing view over the city. No matter where you are, you will be able to see the Cathedral. However, there are two main towers that offer slightly different views, and in my opinion, the best ones.
Torre del Llamp/o del Telègraf
Llamp means Lightning in Catalan. But what will strike you at the viewing area of this tower are the views over the Cathedral. It is the closest you will get to the Cathedral during the walk, and it is a really nice place to see the sunset and get a fantastic photo of one of the main tourist attractions of the city.
If you want to enjoy the sunset, this last tower is my personal recommendation. Moreover, if you are lucky and visit the city on the last night of its festivities, this is THE place to go to fully enjoy the firework display that announces the end of the festivities. Be there early, as it is a well-known spot among locals!
Torre de Sant Domènec
This is the highest viewpoint over Girona. In my opinion, it is the best way to understand how the city is organized, not only the old town but also the rest of the neighbourhoods.
The Cathedral is on the right-hand side, and from right to left you can see how the city expanded, from old to new. From there you can also see how large la Devesa is (the forest area immediately left to the Cathedral).
If you only want to get this view, get to the Girona City Walls using the University of Girona access (see above).
Got any Girona City Walls questions? Send me a DM on Instagram (@aniolvisuals) or through the contact form here! Make sure to check the recommended Catalonia guides below if you are visiting the area!