Girona Cathedral, much more than what you saw in Game of Thrones
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you already know that Girona Cathedral was chosen to represent the Great Sept of Baelor, the most important religious building in the series.
Both at the foot of the cathedral and inside, some of the show’s most crucial moments were filmed: from the execution of Eddard Stark in the first season to the epic finale we saw in the sixth season.
But what you might not know is that Girona Cathedral hides many more secrets.
Pay attention, because if you’re a history lover (or a Game of Thrones fanatic), you’re going to love this article.
Girona Cathedral: history and curiosities
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona (its full name) is the great living witness to the city’s history.
Its full construction took seven centuries, from the 11th to the 18th century, and this is reflected in the mix of architectural styles that make it up.
Let’s dive into its history.
Origin of the cathedral
Girona Cathedral is considered one of the oldest Gothic buildings.
Its origins are turbulent: born as a Christian temple in Roman times and later converted into a mosque, it was reconsecrated as a church in the year 908 and received its current name.
By the 11th century, after all these changes, the building was in ruins.
At that time, restoration and expansion works began, starting in the Romanesque style and culminating seven centuries later with its Baroque façade.
Over this period, a bell tower was added, the interior was expanded, and the central nave was designed.
The interior of Girona Cathedral
The interior scenes of the Great Sept of Baelor wouldn’t have been the same if the original plan for the cathedral—three naves—had been followed.
But it was architect Guillem Bofill who—after discussions that lasted 50 years—managed to impose the daring design of a single nave, 22.98 meters wide.
As we explain during our guided tour of the cathedral, Saint Mary of Girona became the cathedral with the widest Gothic nave in the world, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
The façade and exterior of the cathedral
The main façade began construction in 1606 in the Baroque style.
But it wasn’t officially declared finished until four centuries later, in 1960.
This explains the transition between Baroque and Classicist styles that can be seen across its three tiers.
The steps of Girona Cathedral
We can’t skip mentioning the cathedral’s imposing staircase, made up of a total of 90 steps (which must have felt endless for Cersei during her walk of atonement).
These steps, built in 1607, are among the largest in the Baroque style.
A curious Game of Thrones filming fact: to prevent Jaime Lannister’s horse from slipping while climbing them in season six, the steps were covered with plenty of water and sugar.
Visiting Girona Cathedral: opening hours and tickets
After all this, you’re probably eager to learn more about this Girona landmark.
Opening hours for Girona Cathedral are as follows:
- April–June and September–October: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
- July–August: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
- November–March: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Admission costs €7 per person, with proceeds going toward the cathedral’s restoration and maintenance works.
Keep in mind that it’s an active place of worship, so on religious holidays (January 1 and 6, Good Friday, and December 25) tourist visits are not allowed.
Also, if you visit on a Sunday, you won’t be able to access the central nave, where mass is held.
We recommend that you don’t just marvel at the cathedral’s interior. The Baroque façade, gargoyles, and windows make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Among the most photographed elements is the “cathedral witch,” the only human gargoyle on the building. Legend has it she was a woman who practiced witchcraft and used to throw stones at the clergy.
Can you spot her? (Hint: she’s near Charlemagne…)
Want to uncover all of Girona Cathedral’s secrets?
These are just a few glimpses of what the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona has to offer.
If you want to know more about its history, artworks, and hidden treasures, we recommend joining one of our guided cathedral tours, which include:
- A tour inside the cathedral.
- A visit to the cloister and museum.
- The history of the Creation Tapestry, one of the most important Romanesque textile works.
And if you’d like to walk through the streets of King’s Landing, Braavos, and learn all the behind-the-scenes secrets of the series, we also have a special Game of Thrones tour.
To book one of these tours, you can contact us by filling out the following form.