Catedral de Girona (Girona Cathedral), Girona (must see)

A massive grand staircase leads up to the entranceway of the Girona Cathedral, a spectacular cathedral with origins dating to the 11th century. This Roman Catholic church is an impressive structure situated at a high point of the city. The cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona.

Construction took place until the 18th century; the cathedral's design features a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Girona Cathedral is famous for its Gothic nave. With a width of 75 feet, it's the second widest church nave in the world. The interior boasts lovely stained glass windows, rose windows, and an ornate Gothic altarpiece, made of gilded silver and gemstones. There are also several side chapels.

The church's eye-catching bell tower rises prominently above the city's skyline. It boasts a clock and a belfry. Located on the north side is the cathedral's trapezoidal-shaped Romanesque cloister. Dating from the 12th century, it features a courtyard surrounded by beautiful colonnades with double-columned arches.

The cathedral treasury features a museum highlighted by the "Tapestry of Creation," an exceptional piece of needlework depicting biblical scenes. This art piece was handcrafted between the 11th and 12th centuries. There is also an illuminated manuscript from the 10th century called the "Gerona Beatus." One of the museum's oldest pieces is the gilded silver casket of Hisham II, dating from the 10th century.

The Girona Cathedral offers regular worship services that include daily Mass. This stone structure is a must-see historical landmark on your tour around the old town area of Girona.