Girona Cathedral - Girona Cathedral during sunset
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Girona Cathedral

4.6
·21k reviews·Girona, Spain

A breathtaking Gothic cathedral with the world's widest nave, famous for its Game of Thrones filming location.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Girona Cathedral - Girona Cathedral during sunset

Girona Cathedral

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking Gothic cathedral with the world's widest nave, famous for its Game of Thrones filming location.

4.6
(21k reviews)

"Don’t walk, run to this iconic Cathedral. The steps are wonderful to sit and people watch."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture GOT Magic

Recreate iconic Game of Thrones scenes on the grand steps!

🎟️ Smart Ticket Purchase

Get a 3-in-1 ticket for great value, including the Basilica.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Gothic Nave

The Grand Gothic Nave

Interior

Marvel at the world's widest Gothic nave, a breathtaking feat of medieval architecture.

Game of Thrones Steps

Game of Thrones Steps

Exterior Staircase

Recreate iconic 'Walk of Shame' scenes from Game of Thrones on these majestic steps.

Romanesque Cloisters

Romanesque Cloisters

North Side

Find a peaceful escape in the serene Romanesque cloisters and gardens.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Game of Thrones Vibes

Girona Cathedral is a major Game of Thrones filming location, drawing fans. To experience its grandeur and soak in the atmosphere without overwhelming crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend surges.

Ticket Bundles for Value

A '3-in-1' ticket or a combined ticket for the Cathedral and Basilica offers excellent value, often including an audio guide. Purchasing this at the tourism office can streamline your visit and ensure you don't miss out on key information.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Popular for GOT fans, can be busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I hope this reaches the right audience #gameofthrones #got #lannister #cerseiswalkofshame #girona #spain
@ayse_party
83.9K likes • 510.6K views

📸 Capture GOT Magic

Recreate iconic Game of Thrones scenes on the grand steps! TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Smart Ticket Purchase

Get a 3-in-1 ticket for great value, including the Basilica. Reddit

El pilar de 4 dels Marrecs de Salt pujant per l'escalinata de la Catedral de Girona el passat 1 de novembre. #castellers #catalunyatiktok #catalunya #castells #humantower #catalunyaexperience #unesco #girona #catedraldegirona #marrecsdesalt
@elmoncastellercat
14.3K likes • 286.3K views
The Great Sept of Baelor, only, without the wildfire. If you’ve ever hoped to visit an epic Game of Thrones filming location, this site should definitely be on your bucket list. 💫 In real life, this formidable building is known as the Girona Cathedral. Built in the 11th century, it hosts the world’s widest Gothic nave. I loved everything about my visit here, from playing dress-up on its grand sta...
jordangassner
0 likes • 3.7K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Cloisters

Don't miss the peaceful Romanesque cloisters and gardens. Reddit

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

Enhance your visit with the detailed audio tour for historical context. Reddit

🏰 “The Seven Kingdoms may be fiction, but this cathedral is real magic.” Discover Girona Cathedral – a Game of Thrones filming location just 45 minutes from Empuriabrava! ✨ Why this cathedral will steal your throne: • GOT Legacy: Stand where Cersei’s infamous “Walk of Shame” was filmed (Great Sept of Baelor scenes, Season 6). • Architectural Drama: 90 steps lead to its Gothic nave – the widest in...
muga_apartments
8 likes • 390 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture GOT Magic

Recreate iconic Game of Thrones scenes on the grand steps! TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Smart Ticket Purchase

Get a 3-in-1 ticket for great value, including the Basilica. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Cloisters

Don't miss the peaceful Romanesque cloisters and gardens. Reddit

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

Enhance your visit with the detailed audio tour for historical context. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

Lots of walking and climbing stairs, wear comfy shoes! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(21k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Girona Cathedral for its stunning architecture, particularly its record-breaking Gothic nave, and its iconic status as a Game of Thrones filming location. The grand staircase and the peaceful cloisters are frequently highlighted as favorite spots. While the entrance fee is considered reasonable for the experience, some visitors have noted issues with audio guide availability.

"Don’t walk run to this iconic Cathedral. The steps are wonderful to sit and people watch and soak in the Game of Thrones feeling. Inside is grand. The cloisters in the garden are lovely to sit and cool off. I bought the 3 in 1 ticket so no need to line up… go to the tourism office in Girona first. They are so helpful. Quite wonderful."

Sheree Secrett

"800 years in the making, and well worth a visit.
At only €7.50 for the Cathedral and the Basilica down the road, it very fairly priced.
There is an audio tour which is detailed and insightful, and provides good context to the building.
Overall, it’s a highly impressive, historic must visit in Girona!
Don’t forget to walk around the beautiful gardens just to the north."

Austen Urry

"This was a truly moving experience.

From the moment you stand at the bottom of the steps and look up it's magnificent.

€7.50 entry for an adult and it include the basilica across the road which is amazing value for money.

Only downside was they didn't give us the audio guide that supposedly comes with entry fee. This didn't detract but would have been nice.

When you step inside and look up you can't help but be awed by the view. There are so many chapels inside and they truly need to be seen to be fully appreciated.

I can't think of why you'd visit Girona and not come here.

Game of Thrones fans may also recognise this cathedral and it's step as the "shame" scene in series 6."

Adam Sinclair

What People Like

Impressive Gothic nave
Game of Thrones filming site
Beautiful cloisters

What People Dislike

Audio guide issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Girona Airport (GRO), you can take a taxi directly to the cathedral, which is about a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the city center and then walk or take a local bus to the cathedral. Taxis can be around €30, so consider this if you're on a budget. Reddit

Yes, Girona Cathedral is very accessible from Barcelona. High-speed trains run frequently from Barcelona Sants station to Girona, taking only about 40 minutes. From Girona train station, it's a pleasant walk or a short taxi/bus ride to the cathedral. TikTok+1

Girona's historic center, where the cathedral is located, is very walkable. Many visitors explore on foot after arriving by train or bus. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the charming streets and the cathedral's steps. TikTok

Parking near Girona Cathedral can be challenging due to its central location in the old town. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a designated public parking garage on the outskirts of the old town and walk. TikTok

Yes, local buses operate within Girona and can take you close to the cathedral. However, given the compact nature of the historic center, walking is often the most enjoyable and efficient way to reach it from most parts of the city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Girona Cathedral typically costs around €7.50 for adults, which often includes access to the Basilica and sometimes an audio guide. Combined tickets offering access to multiple sites are also available and provide good value. Reddit

While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak season or for specific tours, is advisable to avoid queues. You can often buy tickets at the tourism office or directly at the cathedral entrance. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the cathedral is open from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the local tourism office for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays. TikTok

As a place of worship, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting Girona Cathedral. Shoulders and knees should ideally be covered. While not strictly enforced for tourists, it's a good practice to follow. TikTok

Often, the ticket price for Girona Cathedral includes an audio guide, which provides detailed historical context and insights into the architecture. It's highly recommended to use it to fully appreciate the site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The grand Baroque staircase leading to Girona Cathedral is famous worldwide as a filming location for Game of Thrones, specifically for Cersei Lannister's 'Walk of Shame' scene. It's a popular spot for photos and soaking in the show's atmosphere. TikTokInstagram+1

Girona Cathedral showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Construction began in the 11th century in Romanesque style, but it was later expanded and completed in the Gothic style, most notably featuring its impressive Gothic nave. TikTokInstagram

Girona Cathedral boasts the world's widest Gothic nave, measuring an astonishing 22 meters (72 feet) across. This architectural marvel creates a vast, awe-inspiring interior space that is a highlight for many visitors. TikTokInstagram

Occasionally, Girona Cathedral hosts cultural events, concerts, and even traditional Catalan human tower performances (castellers) on its steps, especially during local festivals. These events add a unique dimension to the visitor experience. TikTok

Adjacent to the cathedral, you can explore beautiful gardens and cloisters, offering a tranquil respite. These areas provide lovely views of the cathedral's architecture and are perfect for a moment of quiet reflection. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand staircase is iconic for Game of Thrones fans. For architectural shots, frame the facade from the plaza below. Inside, capture the scale of the nave and the details of the chapels. The cloisters also offer beautiful, serene photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Photography is generally allowed inside Girona Cathedral, but it's important to be respectful. Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artwork and maintain the solemn atmosphere. Always check for any specific signage. TikTok

For exterior shots, early morning or late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hues. The steps can be less crowded in the early morning. Inside, diffused light from the windows can create dramatic effects, especially in the nave. TikTok

Absolutely! The main staircase is the prime spot to recreate iconic Game of Thrones scenes. You can also find vantage points that mimic camera angles used in the show, especially around the plaza. TikTokInstagram

For interior shots, use a wider aperture to let in more light and a higher ISO if needed. A tripod can be helpful for stability in low light, but be mindful of any restrictions. Capturing the vastness of the nave requires a wide-angle lens. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Girona Cathedral offers a mix of historical wonder and pop culture appeal that can engage families. The grand staircase, famous from Game of Thrones, is a fun spot for kids to imagine epic scenes. TikTok The sheer size of the Gothic nave can also be impressive for younger visitors. TikTok Consider purchasing the combined ticket which includes an audio guide, as it can make the history more accessible and engaging for children. Reddit

While the cathedral itself is a significant site, exploring the surrounding city offers more for families. The colorful houses along the Onyar River are visually stimulating, and walking along the city walls provides a sense of adventure. Instagram Pack snacks and water, as exploring can involve a lot of walking and climbing stairs. TikTok

🎬 Game of Thrones Enthusiasts

For Game of Thrones fans, Girona Cathedral is an absolute must-visit. The iconic Baroque staircase is instantly recognizable as the setting for Cersei Lannister's 'Walk of Shame.' TikTokInstagram You can stand where the scenes were filmed and capture memorable photos. The cathedral's exterior and interior were used to depict the Great Sept of Baelor, adding to its significance for the series. Instagram+1

Beyond the steps, take time to appreciate the cathedral's actual historical and architectural grandeur. The impressive Gothic nave and the Romanesque cloisters offer a deeper understanding of the site's importance, even beyond its on-screen fame. Instagram Many visitors find that the real-life beauty of the cathedral enhances their appreciation of its role in the show. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

Girona Cathedral offers excellent value, especially with combined ticket options. The €7.50 ticket often includes entry to the Basilica and an audio guide, providing a comprehensive experience without breaking the bank. Reddit Visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours can help avoid potential price increases or crowded conditions. TikTok

Getting to Girona from Barcelona via high-speed train is also relatively affordable, especially if booked in advance. TikTok Once in Girona, the city center is highly walkable, saving on local transportation costs. TikTok Consider packing your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at tourist-heavy spots near the cathedral. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Game of Thrones Connection

Girona Cathedral gained significant international fame as a filming location for the hit HBO series, Game of Thrones. The imposing Baroque staircase leading up to the cathedral served as the setting for the dramatic 'Walk of Shame' scene in Season 6, where Cersei Lannister was publicly humiliated. TikTokInstagram Fans often flock to these steps to recreate iconic moments and capture memorable photos, immersing themselves in the world of Westeros. The cathedral itself was transformed into the Great Sept of Baelor for the series, adding to its allure for visitors. Instagram

Beyond its cinematic fame, the cathedral's historical and architectural significance is profound. Its construction spanned centuries, beginning in the Romanesque period and evolving into a magnificent Gothic masterpiece. This blend of styles is evident throughout the structure, offering a rich tapestry of history for visitors to explore. Instagram The presence of Game of Thrones has undoubtedly boosted tourism, drawing a new wave of visitors eager to see these famous filming locations firsthand. TikTok

Architectural Marvel: Romanesque to Gothic

Girona Cathedral is a testament to evolving architectural styles, primarily showcasing Romanesque and Gothic elements. Construction commenced in the 11th century with Romanesque foundations, but the most striking feature, the Gothic nave, was added later. Instagram This nave is a record-breaker, recognized as the widest Gothic nave in the world, measuring an impressive 22 meters (72 feet) in width. TikTokInstagram The sheer scale and ambition of this design are awe-inspiring, creating a vast, open interior space that was revolutionary for its time.

The transition from Romanesque to Gothic is visible in different parts of the cathedral, offering a fascinating study for architecture enthusiasts. The exterior, with its grand staircase and Baroque facade, presents a dramatic approach. Inside, the soaring ceilings, intricate stonework, and numerous chapels reflect the grandeur of Gothic design. Reddit Visitors often remark on the breathtaking view upon entering, with the immense nave dominating the space. Reddit The cloisters, dating back to the Romanesque period, offer a serene contrast with their carved capitals and peaceful garden setting. Reddit

Exploring the Surroundings

While the Girona Cathedral is a primary draw, the surrounding city offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. The charming old town, with its narrow medieval streets, is a delight to wander through. Don't miss the colorful houses lining the Onyar River, which provide a picturesque backdrop and are a signature sight of Girona. TikTok

Other notable sites include the Arab Baths (Banyoles), the Passeig de la Muralla (city walls offering panoramic views), and the Eiffel Bridge, built by Gustave Eiffel himself. TikTokInstagram For history buffs, the Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery is another significant landmark. Instagram Many visitors combine a trip to the cathedral with exploring these nearby attractions, making for a comprehensive day trip from Barcelona. TikTok

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