Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Museu Arqueològic
Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants, c/de Santa Llúcia 8 • June-Sept Tues-Sat 10.30am-1.30pm & 4-7pm,
Sun10am-2pm;Oct-MayTues-Sat10am-2pm&4-6pm,Sun10am-2pm•€2.30,under-16sfree• 972202
632,
www.mac.cat
From the cathedral square, the main street, Pujada Rei Marti, leads downhill to the Riu Gal-
ligants, a small tributary of the Onyar. The
MuseuArqueològic
stands on the far bank in the
former monastic church of Sant Pere de Galligants, a harmonious setting for displays of Ro-
man statuary, sarcophagi and mosaics. The beautiful Romanesque cloisters contain heavier
medieval relics, such as inscribed tablets and stones, including some bearing Jewish inscrip-
tions.
Passeig Arqueològic
Daily 8am-10pm • Free
Near the archeological museum, steps up through landscaped grounds lead onto the walls of
the old city. You can walk right around their perimeter on the
Passeig Arqueològic
, or ar-
cheological route, and enjoy views out over the rooftops and the cathedral. There are end-
less little diversions along the way, into old watchtowers, down blind dead ends and around
crumpled sections of masonry.
The Jewish quarter
Quite apart from its Roman remains and Arab influences, Girona also contains one of the
best-preserved
Jewish quarters
in western Europe, home at its height to around three hun-
dred people who formed a sort of independent town within Girona, protected by the king
in return for payment. From the eleventh century onwards, however, the Jewish community
suffered systematic persecution and, until the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, the
quarter was effectively a ghetto, its residents restricted to its limits and forced to wear distin-
guishing clothing if they did leave.
Museu d'Història dels Jueus
C/de la Força 8 • July & Aug Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols 10am-2pm; Sept-June Mon 10am-2pm,
Tues-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun & hols 10am-2pm • €4, free 1st Sun of the month • 972 216 761,
girona.cat/
ForanimpressionoftheculturalandsociallifeofGirona'smedievalJewishcommunityvisit
the
Museu d'Història dels Jueus
, sited just off c/de la Força up the skinniest of stepped
streets. Amid the complex of rooms, staircases, courtyards and adjoining buildings were the
synagogue, the butcher's shop, the baths and other community buildings and services.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: GIRONA
By air
Regular
bus
services run from Girona airport, 12km south of the city, to Girona, Bar-
celona or the Costa Brava.
