Few small cities have been used as a film set as well as Girona. Its medieval lanes, Gothic cathedral and Romanesque churches need almost no dressing to look like a fantasy world. When Game of Thrones arrived for season six, the production turned the old quarter into several locations, and the city has made the most of its screen fame since. This guide explains where to go, how to see it and what else the city offers film fans.
Why Girona
The Barri Vell is one of the best-preserved medieval districts in Europe, with narrow lanes, stone arches and staircases that survived centuries of sieges. Film crews value places that need little modification and look authentic from many angles. The city also has a compact layout, so locations sit within a few minutes of each other, which is ideal for a walking tour.
The cathedral steps
The monumental staircase leading to Girona Cathedral became the approach to the Great Sept of Baelor, where large crowd scenes were staged. Standing at the bottom, you can picture the extras filling the steps. The cathedral facade is Baroque, but the skyline above it reads as medieval, which made it ideal. Go early in the morning to photograph the steps with few people.
The lanes of Braavos
Several streets and staircases in the old quarter served as the city of Braavos, including the Pujada de Sant Domenec, a stepped lane near the cathedral, and areas around the Jewish Quarter. Sant Pere de Galligants, a Romanesque church and archaeological museum, also appeared. The Arab Baths served as a location for a memorable scene. A guided Game of Thrones walk identifies the spots and explains how scenes were composed, which is useful because the screen version often blends several places.
Beyond the show
Girona has appeared in other productions, and its streets suit period drama. The Film Museum, with its collection of optical toys, magic lanterns and cameras, offers a different view of cinema: the pre-history of the moving image. Visiting it alongside a location walk gives a rounded picture, from the earliest shadow shows to modern effects. It is also a good option for children, who may not know the series.
Planning a walk
A guided tour takes about two hours and is the easiest way to see the locations in order. A one-hour version and self-guided audio options exist for those with less time. Self-guided walkers should download a map, wear shoes with grip and check each location against screenshots. Start at the Onyar bridges, climb to the cathedral, wander the Jewish Quarter and finish at the baths and the walls.
Good etiquette
The old quarter is a living neighbourhood, so be quiet near homes, do not block doorways, and avoid flying drones. Respect signs at churches and museums. Tipping a guide is appreciated but not required. If you take photographs of residents, ask first.
Combining with other sights
The cathedral pass, the walls and the Jewish Quarter naturally overlap with filming spots, so you can combine them into one day. Many visitors do the location walk in the morning, then lunch in the old town, then visit the Art Museum or the baths. If you have another day, extend the film theme to Figueres, where the Dali museum offers a different kind of surreal imagery.
A fan's checklist
Photograph the cathedral steps from the bottom, walk the Pujada de Sant Domenec, stand in the Jewish Quarter lanes, peek into the Arab Baths and look for Sant Pere de Galligants. Then go beyond the checklist: climb to the walls for the view over the roofs, cross the Eiffel Bridge for the riverside frame and sit in a square with a coffee while you scroll through your photos. Bring a charged phone, a power bank and patience, because popular spots attract queues for the same photograph in the middle of the day.
Beyond the screen
Even if you never watch an episode, the locations are among the best medieval corners of Spain. Let the series be your excuse to look up at the arches, down at the worn steps and across at the river, and the real history of the place will do the rest. Evenings, when the lanes empty and the lamps come on, offer the most atmospheric views.
