The Cathedral of Saint Mary (Catalan: Catedral de Santa Maria) sits in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Girona. Builders began construction in the 11th century using the Romanesque style. In the 13th century, they switched to the Gothic style. This shift blended both architectural styles together.
The cathedral features the widest Gothic nave in the world. Its width spans 23 meters (75 feet). This remarkable space creates a feeling of awe. Visitors often stop to admire its grandeur. The tall ceilings further emphasize its impressive scale.
Parts of the Romanesque design remain, though much of it has changed. For instance, the 12th-century cloister still stands. It gives visitors a glimpse into the past. The Romanesque bell tower also remains. These elements connect the cathedral to its early history.
The cathedral underwent changes over the centuries. In the 18th century, workers completed the second bell tower. This addition increased the cathedral’s height and beauty.
Today, the Cathedral of Saint Mary mixes both Romanesque and Gothic styles. The combination makes it a unique architectural gem. The cathedral has stood for centuries. People continue to visit it for its beauty and spiritual significance. Its rich history draws travelers from around the world. As a result, the cathedral remains one of Girona’s most important landmarks.
Connectivity of Cathedral of Our Lady, Girona, Spain
Airways
The nearest airport to Girona is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), located about 12 km from the city center. You can take a taxi or a bus to reach the cathedral in approximately 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is about 100 km away. From there, you can take a train to Girona (approximately 40 minutes).
Railways
Girona’s main train station (Estació de Girona) is well connected to several major cities, including Barcelona and Madrid. From the station, the Cathedral of Our Lady is about a 15-minute walk (around 1.5 km). You can follow the signs or take a local bus to reach the cathedral if preferred.
Roadways
Girona is easily accessible by road. From Barcelona, take the AP-7 motorway, which is about 100 km and takes roughly 1 hour to drive. There are also local buses connecting various towns to Girona. The Girona Bus Station is about 1.5 km from the cathedral, and you can easily walk or take a short taxi ride to the site.