The province of Girona captivates with its blend of history, natural landscapes and unknown corners waiting to be discovered. Its capital, Girona, is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, charming squares and medieval remnants that transport you to another era; and the province of Girona, as a whole, offers a wide variety of landscapes and secrets that continue to surprise even the most curious travelers.
In a previous article, we explored the secret places of the province of Tarragona, discovering magical corners far from mass tourism. Now, we delve into the province of Girona, where nature and history intertwine to reveal unique and mysterious spaces. On this occasion, we will talk about hidden enclaves of Girona capital; the Forest of Sculptures in Celrà; and the abandoned village of Sidillà.
Dare to discover the most hidden corners of the province of Girona! With Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can reach your favorite destination, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The hidden corners of Girona that you may not have known about
Girona is a city that exudes history in every street, but beyond the most photographed monuments, it conceals little-known secrets that go unnoticed by many visitors.
The smallest square in Europe: Plaça dels Raïms and its great spy eye
In the heart of the old town of Girona is the Plaça dels Raïms, which holds the title of the smallest square in Europe, and possibly in the world. This tiny hidden corner, surrounded by old buildings, barely leaves room for passers-by to stop and contemplate.
Despite its small size, it has a rich history spanning over 800 years, when it was originally known as Plaça de la Palla. Its current name is due to the fact that, in the past, it housed a small wine market.
One of the most curious details of this square, barely 24-square-meter, is its “great spy eye”.
It is believed that this peephole allowed fathers and mothers to discreetly watch their children while they attended the Conservatory of Music, which was located right in front of this façade. Although its exact function remains a mystery, this theory has endured over time.
Civil War bomb shelter: a subway vestige of the past
Under the streets of Girona, one of the most striking testimonies of the Spanish Civil War is hidden: an air raid shelter that served to protect the population from bombing. Built in 1938, under the Kindergarten, this shelter has two different entrances and electric light and has a capacity to accommodate about seven hundred people.
Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, so you can get to the city of Girona, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Jardí de l’Àngel: a hidden oasis in Girona
Hidden in the heart of Girona’s Barri Vell (Old Quarter), the Jardí de l’Àngel is a haven of peace and mysticism that invites reflection and rest. This green space, once an orchard with terraces where Republican intellectuals met to talk, was transformed in 1998 by the poet and activist Josep Tarrés.
On crossing the wrought-iron gate that leads to the garden, the visitor is greeted by a sculpture of an angel, from the cemetery of Girona, which presides over the entrance and offers a sense of protection and welcome. Inside, the presence of an archangel, Metatron, stands out. According to Jewish mythology, Metatron is considered the most powerful archangel and the first being created by God.
The Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants
The Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants is one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture in Catalonia. Dating back to the 10th century, much of the structure we see today was built in the 12th century. The monastery was an important religious and cultural center during the Middle Ages, closely linked to the city of Girona and the monastic life of the region.
Today, the main surviving structures are its cloister, featuring a rectangular layout with a central courtyard; and the Church of Sant Nicolau, with a basilica-style floor plan, a large semicircular apse and a spectacular rose window on its facade.
The Forest of Joan Carolà’s Sculptures, 30 minutes from Girona
Deep in the forests of Celrà, hides a corner where art and nature merge in a surprising way. It is the Forest of Joan Carolà’s Sculptures.
The sculptures, made of stone, iron and other materials, seem to sprout from the ground and merge with the landscape. Many of them represent human figures, enigmatic faces and abstract forms that invite interpretation and amazement.
Sidillà: a forgotten pre-Romanesque treasure
Less than an hour from Girona, hidden among the forests of Les Gavarres, the abandoned pre-Romanesque village of Sidillà is an almost unknown historical vestige that transports visitors to remote times. What little remains of this ancient settlement are the ruins of the Church of Sant Romà de Sidillà, a pre-Romanesque temple that has withstood the passage of time.
The province of Girona hides surprising corners that go beyond its best-known landscapes. Exploring these secret treasures is an opportunity to discover the history, nature and culture of Girona from a different perspective, immersing yourself in the magic of the unexpected. Do you dare to get lost in the most unknown side of Girona?
Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can get to Girona and Costa Brava, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
