Girona History
The gothic church Sant Feliu is one of the most interesting attractions in Girona. Even the locals say that the church holds more importance and is more holy than the grand cathedral. This might be because Sant Feliu used to be the last resting-place for patricians in the middle-ages and is therefore very much respected. Today you can visit all their graves in commemoration, which show their emblems.
From the 11th until the 17th century, Sant Feliu was extended using a baroque style, leaving the façade of the building to be a mix of different influences. Having a look at this collegiate church you will notice that the top of the roof is missing. This is due it being struk by lightening in 1581. The roof top was never reconstructed but some say that it adds to the character of the building.
There is a famous legend that reportedly occurred during the siege in 1285: allegedly, there was a swarm of flies coming from the grave of Patron Saint of Girona when French soldiers were penetrating Sant Feliu, in order to protect the church and the city. These flies caused death to the French troops and their horses and caused the French soldiers to start to retreat. From this day forward, every time Girona has been involved in a conflict, people have referred to this story as a sign of hope (although many dismiss the story as hocus-pocus or mythical stories).
Right next to the church you can have a look at the famous Jewish quarter which is also known as “El call”. Until the end of the 15th century a lot of Jewish people lived here before they were banished or murdered. However, despite the rejection of the Jews, the area has managed to retain its Jewish charm. “El Call” is certainly one of the biggest and most historical Jewish quarters in Europe and may even be the biggest in the world. Every Thursday in August there is a special night where you can listen to the traditional Jewish music. You can learn more about the Jewish traditions on September 7th, when the European day of Jewish culture is celebrated.
So if you are interested in the gothic architecture and the historic background, you should not miss a visit to this city. Make sure to book your accommodation (Unterkunft Girona) in advance. Have a look for an apartment (Ferienwohnung in Girona) or a Hotel in Girona and enjoy your stay in this historical place.
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