Discover Girona like never before! Follow the cinematic route through the city’s most iconic film and TV locations, from Game of Thrones to famous movies, and uncover hidden gems while exploring at your own pace. Don’t miss this movie lover’s guide to Girona.
Girona is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, which has captured the attention of filmmakers from all over the world. Here, we propose a route through the locations featured in famous movies and series, especially the renowned series Game of Thrones. Get ready to discover the city through the screen!
1. Game of Thrones
This series, created by George R.R. Martin, became a global phenomenon thanks to its bloody plot and the carefully chosen filming locations that brought its fantasy world to life. Among the various locations used in the series, Girona played an important role. Here are some of the places that appeared on screen:
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Girona Cathedral
One of the city’s most iconic locations, Girona Cathedral appeared in Game of Thrones as the "Sept of Baelor." Its majestic staircase and imposing facade were the backdrop for the famous scene where Jaime Lannister rides his horse up the steps, surrounded by Tyrell soldiers, beggars, and the imposing birds. Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular scenes of the series—and you can recreate it while climbing the steps yourself.
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The Arab Baths
The Arab Baths of Girona, with their architecture inspired by Islamic tradition, also appeared in Game of Thrones. This nationally recognized cultural landmark served as the backdrop for intimate and mysterious scenes; for example, when Arya is being chased, she escapes by entering what in the series are the Baths of Braavos. The tranquility and beauty of these baths will help you relive the scene where cautious Arya hides in the shadows of this fascinating building.
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The Archaeological Walk
The Archaeological Walk, following the city’s ancient walls, served as the Braavos Market, where Arya Stark walks among the stalls searching for a way to leave the city. This spot is perfect for those who want to feel like true members of Westeros nobility. The views from the walls over the Onyar River and the Old Quarter are spectacular and worth photographing.
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Plaça dels Jurats
In the fifth episode of the sixth season, this square appears as the setting of a theatrical performance depicting the life of the Lannister family. Arya, one of the spectators, is disturbed by the portrayal of her father as clumsy and power-hungry.
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Sant Domènec
One of Girona’s most beautiful locations (once voted the most romantic spot in Spain) was also used in the series. Arya Stark fans will remember this staircase as the place where she jumps and scatters baskets of oranges.
2. Soldiers of Salamina
The famous film by David Trueba, based on Javier Cercas’ bestselling novel, was also filmed in various locations around Girona and its surroundings. Exterior scenes were shot at the Pont de Pedra, while interior scenes were filmed at Café Le Bistrot, Bar Núria, Llibreria 22, and the Faculty of Arts at the University of Girona. In total, Girona appears for about 17 minutes of the film.
3. Perfume
This film, based on Patrick Süskind’s novel, tells the story of a man with an extraordinary sense of smell, which he uses to create the finest perfumes ever imagined. On the other hand, he also uses this talent for darker purposes. The film, starring actors like Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman, with a budget of around €45 million, shot several scenes in Girona’s Old Town, specifically on the Sant Domènec slope and the Jardins de la Francesa, among other locations. These places were heavily transformed to convincingly recreate the 18th-century French town of Grasse.
4. Tengo ganas de ti
The sequel to this romantic comedy starring Mario Casas, María Valverde, and Clara Lago was set in various parts of Girona. Based on Federico Moccia’s bestseller, some scenes were shot at the well-known Pont de la Princesa, also called Pont d’en Gómez, which passes beneath the building housing Casa Miquel Gómez.
5. Westworld
Although this series was mainly filmed in Besalú, the proximity of this charming village to Girona earned it a place on this list. Notably, the town hall square was transformed into a World War II-themed amusement park for the show, depicted as an Italian village occupied by Nazis and full of swastikas.
6. Cinema Museum
Finally, no cinema lover should miss the Cinema Museum. Founded in 1998, it is one of the few museums in Europe dedicated to the history of cinema and its evolution. From the earliest inventions to cutting-edge technology, the museum allows visitors to discover the magic of moving images.
The museum is primarily based on the private collection of Tomàs Mallol, a Catalan filmmaker and collector, which includes over 12,000 cinema-related objects, from magic lanterns to antique projectors, cameras, optical toys, and other devices that paved the way for modern cinema.
In addition to exhibitions, the Cinema Museum organizes workshops, conferences, educational activities for schools and families, as well as film cycles and other cultural events. We recommend checking the schedule before your visit to make the experience even more enjoyable.
As we can see, Girona is not only a city full of beauty and history but also a true film set. This route will take you through locations immortalized on screen, allowing you to experience the magic of these productions in a unique way. Whether you are a Game of Thrones fan or simply a cinema enthusiast, Girona awaits you to discover its connection to the world of film.
We’d be delighted to accompany you on this adventure, so don’t forget to check out our holiday apartments in Girona, ready for your stay.