Ninety seconds on Girona Cathedral
Standing in the nave, you are under the widest Gothic vault in the world, and the same ticket opens a carved Romanesque cloister and a treasury of rare medieval pieces.
The cathedral stands on the highest point of the old town, and the Baroque façade and staircase are what you see first from below. The first stone of that façade was laid in 1606, and it was not finished until well into the 20th century.
Inside is a single Gothic nave whose vault, at 23 metres, is the widest Gothic vault in the world. Stand at the doors first to take in the width.
The cloister, Charlemagne's tower and the sacristy are all that remain of the first Romanesque church, built in the mid-11th century. The cloister's 122 capitals are carved with fantastical figures, plants and animals, with New Testament scenes higher up on the friezes.
In the southern gallery, look for the Anastasis, Christ descending into Hell. The western gallery carries a run of scenes from the story of Noah and the Flood.
The Treasury holds two pieces to find before you leave. The Tapestry of Creation is one of the few Romanesque textiles to survive, and the Beatus de Girona is a 10th-century copy of a commentary on the Apocalypse filled with full-page miniatures.
Best to start in the square below and climb the Baroque staircase, then look back from the top over the narrow streets of the old town. Tickets are sold on site and include an audio guide.
The nave comes first. Give your eyes a moment, since the interior is dark and the coloured stained glass is most of its light.
Go on to the Treasury, then out into the cloister. Your ticket also gets you into the Basílica de Sant Feliu, so leave time for a second church afterwards.
Guided tours of the cathedral are also offered if you would rather follow a person than a headset. For a guide of your own, GIGS Girona Guide Services has an office on Plaça de la Catedral and guides in Catalan, Spanish, English and French.
Bring a light layer, since the interior stays cool. In peak season, allow extra time for the entry line and the security check.
If you use a wheelchair, call 972 42 71 89 on arrival and staff will open the side entrance. If you have low vision, ask on arrival about the 3D models of Girona's main monuments made for visitors with low vision.
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