1 Photo Spot at the Cathedral of Girona

About the location

Rising high above the skyline, the cathedral's exterior is defined by the massive 90-step staircase that leads to its ornate facade. This specific spot gained global fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones, making it a pilgrimage site for fans and architectural photographers alike. The building itself is a unique fusion of styles, from its 11th-century Romanesque cloister to the 14th-century Gothic nave and finally the 18th-century Baroque front. Inside, the sheer scale of the single nave is breath-taking, offering a sense of immense space that is rare in European cathedrals. Photographers will find inspiration in the interplay of light within the cloisters, the intricate facade sculptures, and the panoramic views of Girona’s rooftops available from the nearby ramparts.

Best timing

The best time to photograph the exterior and the famous staircase is early in the morning, ideally just after sunrise, to capture the soft light and avoid the large crowds of tourists. During the late afternoon, the sun illuminates the facade with a warm, golden glow, which is perfect for architectural shots from the square below.

For interior shots, visit during the middle of the day when the sun is high to maximize the light filtering through the stained glass windows, though be mindful of the cathedral's opening hours and liturgical services.

Traveling

Girona is well-connected by high-speed AVE trains from Barcelona, making it a quick 40-minute journey. Once in Girona, the cathedral is located in the heart of the Old Town, which is largely pedestrianized and best explored on foot. For those driving, parking is extremely limited near the cathedral, so it is recommended to use the large free parking lot at La Copa or paid garages near the city walls and walk the remaining distance. Be prepared for steep climbs and many stairs, so comfortable footwear is essential for carrying camera gear.

Photography tips for Cathedral of Girona

A wide-angle lens is indispensable here to capture the full width of the record-breaking nave and the soaring height of the front staircase. For the staircase, experiment with low angles to emphasize the scale of the steps leading up to the cathedral entrance. The Romanesque cloister offers beautiful opportunities for capturing repetitive arches and shadow patterns. Use the nearby Carolingian walls for a distant perspective of the cathedral rising above the city, and consider using a tripod if you are shooting during low-light hours outside the building.

Other languages

Here is how Cathedral of Girona is called in other languages:
CS Katedrála v Gironě DE Kathedrale von Girona EL Καθεδρικός Ναός της Ζιρόνα ES Catedral de Gerona FI Gironan katedraali FR Cathédrale de Gérone HI गिरोना कैथेड्रल HR Katedrala u Gironi IS Dómkirkjan í Girona IT Cattedrale di Girona JA ジローナ大聖堂 NL Kathedraal van Girona NO Girona-katedralen PL Katedra w Gironie PT Catedral de Girona RU Кафедральный собор Жироны SV Katedralen i Girona TR Girona Katedrali ZH 赫罗纳大教堂