The walls of Girona

The walls of Girona have undergone various reforms since their construction in Roman times. Today, visitors can walk along different sections of what is considered the most extensive Carolingian wall in Europe. From its towers, one can view the city and surrounding towns.

The earliest wall was built in the 1st century BC, organized according to the Roman system; the cardo maximus (north to south) is what is known today as Street of the Force, while the decumanus maximus (east to west) is unknown.

Moreover, based on some research findings, it is believed that this first wall was built on top of Iberian wall deposits.

During the 9th and 10th centuries, the walls were remodeled to make them wider, and several towers were constructed. A century later, the castles of Sobreportes and Girona were built to protect the two main entrances to the city, along with the castle of Gironella.

During the reign of Peter the Ceremonious, the city’s core growth promoted the expansion of the wall. The existing walls were used as a double wall, known as the Força Vella. In addition, new walls were built to protect the various population centers.

In the 17th century, various bastions and moats were added in strategic locations, such as the bastions of Saint Peter, Saint Christopher, and Saint Narcissus.

In 1814, after the siege of Girona by French troops, the Gironella Tower and the Bastion of Mercy were constructed. From the 19th century, several sections that hindered the city’s growth were demolished, and only those that currently allow a walk through the old Carolingian and medieval walls that define the Old Quarter were preserved.

With the restorations carried out from the 20th century onwards, the remaining walls, integrated with the city’s new green areas, offer both residents and visitors of Girona a journey into the city’s past, and a unique perspective of its surroundings.