Força Vella - a person in a white and red costume holding a camera
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Força Vella

1.4
·28 reviews·Girona, Spain

Step back in time in Força Vella, Girona's ancient heart, where Roman walls meet medieval charm and Game of Thrones magic.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Força Vella - a person in a white and red costume holding a camera

Força Vella

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time in Força Vella, Girona's ancient heart, where Roman walls meet medieval charm and Game of Thrones magic.

1.4
(28 reviews)

"Girona itself is lovely. Just avoid this scam of a restaurant."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

Cobblestone streets and ancient paths demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking!

🗺️ Wander Without a Plan

The magic of Força Vella is in its hidden alleys. Get lost and discover charming spots!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roman Walls of Força Vella

Roman Walls of Força Vella

Outer perimeter of the historic quarter

Walk along ancient Roman ramparts offering panoramic city views. A true step back in time!

Girona Cathedral

Girona Cathedral

Plaça de la Catedral

Majestic Gothic cathedral with a stunning Baroque facade. Its wide staircase is iconic.

Onyar River Houses

Onyar River Houses

Along the Onyar River

Colorful medieval houses lining the riverbanks, a picturesque and iconic Girona sight.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Força Vella

Força Vella, Girona's historic heart, can get crowded. Visiting during shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Weekday mornings are ideal for a more tranquil experience exploring its Roman and medieval roots.

Navigating Girona's Old Town

The Força Vella is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on cobblestone streets and potentially climbing ramparts. Many TikToks and Reels showcase the charm of wandering these ancient lanes.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Estàs responent a @Mia un año más enamorada de Girona 😍💛 #girona #planesentiktok #juegodetronos #lacasadeldragón #historia #curiosidades
@blanca_guilera
28K likes • 187.1K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

Cobblestone streets and ancient paths demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking! Instagram

🗺️ Wander Without a Plan

The magic of Força Vella is in its hidden alleys. Get lost and discover charming spots! Instagram

Beautiful Girona ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Girona is well-known for its medieval history, being one of the many medieval towns and cities in Costa Brava. However, it also has a rich Roman past. The Força Vella Fortress was built by the Romans in the first century BC, which was very well protected by a defensive rampart. #trendingreels #trending #goviral #viral #reelsinstagram #reelitfeelit #reelkarofeelkaro ...
lets_go_lets_explore
10 likes • 770 views
Known as the ‘City of the Four Rivers’, Girona’s historic quarter is dominated by medieval buildings and Roman, Arab and Hebrew influences. It is in the walled enclosure of the Força Vella where the masterpieces of its historical development come together. Its prime location between the Pyrenees mountain range and the Costa Brava allows for a multitude of outings, both to towns and to natural area...
acreativeengineer
79 likes • 2.5K views

📸 Capture the Colors

The vibrant Onyar river houses are a photographer's dream. Visit during golden hour! Instagram

🐉 Game of Thrones Spotting

Fans can find filming locations from the show scattered throughout the old town. TikTokInstagram

Conocida como la « Ciudad de los Cuatro Ríos », el casco histórico de Girona está dominado por edificios medievales e influencias romanas, árabes y hebreas. Es en el recinto amurallado de la Força Vella donde se concentran las obras maestras de su desarrollo histórico. . #girona #catalanspelmon #catalunya #españa #europa
dannyherrerahenao
41 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

Cobblestone streets and ancient paths demand comfy footwear. You'll be doing a lot of walking! Instagram

🗺️ Wander Without a Plan

The magic of Força Vella is in its hidden alleys. Get lost and discover charming spots! Instagram

📸 Capture the Colors

The vibrant Onyar river houses are a photographer's dream. Visit during golden hour! Instagram

🐉 Game of Thrones Spotting

Fans can find filming locations from the show scattered throughout the old town. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

1.4
(28 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for establishments within Força Vella are overwhelmingly negative, citing them as overpriced tourist traps with poor quality food and rude service. Many visitors recommend avoiding specific restaurants and enjoying the beautiful city of Girona itself.

"Dreadful place, almost put us off Girona! Tapas expensive, and 5 euro will buy you 7 frozen calamari rings. The wine was harsh. We were persuaded in by a woman outside who led us to believe this was the same restaurant as the tables outside across the street. It isn't. Rip off, quality poor and service surly. No stars."

Tina Fothergill

"Rubbish 'Tourist trap' that serves warm beer and carton orange juice. Service is rubbish as they are trying to get more customers all the time, so left and had dinner at a much better place across the square, so can only imagine how bad the food is."

Tom Thornton

"Worst food and highest price so far in Girona. They don't add prices to their menu. Guess why!
Scum of Girona.

(Girona itself is lovely. Just avoid this scam of a restaurant.)"

Christopher Bratt

What People Like

Beautiful historic city
Medieval architecture
Game of Thrones filming locations

What People Dislike

Expensive tourist traps
Poor food quality
Rude service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Girona Airport (GRO), you can take a taxi to the city center for around €30, or opt for a bus service. While buses can be a bit daunting late at night, they are a more budget-friendly option. Reddit

Absolutely! Força Vella is the historic heart of Girona and is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are often cobblestoned. Instagram

Access for private vehicles into the core of Força Vella is restricted. It's best to park in designated public parking areas outside the historic center and walk in. Instagram

Girona is well-served by buses and trains. Within the city, walking is the primary way to explore Força Vella, but local buses connect different parts of the city.

The Girona train station is a short walk, about 15-20 minutes, from the Força Vella. You can also take a local bus or a taxi if you prefer.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Força Vella itself is an open historic quarter, so there are no tickets required to enter. You can wander freely through its streets and squares. Instagram

Access to walk along sections of the Roman walls and ramparts is generally free. Some specific towers or viewpoints might have a small fee. Instagram

As an open historic district, Força Vella is accessible 24/7. However, individual attractions within it, like the Cathedral or museums, will have their own operating hours.

To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of peak summer season. Early mornings or late afternoons can also offer a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Yes, numerous guided tours are available, focusing on history, Game of Thrones filming locations, or general city exploration. Booking in advance is recommended. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful Onyar River houses, the Girona Cathedral's grand staircase, and panoramic views from the medieval walls are top photo spots. Don't miss the narrow alleys! Instagram+1

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing the historic architecture and riverfront. Midday can be harsh. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers like Força Vella due to privacy and safety regulations. Always check local drone laws before flying.

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide cityscapes and street details. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the narrow streets and architecture. Instagram

Photography is usually permitted inside the Girona Cathedral, but flash is often prohibited to protect the artwork and interiors. Be respectful of worshippers.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While some reviews mention tourist traps with expensive, low-quality tapas, exploring side streets away from the main squares can lead to more authentic and reasonably priced options. Look for places with locals. Reddit

Yes, you can find more affordable options by seeking out local bakeries for pastries and sandwiches, or small cafes away from the most tourist-heavy areas. Reddit

Catalan cuisine features fresh ingredients, with dishes like 'escudella' (stew), 'crema catalana' (dessert), and excellent seafood. Tapas are also popular. Reddit

Some restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the Onyar River or the Cathedral. However, be mindful that these can sometimes be more expensive. Reddit

Be wary of restaurants that aggressively solicit customers from the street or have menus without prices, as these can sometimes be tourist traps with poor quality and high prices. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Força Vella offers a captivating blend of history and visual appeal that can engage families. The medieval walls provide a sense of adventure, and kids might enjoy imagining themselves as knights or princesses. The colorful houses along the Onyar River are visually stimulating and make for fun photo opportunities. Instagram

Consider a scavenger hunt for historical landmarks or Game of Thrones filming spots to keep younger ones entertained. While the terrain can be uneven with cobblestones, it's generally manageable with a stroller for younger children. Pack snacks and water, as finding kid-friendly, quick bites might require venturing slightly off the main tourist paths. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Força Vella is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, offering a rich historical experience in a safe and walkable environment. The compact nature of the old town makes it easy to explore at your own pace, allowing for spontaneous discoveries down charming alleyways. Instagram

Consider joining a free walking tour or a Game of Thrones themed tour to meet other travelers and gain deeper insights into the city's history and filming locations. The Roman walls offer great vantage points for solo reflection and photography. TikTokInstagram

📸 Photographers

Força Vella is a photographer's paradise, boasting a rich tapestry of historical architecture, vibrant colors, and scenic views. The iconic Onyar River houses are a must-capture, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting. Instagram+1

Don't miss the Girona Cathedral and its grand staircase, a popular spot for architectural shots. Exploring the medieval ramparts provides opportunities for panoramic cityscapes and interesting textures. The narrow, winding streets of the Barri Vell also offer endless possibilities for street photography, capturing the essence of this ancient quarter. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Roman Origins of Força Vella

The Força Vella is Girona's oldest quarter, with its foundations laid by the Romans in the 1st century BC. They established a fortified settlement here, strategically positioned to control the region. Evidence of this Roman past can still be seen in the impressive defensive ramparts that once encircled the city. These ancient walls, though modified over centuries, offer a tangible connection to Girona's deep historical roots and provide a unique perspective on the city's layout. Exploring these remnants allows visitors to truly appreciate the longevity and strategic importance of this settlement. Instagram+1

Walking along the Passeig Arqueològic (Archaeological Walkway) allows you to trace the path of these ancient fortifications. This elevated walkway, lined with landscaped gardens, follows the line of the medieval walls and offers sweeping views over the city and surrounding landscape. It's a peaceful way to connect with the history of Força Vella and imagine the city as it was millennia ago. Instagram

While much of the Roman structure has been built upon or altered by subsequent eras, the very existence and layout of the Força Vella are testaments to its Roman origins. The well-protected defensive rampart was a key feature, ensuring the settlement's security. This historical layering is what makes Força Vella so fascinating, showcasing the evolution from Roman stronghold to medieval center and beyond. Instagram

Girona's Medieval Charm and Game of Thrones

Beyond its Roman foundations, Força Vella is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture. The walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell) is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and charming squares that transport visitors back in time. The Girona Cathedral, with its impressive Gothic nave and Baroque facade, stands as a magnificent centerpiece of this medieval landscape. Instagram+1

For fans of the hit series Game of Thrones, Força Vella holds a special allure. The city's well-preserved medieval character made it a perfect filming location for the fictional city of Braavos. Scenes featuring the Girona Cathedral and its grand staircase, as well as various alleyways and squares within the Força Vella, were famously used in the show. This connection has drawn many visitors eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters, particularly Arya Stark. TikTokInstagram

Exploring the Barri Vell is an immersive experience. You can wander through the same streets where pivotal Game of Thrones moments unfolded, imagining the drama and intrigue. The Onyar River houses, with their vibrant colors, add another layer of visual appeal to the medieval setting, creating a picturesque backdrop that feels both historic and alive. Instagram+1

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