Modernist buildings Girona

Both of these buildings are very close to each other just behind the main rail/bus station in Girona. One is the offices of "El Punt" one of the local daily papers and the other houses the Architects association of Girona. Neither allows visits to the interior without previous arrangements but most of the interesting features are clearly visible from the outside anyway. The "Punxa" building (the green tower) was hit by lightning a couple years ago and much damage was suffered but has been fully restored since. The Punt building was completely renovated before it became the offices of the paper and combines modern offices within the structure created by the original architect, Rafael Masó. The original building was a flour mill and some locals still refer to it as the Farinera (flour mill). The influence of Gaudí is clearly seen in the wrought-iron work, the glazed tiles and the soft curviliniar shapes. There are other Modernist buildings all over Girona Province especially in Blanes, Palafrugell and Figueras.

City walls walkway Girona

This walkway was restored over many years by the city council and you can now walk the entire way from Pedret in the north to Placa Catalunya in the centre, a distance of some 3 kms. It is a really good way to get an overall feel for Girona and it's most interesting part, the Old Town or "Barri Vell" in Catalan. The views of the Cathedral and Sant Feliu church (currently being restored) are fabulous as well as many other old and historic buildings which are much easier to see from the height of the walkway than when you are in the narrow streets below. There are some well shaded gardens along the border of the Cathedral which is an excellent place for a rest as there are parts of this walk which involve climbing stairs or going uphill for some distance. Once you reach the highest point the panorama is well worth the effort with the city in the foreground and then the Pyrenees form the backdrop with France just beyond. You will also pass above the Senate building and Library of the University of Girona nestled between the walls and the old converted church of La Merce. If you start at the Pedret end then when you finish in the Placa Catalunya there are plenty of cafes with terraces for a rest and a drink or ice cream before heading off for a closer view of all those narrow streets in the "Barri Vell".