Just over an hour north of Barcelona lies Girona, a city that quietly hums with the soul of the past. As you approach the old quarter, the modern world begins to blur, replaced by towering medieval walls, Romanesque churches, and ancient cobble stone streets that twist and turn like whispered secrets.

A slow river splits the city, and crossing into the heart of the historic center is like entering a forgotten chapter of history. Several pedestrian bridges stretch across the water—each one offering a slightly different view, a slightly different mood. These crossings feel symbolic: you’re not just stepping over a river, you’re stepping into another time.

It’s no wonder the creators of Game of Thrones chose Girona to represent the mythical cities of Westeros.

And yet, Girona doesn’t feel staged. It feels lived-in. Real. Around quiet corners, you’ll stumble upon cozy cafés tucked into walls that have stood for centuries. A single table on a cobbled street, a flickering candle, a warm espresso—suddenly the entire city feels like it was made just for you.

There’s a stillness here, a subtle kind of magic. Girona doesn’t scream for your attention—it invites you in, gently, to feel something deeper. So take the walk. Cross the bridges. Wander without a map. You might just find what you’re looking for hidden in the stone and silence of this remarkable city.