Gerona: The City with More Sights than a Cyclops
Gerona is a city located in north-eastern Catalonia, Spain. It’s known for its medieval architecture, roman walls, and distinct yellow color that easily rivals a highlighter. It’s also home to some of the most peculiar and outrageous traditions you’ll encounter in the region.
If you’re deciding to visit Gerona, make sure to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a good sense of humor. That’s because Gerona’s main attraction is a street festival called “Temps de Flors” which translates to “Time of Flowers” but could be more accurately described as a floral version of an Alice in Wonderland dream sequence.
The festival takes place every May and you’ll see the entire city transformed into a floral wonderland. Streets, bridges, and even balconies are decorated with flowers in such an excessive way that you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a Flowery Apocalypse.
But if excessive florals aren’t your thing, Gerona still has plenty of sights to keep you entertained. One of the most well-known landmarks is the Gerona Cathedral which has the unique characteristic of having the widest gothic nave in the world. So, if you’re into architectural one-upmanship, this is the place for you.
If you’re more interested in fortified walls and towers, Gerona still has got you covered. The city’s Roman walls were built around the medieval era and have been preserved to this day. The walls are so well-preserved that they remain one of the prime examples of Roman architecture that will make you wonder why we even need modern buildings.
And finally, for the foodies, Gerona is famous for its unique culinary twist on snails. “Cargols a la llauna” or “Snails in a Can” are cooked with a traditional “romesco” sauce and served with a side of bread. Don’t knock it till you try it, unless you’re a vegetarian. In which case, you probably won’t be visiting Gerona anyways.
So, pack your bags, grab some Cañaillas with a side of pan con tomate, and get ready to experience Gerona – a city with more sights than a cyclops.