Participating in a conference in Girona offers the opportunity to experience one of Catalonia’s most distinctive historic cities, where medieval heritage, cultural vitality, and natural landscapes converge in an accessible and welcoming setting. With its human-scale urban fabric and vibrant academic environment, Girona provides an inspiring backdrop for intellectual exchange and discovery.
The city and its metropolitan area have been shaped by successive waves of migration, resulting in a diverse social landscape and a dynamic urban identity. Exploring Girona’s neighbourhoods allows visitors to engage with the city’s contemporary social and cultural transformations while appreciating its deep historical roots. The University of Girona is embedded in this evolving environment, where heritage, community life, and innovation intersect.
During your stay in Girona for the 2026 IMISCOE conference, you will be able to explore a wide range of places and experiences that reflect the many dimensions of our city and region:
The Historic Centre of Girona
The medieval Barri Vell is one of the most remarkable historic quarters in Catalonia, offering a unique concentration of architectural, cultural, and archaeological heritage. Its labyrinth of narrow stone streets, ancient walls, and hidden courtyards reflects the city’s long and diverse past.
At its heart stands the impressive Girona Cathedral, renowned for its monumental single nave—the widest of its kind in the world—and its striking blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements. Just a short walk away, the Jewish Quarter (Call) preserves one of the best-maintained medieval Jewish neighbourhoods in Europe, where visitors can explore intimate alleyways, artisan workshops, and the Jewish History Museum. The nearby Arab Baths, inspired by Roman and Moorish traditions, offer another glimpse into Girona’s layered history through their distinctive domed ceilings and stone columns.
Together, these landmarks form a vibrant historic landscape that illustrates Girona’s evolution over the centuries and highlights the city’s enduring role as a cultural and intellectual crossroads.
Landmarks Along the River Onyar
Walking through the city, you will encounter the colourful houses along the Onyar River, the Eiffel Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel’s workshop, and the Rambla de la Llibertat, one of Girona’s liveliest pedestrian areas. These routes connect the historic centre with more contemporary neighbourhoods, illustrating the city’s layered urban development.
Cultural Events in the Region
Throughout the summer, Girona and the surrounding counties host numerous cultural festivals celebrating the region’s artistic diversity. From music and performing arts to gastronomy and local traditions, these events offer a window into the multicultural and creative identity of the province. Participants will have the opportunity to experience this vibrant cultural landscape through exhibitions, performances, and open‑air activities.
Cycling Routes in and Around Girona
Exploring Girona and its surroundings reveals why the city has become an international reference point for cyclists. Quiet roads lead through mountain climbs, coastal stretches, and rolling countryside, offering routes suited to both professional athletes and leisure riders. This combination of peaceful urban life and diverse natural landscapes has made Girona a welcoming base for anyone passionate about outdoor activities.
