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-   -   Tarragona or Girona ? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/tarragona-or-girona-387568/)

danon Jul 1st, 2008 05:37 PM

Tarragona or Girona ?
 
We have time to make only one day trip on our second visit to Barcelona.

Which would you suggest?
thanks

zeppole Jul 1st, 2008 05:51 PM

What interests you? There are other possible day trips as well.

Underhill Jul 1st, 2008 07:08 PM

As a big fan of Caroline Roe's series on Isaac the physician I'd opt for Girona, the principal setting for the books.

danon Jul 1st, 2008 08:10 PM

zeppole
we like art, architecture, galleries, museum , etc.. ( adore Barcelona - if that helps).
Also, we are not driving !

zeppole Jul 2nd, 2008 02:56 AM

Given your description, I would suggest Vic.

http://www.lodgephoto.com/galleries/...catalonia/vic/

http://www.museuepiscopalvic.com/museu.asp?idm=EN

Another interesting destination is Vic, the capital of the Osona region. Located 70km from Barcelona, Vic is known as the Ciudad de los Santos (the city of saints) for its strong religious tradition. Its religious foundations date back as far as the Roman Empire as can be seen in the remnants of a temple from the 2nd century B.C. located in the town centre. The garden surrounding the temple still preserves some of the original gravestones. Vic is also famous for its embotits (cured meats) and lively market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, where you can find everything from livestock to handmade clothes and artefacts. The market has taken place in the city’s Plaza Mayor (Main Square) since the 18th century and people come from as far as Barcelona to rummage amongst the many wares. The square itself is quite impressive – a large, open space flanked by a colourful line-up of architectural styles, including 14th century Gothic, 18th century Baroque and 19th century modernist buildings. As far as finding the best cured meats, pop into Casa Martí, a shop that has been selling the famous regional sausage salchichón de Osona for more than eighty years. Architecturally speaking, Vic contains several interesting Gothic and Romanesque structures. The cathedral, with a Romanesque crypt and bell tower and a Gothic cloister, is a perfect blend of these styles. The cathedral is also adorned with murals painted by the artist Josep M. Sert. The Pont de Queralt Bridge is a remnant of the old Roman road to Barcelona, and the Episcopal Museum of Vic houses an outstanding collection of art.


danon Jul 2nd, 2008 05:59 AM

sounds very interesting, thank you.

Jeff801 Jul 2nd, 2008 06:14 AM

Danon,

I would vote for Girona over Tarragona. Girona has a well preserved and interesting medieval center. The tourist office at the Southern end has maps and self-guided walking tours.

You might also consider at day trip to Montserrat. It is a working monastery still within spectacular scenery. The art and history is worth the trip, IMO.

danon Jul 2nd, 2008 09:53 AM

thanks again.


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