El Culo de la Leona (The Lioness Butt), Girona

The Lioness Butt is one of Girona’s most curious and light-hearted attractions. This small stone sculpture, located just outside the Church of Sant Feliu near the old city walls, depicts a lioness climbing a column. Dating back to the Romanesque period, it has been part of the city’s folklore for centuries. Its original purpose is not entirely clear-some historians believe it may have served as a decorative element or sign for a medieval inn-but over time, it became the centerpiece of a local tradition that mixes humor with superstition.

According to legend, anyone who wishes to return to Girona must kiss the lioness’s rear. The tradition may sound unusual, but for locals and visitors alike, it has become a lighthearted rite of passage. In earlier times, this act was also associated with being accepted as a “true citizen” of Girona, symbolizing loyalty and connection to the city. Today, the sculpture is mounted high on a column, but a set of modern steps allows visitors to get close enough to take part in the ritual, often captured in playful photographs.

The site is easy to find as it stands in the Sant Feliu Square (Plaça de Sant Feliu), a lively square that serves as a gateway between Girona’s medieval quarter and the modern city. Surrounded by cafés, shops, and the striking Gothic spire of the nearby church, it offers a natural pause point on a walking tour.

For many travelers, the experience blends folklore, architecture, and local humor into one stop. It is both a glimpse into medieval Girona’s decorative art and a living example of how traditions-no matter how unconventional-can thrive across centuries.