Torre Gironella (Gironella Tower), Girona

Nestled in the heart of Girona’s historic quarter, Gironella Tower stands as a silent sentinel at the highest point of the ancient Roman walls-known as the Força Vella-just behind the majestic Cathedral and beside the Bishop’s Palace. This evocative ruin, officially recognized as a Cultural Asset of National Interest since April 22, 1949, offers visitors both historical depth and architectural intrigue.

Architecturally, Gironella Tower is a fascinating patchwork of eras: its visible remains include a robust Roman square tower lying partly beneath an embankment, a barrel-vault supporting structure, medieval walls, and later reinforcements. Visitors can still climb the stone stairs into the access courtyard, where the historic “Joana Enríquez Gate” marks one of its most striking features.

Tracing its storied past, the tower’s existence is recorded as early as 994 AD. Around the year 1000, Count Ramon Borrell III incorporated the Roman structure into the new Castle of Gironella, which by 1190 had become officially recognized as such. Over the centuries, it served various roles-including a prison in the 13th century-and was rebuilt after collapsing in 1404, only to be reinforced again in 1462 by Joana Enríquez. Tragically, the tower met its ruin at the hands of Napoleonic forces in 1814.

Today, Gironella Tower remains an evocative waypoint on Girona’s Archaeological Walk. It offers not just sweeping vistas over the Old Quarter, but also an intimate window into a layered past where Roman foundations, medieval fortifications, and modern memory converge. A visit here is both scenic and scholarly-a must for history lovers and curious travelers alike.