DAY 4, MAY 9, Monday:

FLOWER FESTIVAL in Girona, Cathedral, Sant Marti D'Empuries, then reached Figueres, dropped our bags at our hotel room. Then drove to Monasterio de Sant Pere de Rodes

STAY: Hotel Sanmar, Figueres

PLAN

Finish Girona sights, then drive

https://goo.gl/maps/v4v4k9eAPpTuYYXr8

215 KM; 4h 48 min full loop from Ibis Girona to Monasterio de Sant Pere de Rodes, Cap de Creaus and back to hostal Sanmar

Hotel Ibis Girona , Léscala [ The Greco-Roman ruins at Empuries, near to L'Escala, set right next to beautiful bays, with magnificent views across the bay of Roses to the Cap de Creus.,], Sant Martí d empuries[ be sure to take in the tiny ancient village of Sant Marti D'Empuries,], Castelló de Ampurias [Portal de la Galarda for amazing views], then keep bags in Figueres hotel, HOSTAL SANMAR

Then drive to Roses, Cadaqués [light house for views], (Portlligat) , SANT PERE DE RODES, Far de Cap de Cruz

WHAT WE REALLY DID

Girona sights took till 12 noon. We did have the added beauty of the Flower Festival and the resultant crowds. The crowds were milling by the time we were through, enjoying the Glower fest and the Cathedral.

At 12.30 we checked out of our hotel and started our drive. Let me chronicle this serially

GIRONA

103 kilometers from Barcelona, this medieval walled city has a rich cultural heritage with diverse influences from the ancient Romans, Moorish-era Arabs, and Jews.

The Old Town was built on the right bank of the Onyar River with colorful houses flanking the waterside.

Girona has two areas enclosed within ancient ramparts: the Força Vella, which outlines the original Roman city founded more than 2,000 year ago, and the Medieval Quarter, which expanded the city in the 14th and 15th centuries. These atmospheric historic quarters are filled with narrow pedestrian streets and impressive medieval buildings. We drove 3 km from our hotel just outside the historic quarter. Free parking near the bridge was full. We tried the paid parking further away but it gave us only a 20 min ticket. A local guy explained it was not for longer duration parking. We again went to the free parking and luckily found a slot. Parked the car and started walking into the medieval quarter.

Basilica de Sant Feliu

Once we cross the Pont de Sant Feliu, we see the Basilica de Sant Feliu, set atop an impressive set of steps.

This was the first cathedral of Girona, and is largely built to the Romanesque design, as with many churches in the Catalonia region. However, it does feature a Gothic nave and a Baroque facade, which were added later.

Inside, the basilica is home to the tomb of St. Narcissus, patron saint of the city, as well as eight other tombs which date from the 3rd and 4th centuries, and are of Roman and Christian origin, as well as various important Christian artworks.

ANNUAL FLOWER FESTIVAL

We enjoyed the old town till the Cathedral opened at 10.

The private entries for the festival were GREAT.

We were back when the church bells rang and were the first to enter the flower show.

This display had the church... very pretty.

GIRONA CATHEDRAL

After getting directions from the docents of the flower fest, we came to the entrance selling tickets and allowing entry inside.

The fortress-like Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century and updated through the 17th century. The facade is Baroque and the interior is Gothic. The vaulted nave is the second largest in the world, after Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. The cathedral's Treasury displays a rare Romanesque tapestry, called the Tapestry of the Creation, along with medieval manuscripts.

Looong lines...thankfully we escaped.

SAINT PETER

We traced our way back.

Checked out of Ibis.

Look at the road going upppp

Olive trees

Sant Marti D'Empuries

FIGUERES
HOSTAL SANMAR

We reached Figueres and checked in to our hotel. The room was well appointed with antique chairs and table; and a customized painting straight on the wall (not a frame) by a very talented artist.

Great location, within walking distance to most tourist sites. Free parking available across the street from the hotel. This review pertains to the building by the name of hotel Isabal. This hotel has two buildings, we stayed in the second one.

Disliked · The first room that we were offered in the building with the reception; had a bathroom with no door, and glass walls

Since this was unacceptable to us, we were offered an alternate room in a different building located down the street. The second room worked out fine for us.

One source of inconvenience was the blinds that cannot be lifted from the French windows; they were stuck at 25% open position and cannot be opened any further.