Basílica de Sant Feliu
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Basílica de Sant Feliu stands on the banks of the Riu Onyar (Onyar River) in Girona like a guardian and beacon for this historic Catalan city. It is often ranked as the city's 2nd most iconic church (after nearby Catedral de Girona) even though Sant Feliu is actually Girona's oldest cathedral going back to before the 10th century. The history, serenity, and architecture all were inspirational and worth the 7€ admission fee including an audio guide. Construction of the current church began in the 1300s. The mix of architectural eras and styles at Sant Feliu include its landmark bell tower constructed from the 14th to 16th centuries, gothic nave with ribbed vaulting and baroque façade added in the 18th century. Two saints are highlighted throughout the basilica: Saint Felix (Sant Feliu) and Saint Narcissus (Sant Narcís) whose baroque marble and jasper chapel was added from 1782-1792. Catalan Saint Felix of Girona was martyred in 304 in the city while traveling from Carthage with Saint Cucuphas as an early christian missionary. His feast day is celebrated August 1st. Meanwhile, October 29th is the Saints Day of Sant Narcís who is considered the patron saint of the Girona. His 1328 sepulchre for his remains displays him reclining and scenes from his life. His tomb was smashed in 1285 when French invaders broke into the church; however, the city was saved when flies came out of the tomb to kill thousands of French soldiers and horses. Legend has it that St. Narcissus protected the city twice more from France in 1653 and 1808. In Basilica Sant Feliu, You'll also find eight Roman 2nd-4th century early christian sarcophagi, the tomb of the valiant Álvarez, and numerous altars, paintings, and sculptures including the Recumbent Christ from the 14th century by Aloi de Montbrai and paintings of Manuel Tremulles. In May 2011, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the title of Minor Basilica on the church. Services are held Sundays and holidays, but visitors can explore the basilica from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily except Sundays which opens at 1:00 p.m.
This truly amazing Romanesque cathedral is the centerpiece of this well preserved, living, 10th century Catalan village. The first time I came to Barcelona I missed Girona as a day trip and now that I've been here I insist if you're in Catalonia you simply must experience this. A full day maybe two. The massive church is not just Romanesque, there are Gothic and Baroque elements. There are 8 pagan and early Christian sarcophagi (the 4th century), the recumbent Christ dates back to the 14th century by sculptor Aloi de Montbrai. It's just breathtaking. There is an admission fee, I can't remember what it was because a visit here is truly a priceless experience. It is up a steep climb but just take your time, rest a bit, climb on. Do not miss this. read more
A beautiful church that was once known as Girona's only cathedral up until the 10th century. It's well known for its' gothic structure, interior artwork, and slim bell tower. The church is named after and dedicated to St. Felix of Girona. I did a walking tour of Girona and the Basilica of Sant Feliu was one of the highlights. It isn't nearly as popular or as crowded as the nearby Girona Cathedral, but it still holds a great significance to the city. I did not get to tour the inside of the church, but the facade is charming enough to warrant a visit even if you don't go inside. If you're able to embark on a guided walking tour of the city, you'll learn a lot about the history of the church. Since Girona is small, most tours include the Basilica of Sant Feliu and you'll be able to walk through most of the downtown area in one day. It's worth a stop and at least a walking tour if you're planning to explore Girona. read more
7 years ago
Basílica de Sant Feliu stands on the banks of the Riu Onyar (Onyar River) in Girona like a guardian and beacon for this historic Catalan city. It is often ranked as the city's 2nd most iconic church (after nearby Catedral de Girona) even though Sant Feliu is actually Girona's oldest cathedral going back to before the 10th century. The history, serenity, and architecture all were inspirational and worth the 7€ admission fee including an audio guide. Construction of the current church began in the 1300s. The mix of architectural eras and styles at Sant Feliu include its landmark bell tower constructed from the 14th to 16th centuries, gothic nave with ribbed vaulting and baroque façade added in the 18th century. Two saints are highlighted throughout the basilica: Saint Felix (Sant Feliu) and Saint Narcissus (Sant Narcís) whose baroque marble and jasper chapel was added from 1782-1792. Catalan Saint Felix of Girona was martyred in 304 in the city while traveling from Carthage with Saint Cucuphas as an early christian missionary. His feast day is celebrated August 1st. Meanwhile, October 29th is the Saints Day of Sant Narcís who is considered the patron saint of the Girona. His 1328 sepulchre for his remains displays him reclining and scenes from his life. His tomb was smashed in 1285 when French invaders broke into the church; however, the city was saved when flies came out of the tomb to kill thousands of French soldiers and horses. Legend has it that St. Narcissus protected the city twice more from France in 1653 and 1808. In Basilica Sant Feliu, You'll also find eight Roman 2nd-4th century early christian sarcophagi, the tomb of the valiant Álvarez, and numerous altars, paintings, and sculptures including the Recumbent Christ from the 14th century by Aloi de Montbrai and paintings of Manuel Tremulles. In May 2011, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the title of Minor Basilica on the church. Services are held Sundays and holidays, but visitors can explore the basilica from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily except Sundays which opens at 1:00 p.m. read more
Aside from the Cathedral, the other major landmark on Girona's old city area is the church of Sant Feliu. Unusually for a Spanish church, the church has an impressive Gothic spire, albeit truncated, after the upper part collapsed in the 17th century. History The church was built on the grounds of an ancient cemetery on the route of the Via Augusta. The church is named after St Felix, whose remains were allegedly found in the churchyard. The church also contains relics of St Narcis, patron saint of Girona. The church contains elements from Romanesque to the Baroque periods, although most of the present structure dates from the 13th century onwards. The building The front (West) façade is dominated by the tower, which rises in stages to its truncated spire and on the right, an unusual fortified tower. The frontage decoration dates from the late 15th century and is in a restrained classical style, rising to a large rose window. The interior is dark and gloomy, largely thanks to the fact that the church was built to be heavily fortified, as it stood adjacent but outside the city's defences. Most notable are the early Roman pagan and Christian sarcophagi in the walls of apse, but the 16th-century altarpiece and a 14th-century alabaster reclining Christ are also worth a look. read more
