Convent de Sant Domènec de Girona, Gothic church in Girona, Spain
Sant Domènec convent is a Gothic church featuring a single nave with side chapels and a polygonal apse, its facade decorated with stone archivolts above a monumental staircase. The structure shows how Dominican friars organized religious space with practical simplicity, combining the main worship area with smaller chapels for private devotion.
The convent was founded in 1252 outside the city walls with backing from King Jaume I and the local bishop. The church was consecrated in 1338, establishing it as a major religious center in the region.
The Gothic cloister displays fifteen pointed arches resting on twin columns with carved leaf designs on the capitals, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Dominican friars who shaped this space. Walking around these arcades, you can sense how monks once moved through these passages during their daily routines.
The Faculty of Arts at the University of Girona occupies the building today, so access may be limited to educational activities and scheduled events. Check with the university beforehand to arrange a visit, especially if you want to see the cloister and interior spaces.
The convent underwent a surprising transformation, serving as military barracks starting in 1827 before eventually becoming an educational facility. This change from religious to military to academic use reflects the shifts in Girona's history.
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