Muralles de Girona, Medieval defensive wall in Girona, Spain.
The Muralles de Girona are a three-kilometer-long stone fortification surrounding the old quarter with several watchtowers and observation points on elevated terrain. The structure combines military engineering with residential construction and shows different building phases through varied stone types and building methods.
Roman forces established the original fortification in the first century before Christ, which was later shaped by Carolingian expansions and heavy reinforcements in the 14th century. These different time periods left their marks in the structure and show how military needs shaped city protection over a long span of time.
The walls show different building styles that trace back to Roman times and were shaped by the people of the city over centuries. Today you can see the different stone layers and repairs as you walk, which reveal how the city adapted its defenses again and again.
You can enter the wall from several access points that are reachable throughout the day, with a main entrance near the Catalunya square. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes since the path is uneven and the terrain becomes steep in places.
Residential spaces are built directly into the wall, which allowed inhabitants to live within the fortification while serving as an additional defensive line. This created an unusual living space where private homes and military structure are closely interwoven.
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