Crowning Girona’s skyline, the Cathedral of Santa Maria commands attention from the top of a majestic 86-step staircase. Its soaring Baroque façade, added in the 17th century, belies a far older history: foundations date to the 5th century, with a Romanesque church and 12th-century cloister still preserved within. The cathedral’s most notable feature is the 23-metre-wide Gothic nave (widest in the world!) completed in the 14th century and illuminated by vast stained-glass windows. Inside, the Museum of the Cathedral safeguards extraordinary treasures, including the 11th-century Tapestry of Creation, a vivid Romanesque depiction of divine order, and a gem-studded 14th-century silver altarpiece. The cloister captivates with carved capitals portraying biblical tales and mythical beasts. For context, use the included audio guide to unravel layers of history, from Roman forums to medieval masterpieces.

Girona’s El Call is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters, a labyrinth of narrow, steep alleys centred around Carrer de la Força. At its heart lies the Museum of Jewish History, housed in a building that once held a 15th-century synagogue and now vividly recounts the story of Catalonia’s Jewish communities. Exhibits trace their profound contributions to medicine, astronomy and philosophy, while also confronting darker chapters like the Inquisition and the 1492 expulsion. Highlights include an 11th-century miqvé (ritual bath), funerary slabs with Hebrew inscriptions, and the original expulsion edict. Detailed multilingual panels guide visitors through themes of daily life, rituals, and cultural exchange. Beyond the museum, the quarter itself whispers with history. Wander its cobbled lanes to sense the resilience of a community that shaped Girona for centuries.

In the northwestern part of the city centre lies the Qingyang Palace, one of the most famous Taoist temple complexes in China. Go in and experience some Taoist peace and relaxation right in the heart of Chengdu.