Basílica de Sant Feliu, Girona

Basilica, Church and Religious Building in Girona

Basílica de Sant Feliu
Basílica de Sant Feliu
CC BY-SA 3.0 / CARLETES

Basílica de Sant Feliu is one of Girona's most atmospheric churches, set in the historic core just below the city's cathedral. With its fortress-like exterior, tall Gothic bell tower, and a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements, it's a landmark you'll likely pass on any walk through the old town.

It's also an easy add-on to a Girona walking tour: pair it with the Cathedral steps, the medieval lanes of the Barri Vell, and a stroll down to the Onyar River viewpoints for classic photo angles. If you're choosing just a few interiors to visit, many travelers find Sant Feliu feels quieter, older, and more intimate than the cathedral.

History and Significance of the Basílica de Sant Feliu

Sant Feliu was Girona’s first cathedral until the 10th century, which helps explain its importance in the city’s religious story. The site is closely tied to Saint Feliu (Sant Feliu), and the basilica’s long timeline is visible in the architecture: a Romanesque chevet, Gothic naves, and a later Baroque façade.

Inside, the basilica is known for early Christian heritage, including notable sarcophagi from Late Antiquity that connect Girona to the wider Roman and early Christian world. It's a place where the city's layers feel tangible: stonework, chapels, and funerary art all hint at centuries of devotion and civic identity.

Beyond the art and architecture, Sant Feliu’s setting matters too. Sitting on the slope between the cathedral precinct and the lower old town, it’s a natural waypoint in Girona’s historic walk, and a quieter counterpoint to the cathedral’s grand spectacle.

Things to See and Do in the Basílica de Sant Feliu

Start by taking in the exterior from the small open spaces nearby: the basilica’s tower and rugged, castle-like profile are especially striking when you approach from the old town lanes. Step inside and let your eyes adjust; the interior tends to feel calm and cool, with a sense of age that many visitors describe as more “lived-in” than the cathedral.

Don’t miss the early Christian sarcophagi, which are among the most distinctive features here and a highlight even for non-specialists. Look as well for the sculptural works and chapels that reveal how the building evolved over time, with different styles and devotional focuses added across centuries.

If you're visiting Girona for its medieval atmosphere, Sant Feliu fits perfectly: it's not just a quick photo stop, but a place to slow down, notice details, and connect the city's streets to the history that shaped them.

How to Get to the Basílica de Sant Feliu

The nearest major airports are Barcelona El Prat (BCN) and Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is well connected by rail, with frequent services (including high-speed options) from Barcelona to Girona station, making it an easy day trip or weekend base. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for parking outside the tight medieval core and walk in, since the old town streets are narrow and access can be restricted. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

From Girona’s train/bus station, you can reach the old town on foot in roughly 15–25 minutes depending on your route, or take a short taxi ride. Once you’re in the Barri Vell, follow signs toward the Cathedral; Sant Feliu sits just below it.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Basílica de Sant Feliu

  • Official website: https://catedraldegirona.cat/
  • Entrance fee: Cathedral + Basílica de Sant Feliu: Adults: €7.50; Reduced: €5; Youth: €1.50 (includes audio guide). Free for children under 7 and Girona natives/residents.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 13:00–18:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go mid-morning on a weekday for a quieter interior and softer light for photos. Late afternoon can be lovely too, especially if you’re pairing it with sunset viewpoints over the old town.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes for the basilica itself. Add extra time if you’re combining it with the Cathedral and nearby museums on the same ticket.
  • Accessibility: The approach is through Girona’s hilly old town with uneven stone paving and steps in places, so allow extra time if you have limited mobility. Inside, accessibility can vary by area, so ask staff about step-free routes.
  • Facilities: Expect limited on-site facilities typical of historic churches; use cafés and public services in the old town before or after. A small ticket/check-in point may be present during cultural visiting hours.

Where to Stay Close to the Basílica de Sant Feliu

Base yourself in the Barri Vell (Old Town) if you want to walk everywhere and experience Girona's medieval atmosphere early and late in the day.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona This is one of the closest stays to Sant Feliu, ideal for stepping straight into the cathedral quarter and exploring on foot.

Hotel Nord 1901 A comfortable, central option near Plaça de la Independència, great if you want easy dining choices while staying close to the old town.

Hotel Historic A small, characterful pick tucked into the medieval lanes, perfect for travelers who want a boutique feel and maximum old-town charm.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A practical choice near the station for train arrivals, with a straightforward walk or quick taxi ride up to the historic center.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Girona A modern, reliable stay with easy access by car and good comfort, useful if you prefer newer amenities over medieval-lane logistics.

Is the Basílica de Sant Feliu Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy historic interiors and want a church experience that feels ancient, local, and less “staged” than the headline cathedral. It's a high-impact stop for a relatively small time investment, and it fits naturally into any old-town walking route.

Honest Pivot: if you're short on time and only want the biggest “wow” exterior photo spots, you might choose to admire Sant Feliu from outside and prioritize the Cathedral steps, city walls, and river viewpoints instead. Also, if you're not planning to buy the combined ticket and prefer free sights only, you may decide to skip the interior.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,576)

With a strong 4.6/5 average from a large number of reviewers, visitors consistently describe Basílica de Sant Feliu as a highlight of Girona's old town. Many praise its ancient feel, striking Gothic architecture, and a peaceful interior that some find even more impressive than the nearby cathedral. Common positives include the atmosphere, historic character, and good value when visiting with a combined ticket. Minor drawbacks mentioned are that some travelers only admire it from outside, and a few note visible wear or damaged elements on parts of the exterior.

Przemyslaw Kowalski
3 months ago
"Visiting the Basilica of Sant Feliu was one of my favorite moments in Girona. It sits just below the cathedral, but in many ways it feels even moreancient and authentic. Knowing that the first church here was built in the 4th century, over the tomb of Saint Feliu, makes the place feel truly special. You can see the layers of history in every stone. The mix of styles is beautiful: the solid Romanesque base, elegant Gothic arches, and touches of Baroque detail show how the church evolved over hundreds of years. The bell tower is stu ing up close — slender and graceful, rising high above the old town. Inside basilica is very calm. I loved the collection of Roman and early Christian sarcophagi, carved with such detail that they almost feel alive. The main altar, where the relics of Saint Feliu rest, has a quiet, sacred atmosphere that’s easy to feel even if you’re not religious. It’s a place that combines history, beauty, and peace in a very natural way. Tickets cost only €12 and includes entrance to nearby cathedral and art museum. Audio guides available if you want to know the place better and more detailed...."
James Brazier
2 months ago
"Girona, Spain, I was completely captivated by its medieval charm. Wandering through the old town… narrow stone alleyways, ancient archways, and TheGirona Cathedral was especially breathtaking. It’s grand staircase and imposing façade are stu ing in person. This I recall from GOT. As a fan of Game of Thrones, exploring the old town was cool. Many parts of the medieval center and the cathedral steps were filming locations. Girona’s medieval center offers the perfect blend of history, atmosphere, and fantasy. A must-visit for anyone who loves architecture, culture, or Game of Thrones..."
The Compass Guy
a month ago
"The Basílica de Sant Feliu in Girona is what happens when centuries of devotion meet slightly eccentric medieval architecture. With its soaringspires, weathered stone, and interior that smells faintly of incense and history, it’s the kind of church that feels alive even when empty, as if the saints themselves are judging your choice of footwear. Dating back to the 4th century in origin, though largely rebuilt in Gothic style over the centuries, it houses tombs of notable locals, intricate altarpieces, and the ever, impressive twisted columns that somehow survived every renovation and minor earthquake that came along. Every corner whispers stories of priests, pilgrims, and occasional tourists attempting to look reverent while sneaking a selfie. Not flashy like a cathedral in Milan, not overcrowded like a Barcelona hotspot, and definitely not silent, the occasional footstep echoes, tourists murmur, and bells chime somewhere in the distance. But if you enjoy history, gothic quirks, and the quiet weight of centuries pressing gently on your shoulders, Basílica de Sant Feliu delivers in a quietly imposing way. A place where architecture, faith, and time collide, reminding visitors that medieval Girona still knows how to command attention without demanding it...."

For Different Travelers

Sant Feliu works well as a flexible stop: you can keep it brief, or use it as a slower, reflective pause between Girona’s busier highlights. Because it’s right in the historic core, it’s easy to combine with nearby streets, viewpoints, and cafés.

Families with Kids

Kids who like “castle-looking” buildings often enjoy the basilica’s exterior and the sense of stepping into a very old place. Keep the visit short and turn it into a scavenger hunt for details like towers, arches, and carved stone.

If your family is already doing the Cathedral, Sant Feliu can be a calmer second interior, but consider attention spans and choose one main church if you’re trying to avoid overload. Pair it with a treat stop in the old town afterward.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Sant Feliu is a quieter, moodier alternative to the cathedral crowds, with a more intimate atmosphere inside. It’s an easy “slow travel” moment: step in, take your time, then wander hand-in-hand through the lanes nearby.

Combine it with golden-hour viewpoints around the old town and a dinner reservation near Plaça de la Independència for a classic Girona date-night flow.

Budget Travelers

Sant Feliu is well placed for budget-friendly sightseeing because you can enjoy the exterior and the surrounding historic streets without spending anything. If you do pay to go inside, consider whether the combined ticket (with the Cathedral) offers better value for your itinerary.

Bring a refillable water bottle and plan your route on foot; Girona’s old town is compact, and you can build a full day around free viewpoints, bridges, and wandering the medieval quarter.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how clearly Sant Feliu shows Girona’s long religious timeline, from early Christian roots to Gothic expansion and later Baroque touches. The funerary art and sarcophagi are a standout, offering a direct link to Late Antiquity.

Treat it as part of a broader “layers of Girona” walk: basilica to cathedral precinct to the old town streets, then down toward the river to see how the city's geography shaped its defenses and development.

FAQs for Visiting Basílica de Sant Feliu

Getting There

Yes, it’s walkable, but expect an uphill approach and some uneven paving once you enter the old town. If you prefer to save energy for sightseeing, a short taxi ride to the historic center can help.
Yes, it’s essentially next door and sits just below the Cathedral area. Many visitors do both back-to-back as part of the same old-town loop.
Generally yes, because it’s a prominent landmark and well located on common walking routes. If you get turned around in the lanes, head toward the Cathedral and you’ll naturally pass it.

Tickets & Entry

For cultural visiting hours, entry is typically ticketed and often bundled with the Cathedral. For worship, access rules can differ, so check the current guidance before you go.
Yes, it’s commonly included with a Cathedral + Sant Feliu ticket, and there may be an option that also includes the Art Museum. If you plan to see multiple interiors, the bundle is usually the simplest.
Yes, some categories such as young children and certain local/resident or religious categories may qualify for free entry. Confirm eligibility at purchase time to avoid surprises.

Visiting Experience

Often, yes, and many visitors describe it as calmer and more contemplative. That makes it a good choice if you want a quieter church interior.
The early Christian sarcophagi are a signature feature, and the overall mix of architectural styles is part of the appeal. Even a quick loop can feel rewarding if you focus on a few key details.
It can still be worth it for the atmosphere and the sense of age, especially if you like medieval settings. If interiors aren’t your thing, the exterior and surrounding streets still deliver.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes if you want context about Girona’s religious history and how Sant Feliu fits into the city’s development. A guide can also point out details you might otherwise miss.
Start with the Cathedral area, visit Sant Feliu, then wander the Barri Vell lanes and finish at the river bridges for photos. This keeps walking efficient and avoids backtracking.
Yes, and it’s a logical pairing if you’re already doing paid interiors. Just pace yourself so it doesn’t become “too many rooms” in one stretch.

Photography

Look for angles from the lanes and small open areas around the basilica where the tower stands out against the sky. The approach from below often gives the most dramatic perspective.
Rules can vary depending on the area and whether services are happening. If you’re unsure, look for posted signs or ask staff before taking photos.
Morning light is great for crisp architectural detail, while late afternoon can add warmth and mood. If you’re also shooting the cathedral steps, plan your timing to avoid harsh midday sun.

Accessibility & Facilities

The surrounding neighborhood is hilly and can involve steps depending on your route. Choose a gentler approach and take breaks if needed.
It may be possible depending on current access arrangements, but not all historic areas are fully step-free. Ask on arrival for the best route.
Facilities are often limited in historic religious buildings. Plan to use cafés or public facilities nearby in the old town.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the old town has plenty of cafés and restaurants within a short walk. It’s easy to plan a break before heading to the Cathedral steps or down to the river.
No, eating inside is generally not appropriate in a church setting. Have snacks outside and keep the interior visit respectful.
Walk down toward the Onyar River to catch the colorful façades and bridges. It’s a relaxing way to transition from interior sightseeing to open-air views.

Safety & Timing

Girona’s historic center is generally safe and busy with visitors, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. The narrow lanes are calm, yet it’s still wise to stay aware.
Even if the interior is closed, the exterior is lovely in the evening and the old town atmosphere is excellent. Check hours in advance if you specifically want to go inside.
If you want a quiet cultural visit, avoid service times when access may be limited. If you do enter during worship, keep movement and photography to a minimum.

Nearby Attractions to the Basílica de Sant Feliu

The Basílica de Sant Feliu appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

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Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00-18:00.

Sunday: 13:00-18:00.

Price:

Cathedral + Basílica de Sant Feliu: Adults: €7.50; Reduced: €5; Youth: €1.50 (includes audio guide). Free for children under 7 and Girona natives/residents.

Address: Carrer Trasfigueres, 4, 17004 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 972 20 14 07
Official Website

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