Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

Memorial, Monument and Square in Girona

Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809
Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809
CC BY-SA 3.0 / JoJan

The Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809 stands in the middle of Plaça de la Independència, one of Girona's most atmospheric, café-lined squares. Even if you're not hunting for “must-see” monuments, it's a natural pause point: arcaded façades, a steady hum of terraces, and a central sculpture that anchors the whole plaza.

Most travelers encounter it on a walking tour between the Onyar River bridges and the historic core, or as a convenient meeting point before heading toward the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter. For the best views, circle the monument once from each side of the square, then step under the porticoes for a framed look back across the plaza.

History and Significance of the Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

The monument commemorates Girona’s defenders during the sieges of 1808 and 1809, a defining chapter of the Peninsular War when the city endured repeated attacks and severe hardship. The memorial’s presence in the city’s social heart is intentional: it keeps local memory visible in everyday life, not tucked away in a museum.

The sculpture dates from the late 19th century (installed in 1894), reflecting a period when many European cities erected civic monuments to shape public identity and honor collective sacrifice. In Girona, that tribute is set within a neoclassical square designed to be walked, lingered in, and shared.

To appreciate the significance, read the inscriptions and then look outward: the monument is surrounded by restaurants and gathering spots, which creates a striking contrast between commemoration and the plaza’s modern-day conviviality.

Things to See and Do in the Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

Start with a slow lap around the pedestal to take in the sculptural group and any engraved details. The monument is best experienced up close, where you can notice how the figures and stonework are composed to convey tension, resolve, and loss.

Next, use the square itself as part of the visit. Sit on a bench facing the monument for people-watching, or grab a coffee under the arcades and enjoy how the plaza’s symmetry frames the memorial from multiple angles.

If you're visiting on a weekend or during seasonal events, keep an eye out for street performers and pop-up stalls that sometimes animate the square. It's an easy, low-effort stop that still feels distinctly “Girona.”

How to Get to the Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

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

Girona is well connected by train, including fast services from Barcelona, and from Girona station it's a straightforward walk or short taxi ride to Plaça de la Independència. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for public parking on the edge of the center and walk in, since the historic core has limited access streets and pedestrian-priority areas. 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.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

  • Official website: https://www.girona.cat/web/turisme/eng/monuments_independencia.php
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Come in the morning for quieter photos, or at sunset when the arcades and terraces feel most atmospheric.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes is enough for a loop, photos, and reading the monument; longer if you plan a café stop in the square.
  • Accessibility: The plaza is generally flat and easy to approach, though surfaces can be stone and busy with terrace seating at peak times.
  • Facilities: Plenty of cafés and restaurants surround the square; public restrooms are typically in nearby venues or city facilities rather than at the monument itself.

Where to Stay Close to the Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

Base yourself in Girona’s historic center (Barri Vell) if you want to explore on foot and return to lively plazas and riverside views at night.

For a classic, central stay with easy access to the square and the old town lanes, consider: Hotel Gran Ultonia It's a reliable choice for comfort and convenience, especially if you want a straightforward walk to Plaça de la Independència.

Hotel Ultonia A practical sister option that often suits travelers who prioritize location and value while staying close to the action.

Hotel Nord 1901 A boutique-style pick near the center, great for travelers who like a quieter street but still want to be steps from cafés and sights.

Hotel Ciutat de Girona Well placed for walking routes that link the river, shopping streets, and the old town, with a polished, city-hotel feel.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona Ideal if you want to lean into Girona’s storytelling vibe, with a characterful setting close to the historic quarter’s highlights.

Is the Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809 Worth Visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting as a quick, meaningful stop because it sits in one of Girona’s best squares and adds historical context to an area you’ll likely pass through anyway. The experience is simple but satisfying: a landmark memorial, a beautiful plaza, and an easy place to pause during a walking day.

Honest Pivot: If you're short on time and only want “big-ticket” interiors (cathedrals, museums, panoramic viewpoints), you can skip treating it as a standalone destination and just enjoy it in passing while heading to the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, or the riverside bridges.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (54)

Reviews are very positive overall, highlighting the monument’s central location in Girona’s main square and the lively atmosphere created by surrounding cafés and restaurants. Visitors commonly enjoy sitting on benches or terraces for people-watching and photos, and some mention weekend street performers and seasonal market stalls. A minor downside is that it can feel more like a busy plaza stop than a dedicated attraction, especially during peak dining times.

Mahmoud Abdellatif
4 years ago
"This is one of the main squares in Girona, which is called Plaza de la Independencia Square. The Defenders Monument in the middle and surrounded bymany shops and restaurants. It is designed for their heroes of the Sieges of 1808 and 1809...."
Adrian M
4 years ago
"A monument in the middle of the Central Plaza of Girona lined by restaurants and cafes. Like many plazas, it's a place to be to sit back with friendsand family, watch people go by and take photos - whether it be at a restaurant/cafe or one of the multiple benches around the plaza facing the monument...."
Younes Al Hilal
2 years ago
"Nice 👌🏼 square in Girona I liked the atmosphere there surrounded with coffee shops and restaurants."

For Different Travelers

This is a flexible stop that works well as a short break between bigger sights. The square’s terraces and benches make it easy to tailor the visit to your pace, whether you’re moving fast or lingering.

Families with Kids

Kids usually enjoy the open space and the liveliness of the square more than the historical details. Make it a quick “spot the figures” moment, then reward everyone with a snack or gelato nearby.

If you’re traveling with a stroller, aim for less crowded times so you’re not weaving through terrace seating. Pair the stop with a gentle walk along the Onyar River for an easy family-friendly loop.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

The plaza is a strong romantic pause point, especially in the evening when the arcades glow and the terraces fill up. It’s a natural place for a pre-dinner drink and a few unhurried photos.

For a simple itinerary, visit the monument, then wander toward the river bridges for classic Girona views. The contrast between the memorial's solemnity and the square's warmth can make the moment feel surprisingly memorable.

Budget Travelers

This is an easy win for budget travelers because it's a central, photogenic sight that doesn't cost anything. You can enjoy the atmosphere from a bench and still feel like you've “done” a key Girona location.

If you want to keep spending low, grab something from a bakery or supermarket and treat the square as your picnic-style break (while being mindful of local rules and keeping the area tidy).

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate the monument as a gateway into Girona’s Napoleonic-era story. Use it as a prompt to explore how the city’s fortifications, walls, and strategic position shaped its past.

To deepen the context, connect this stop with a walk to the old defensive areas and viewpoints in the historic center. Even without a guide, the city's layout helps you imagine why Girona was so fiercely contested.

FAQs for Visiting Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy walk from the historic center and the Onyar River area. It also works well as a meeting point before continuing deeper into Barri Vell.
Yes, you can walk from the station in a reasonable time, or take a short taxi ride if you prefer. The route is straightforward through central streets.
Yes, searching for Plaça de la Independència will bring you directly to the square. The monument is in the center, so it’s hard to miss once you arrive.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s outdoors in a public square and can be visited freely. You can view it at any time while passing through.
No, the experience is simply the monument and the square around it. Any costs are optional, like sitting at a café.
No, you can appreciate it independently in a few minutes. A guided walking tour can add context, but it’s not necessary.

Visiting Experience

Do one full circle around the monument, read the inscriptions, and then step back under the arcades for a wider view. That gives you both detail and the plaza’s overall composition.
It can be lively, especially at meal times and on weekends. Even then, it’s a comfortable place to pause because the square is spacious.
Notice the neoclassical arcades and how the square frames the memorial from every side. The surrounding terraces are part of the atmosphere.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s a natural stop between the river area and the historic core. Many self-guided routes pass through or nearby.
Head to the Onyar River bridges for photos, then continue toward the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter. This creates a compact, high-impact route.
No, it works as a visual landmark and a pleasant plaza stop on its own. A little context simply makes it more meaningful.

Photography

Try a low angle close to the figures, then a wider shot from under the porticoes to capture the square’s symmetry. Evening light often flatters the stone and bronze.
Morning is calmer and good for clean compositions, while late afternoon and evening feel more atmospheric. Night can also be appealing with terrace lights.
Go early in the day or between meal times. If it’s busy, embrace the café life and frame the monument as part of the living square.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes, as it’s a flat public square, though surfaces may be stone and terrace seating can narrow paths. Visiting off-peak makes movement easier.
Not at the monument itself, but many nearby cafés and restaurants have facilities for customers. Plan a short stop at a venue if needed.
Yes, the arcades provide shade and cover from light rain. This makes the square comfortable in different weather.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the square is surrounded by cafés and restaurants. It’s one of Girona’s easiest places to stop for a drink or meal.
Yes, it’s ideal for a mid-walk pause with plenty of terrace seating. The monument gives you a pleasant view while you rest.
At peak times, popular terraces can fill up quickly. If you have a specific restaurant in mind, booking ahead is a good idea.

Safety & Timing

The square is typically lively and well frequented, which helps it feel comfortable. As in any tourist area, keep an eye on valuables.
Plan 10–15 minutes for a quick look and photos. Add extra time only if you want to sit for a drink or people-watch.
Yes, it’s perfectly placed for breaking up a day of walking. It’s a low-effort highlight that doesn’t derail your itinerary.

Nearby Attractions to the Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809

  • Onyar River and its bridges: Classic Girona viewpoints with colorful riverside façades and easy photo spots.
  • Barri Vell (Old Town): A maze of medieval streets and stairways that leads you toward Girona's most iconic landmarks.
  • Girona Cathedral: A dramatic hilltop cathedral complex known for its imposing presence and panoramic surroundings.
  • Jewish Quarter (El Call): One of the best-preserved historic Jewish quarters in Europe, ideal for slow wandering.
  • Basilica of Sant Feliu: A major church in the historic center with a distinctive profile and deep local history.

The Monument als defensors de Girona el 1808 i 1809 appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: 17001 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Official Website

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