Monument del Lleó, Girona

Memorial, Monument and Statue in Girona

Monument del Lleó
Monument del Lleó
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enfo

Monument del Lleó is a small but striking memorial in Girona, set on a column with a lion figure and commemorative plaques. You'll find it in Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba, right by the Mercat del Lleó area, making it an easy add-on to a city stroll.

Because it sits in a lived-in part of town rather than behind ticket gates, it works best as a quick stop on a self-guided walking tour. Pair it with a wander toward the Onyar River bridges and then up into the Barri Vell (Old Town) for the best contrast between Girona's everyday local rhythm and its dramatic medieval skyline.

History and Significance of the Monument del Lleó

Monument del Lleó is dedicated to the defenders of Girona during the sieges of 1808–1809, part of the Peninsular War (often referred to locally as the Guerra del Francès). Its official dedication is to the “heroes of 1808–1809,” and the monument's plaques and inscriptions reinforce its role as a civic memorial rather than a purely decorative statue.

The monument was inaugurated on November 7, 1909, timed with centenary commemorations of the sieges. While the base and setting established the memorial presence early on, the more durable, definitive stone elements were installed later (in 1915), giving the monument the form visitors see today.

Its location is also part of the story: it stands on the Baluard de Sant Francesc (a bastion of Girona's former fortifications). That placement ties the memorial directly to the city's defensive past, turning a simple photo stop into a small window into how Girona remembers survival, sacrifice, and resilience.

Things to See and Do in the Monument del Lleó

Start by circling the monument slowly and reading the plaques. Even if you don’t translate every line, you’ll pick up the tone: commemoration, military history, and civic pride. The lion itself is the visual anchor, and it’s worth viewing from a couple of angles to appreciate how it’s posed and how the column elevates it above the square.

Next, take in the setting. Because the monument is integrated into an urban square near a busy market zone, it’s a great place to observe Girona’s everyday life—deliveries, shoppers, and locals moving through the neighborhood—while you pause for a history moment.

Finally, use it as a navigation point for a walking loop: from here you can head toward the Onyar River for classic Girona views, then continue into the Old Town for the Cathedral area and medieval lanes. If you're building a compact itinerary, this is a “2–10 minute stop” that adds context without slowing your day.

How to Get to the Monument del Lleó

The nearest major airports are Barcelona–El Prat (BCN) and Girona–Costa Brava (GRO), with BCN offering the widest range of international flights and GRO often serving seasonal and low-cost routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is well-connected by rail, and arriving by train is one of the easiest ways to start a walking day in the city; from Girona station you can continue on foot or by local bus/taxi toward Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're traveling by car, Girona is straightforward to reach via the AP-7 corridor, and you can aim for paid parking options near the center before finishing on foot to the square. 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 del Lleó

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Morning is ideal if you want calmer streets and softer light; midday is lively thanks to the nearby market area.
  • How long to spend: Plan 5–15 minutes for photos and reading the plaques, or longer if you’re using it as a pause on a longer walking loop.
  • Accessibility: The monument is outdoors at street level, but surfaces around the square can vary; expect typical city paving and occasional curb changes.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities at the monument itself, but you’ll find cafés, shops, and services in the surrounding neighborhood.

Where to Stay Close to the Monument del Lleó

Base yourself in central Girona so you can walk everywhere easily, from the market area to the Old Town and the river bridges.

Hotel Gran Ultonia A practical, central choice with an easy walk to both the monument area and the Old Town; great if you want comfort without being far from transport links.

Hotel Ultonia Often a good-value sister option in the same central zone, handy for travelers who prioritize location and a straightforward stay.

Carlemany Girona A solid pick if you like being near the station side of town while still staying walkable to Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba and the river.

Hotel Nord 1901 A boutique-feeling stay close to the historic core; ideal if you want to combine quick monument stops with atmospheric evening walks.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A characterful option near the Old Town sights, perfect for travelers who want Girona’s history and storytelling vibe right outside the door.

Is the Monument del Lleó Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you enjoy small, authentic city details that add meaning to a walking day. It’s not a “plan your whole afternoon around it” attraction, but it’s a memorable, photogenic monument with real historical weight, and it sits in a convenient spot you’re likely to pass anyway.

Honest Pivot: If you’re short on time and only want Girona’s headline sights (Cathedral viewpoints, medieval lanes, river bridges), you can skip a dedicated detour. It’s best for travelers who like quick memorials, local squares, and building context as they move through a city.

What Other Travellers Say...

4.4 (98)
macedonboy
6 years ago
"The Monument del Lleo is a sculpture that stands in tribute to the fallen Spanish soldiers of the Napolenonic Wars. The monument can be found inPlaca Calvet i Rubalcaba, next to the covered market "Mercat del Lleó". It has a large square base that houses a series of tombs dedicated to deceased officers with a plaque naming the soldiers. The base also serves as a base for the monumental column that reaches to about 15 metres high. A the top of the column is a platform upon which sits a sculpture of a lion standing proud and majestic . Not a must see in Girona, but worth a look if you're in the area...."
Markus Osterkamp
3 months ago
"Very cool area"
Richard Hooper
2 years ago
"Always People taking pictures and some times school children doing local history."

For Different Travelers

Monument del Lleó is a flexible stop: it's outdoors, quick to visit, and easy to fold into almost any Girona route. The key is to treat it as a “connector” between neighborhoods rather than a standalone destination.

Families with Kids

Kids often respond well to the lion figure—an easy visual hook that makes the stop feel like a mini scavenger-hunt moment. Keep it short, then reward the stop by continuing toward river views or a sweet treat nearby.

If your family is doing a walking-heavy day, this is a good “reset point” to pause, hydrate, and re-orient. You can also turn it into a quick story: a city remembering brave defenders, symbolized by a lion.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the monument works best as a quick, meaningful pause on the way to more scenic Girona spots. It's a nice contrast: a grounded local square first, then the romance of the Old Town streets and viewpoints afterward.

Visit in the early evening for a calmer feel and then continue to a riverside stroll. It’s not inherently romantic, but it adds texture to a day that might otherwise be only “pretty views.”

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will appreciate that it's free, outdoors, and doesn't require planning. It's also a good anchor point for exploring Girona on foot without spending on transport.

Pair it with other no-cost highlights: bridges over the Onyar, wandering Barri Vell, and viewpoints along the old city edges. It’s a small stop, but it helps your self-guided route feel more intentional.

History Buffs

History buffs will get the most out of the inscriptions and the monument’s connection to the 1808–1809 sieges. The fact that it’s placed on a bastion site adds an extra layer: memory anchored to real defensive infrastructure.

Use it as a prompt to look for other traces of Girona’s military past as you walk—walls, gates, and strategic viewpoints. Even a short stop here can deepen your understanding of why Girona’s history feels so tangible.

FAQs for Visiting Monument del Lleó

Getting There

Yes, it’s a comfortable walk and works well as part of a loop that includes the river and Barri Vell. Plan on navigating by the square name (Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba) if you’re using maps.
It’s close enough to reach on foot for most travelers, and even easier by a short taxi ride if you have luggage. Many visitors simply walk and treat it as the first stop of the day.
Yes, local buses and taxis can get you near the square, but walking is usually simplest once you’re central. Girona’s center is compact and pedestrian-friendly.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s an outdoor public monument in a city square. You can visit at any time without booking.
No, it’s open to the public and integrated into the square. Any costs you incur would be for nearby parking, cafés, or tours.
Not required, but a guide can add context about the sieges and the city’s fortifications. If you’re self-guiding, reading the plaques and then continuing to other historic sites works well.

Visiting Experience

It’s typically a quick stop—most people spend a few minutes for photos and a look at the inscriptions. It’s best combined with nearby neighborhoods rather than treated as a standalone attraction.
It can feel busier when the surrounding area is active, especially during market hours. Even then, it’s rarely “tour-bus crowded” like Girona’s top viewpoints.
Look for the plaques and the way the monument sits on the bastion structure. The setting is part of the story, not just the sculpture.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use it as a start near the market area, then walk toward the Onyar River bridges and finish in Barri Vell. This creates a natural progression from modern Girona to medieval Girona.
Yes, it’s ideal for self-guided exploration because it’s outdoors and easy to find. Treat it as a “checkpoint” between bigger sights.
Combine it with a market-area stroll, then continue to river viewpoints and the Old Town lanes. You’ll get a nice mix of local life and classic Girona scenery.

Photography

Try a low angle to emphasize the height of the column and lion, then step back to include the square context. A second shot closer in helps capture the plaque details.
Morning and late afternoon usually give softer light and fewer harsh shadows. If you’re photographing details, avoid the brightest midday sun.
Yes, it’s in a public outdoor space, so casual photography is straightforward. Be mindful of people passing through the square.

Accessibility & Facilities

The square area can offer places to pause, but there’s no dedicated visitor setup. If you need a longer break, nearby cafés are the most comfortable option.
Generally yes because it’s outdoors and at street level, but expect typical city paving and occasional uneven surfaces. If you use wheels, take it slow and choose smoother routes.
Not at the monument itself. Plan to use facilities in nearby cafés, the market area, or your accommodation.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the surrounding neighborhood has plenty of casual options. It’s easy to turn the stop into a coffee break.
Yes, being near the Mercat del Lleó zone makes it a natural place to look for fresh, local food options. Timing your visit around lunchtime can work well.
For casual meals, usually not, but popular spots in central Girona can fill up at peak times. If you have a specific restaurant in mind, reserve ahead.

Safety & Timing

It’s in a central urban area, so it’s generally fine, but use standard city awareness after dark. Stick to well-lit streets and keep valuables secure.
Even 5 minutes is enough for a look and a photo. It’s a good “micro-stop” when your schedule is tight.
Because it’s outdoors, rain can make the stop less pleasant and photos harder. On wet days, treat it as a quick pass-by rather than a linger spot.

Nearby Attractions to the Monument del Lleó

  • Mercat del Lleó: Girona's well-known municipal market area, great for a quick look at local produce and everyday city life.
  • Onyar River bridges: Classic Girona viewpoints with colorful riverside facades and easy photo spots.
  • Barri Vell (Old Town): A maze of historic streets and stairways that leads toward Girona's most iconic landmarks.
  • Girona Cathedral: A dramatic hilltop cathedral with one of the city's most memorable approaches and views.
  • Jewish Quarter (El Call): Atmospheric medieval lanes that are among the best places to wander slowly and soak up Girona's history.

The Monument del Lleó 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: Plaça Calvet i Rubalcaba, s/n, 17002 Girona, Spain
Girona: 0 km

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