Audio Guide of the Onyar Houses

The Onyar Houses are the colorful facades along the river, so there are no opening or closing hours as such. They can be admired from the bridges and banks of the Onyar River at any time of day, offering a spectacular view both in daylight and illuminated at night. For the best views, I recommend walking along Stone Bridge or the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, known as the Eiffel Bridge.

Fantastic news! Enjoying the view of the Onyar Houses is completely free. No ticket is required and there are no associated fees, as they are historic residential buildings admired from the outside. You can walk freely along the bridges and riverbanks to capture the best photographs and enjoy the scenery.

Really, the time you spend will depend on your interest. To simply admire the facades and take a few photos, 15 to 30 minutes from different viewpoints, such as Stone Bridge and the Eiffel Bridge, will be enough. If you want to soak up more of Girona’s atmosphere and enjoy a peaceful walk along the river, you can extend your visit to an hour or more, combining it with the Old Town.

The Onyar Houses are an icon of Girona. Originally, they were more modest buildings attached to the city wall on the riverbank, with practical and residential functions. Over time, they were renovated and painted in vivid colors, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean fishing villages. Their fame lies in the uniqueness of their facades reflected in the river, creating one of the city’s most postcard-worthy views and blending tradition with a touch of urban art. Each house has its own story, adding charm to the panorama.

To capture the essence of the Onyar Houses, I suggest two key moments: early morning, when the light is soft and golden and there are fewer people, or sunset, when the colors deepen and the lights of the houses and the city come on, creating a magical atmosphere. As for the best season, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and a moderate number of visitors, ideal for strolling and enjoying the area. Summer is also popular, but it can be quite hot.

Yes, the Onyar Houses are fairly accessible for people with reduced mobility. Since they are viewed from the outside, the bridges and riverbanks are paved and generally flat. Access to bridges such as Stone Bridge includes ramps. However, some nearby areas of the Old Town may have cobbled streets or slopes. I recommend checking Girona’s accessibility map if you have a specific route in mind for more detail. You can find more information about accessibility in Girona on the tourism website: Girona Tourism - Accessibility.

Girona is full of gems right nearby! From the Onyar Houses, you are just steps away from the impressive Jewish Quarter, with its narrow, maze-like streets. You can also climb up to Girona Cathedral and walk along its Roman wall. Nearby, the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants and the Arab Baths are must-see visits. You will have no shortage of options to keep exploring!

Of course. To get the most out of your visit, here are a couple of tips. First, cross all the bridges linking the Old Town with Mercadal to get different perspectives of the houses. Second, do not forget to visit the Old Town, right behind them, and lose yourself in its streets to soak up the history. If you are looking for a more immersive experience, consider our Girona audio guide, which will reveal all the secrets of the city.