Ascent of San Domenec - Braavos Market

Standing before you rises one of Girona's most dramatic and cinematically famous staircases, the Ascent of San Domenec, a breathtaking medieval passage that has captivated visitors for centuries and achieved global recognition as the fictional Braavos market in the acclaimed television series Game of Thrones. As you gaze upward at these ancient stone steps carved into the hillside, you're witnessing not just a remarkable piece of urban architecture, but a testament to medieval engineering that has withstood nearly eight hundred years of history. This magnificent stairway was constructed in the thirteenth century as part of Girona's expansion beyond its original Roman walls, connecting the lower quarters of the old city with the elevated areas where the Dominican monastery once stood. The steps themselves tell the story of Girona's medieval prosperity, when the city served as a crucial trading post along the Via Augusta, the ancient Roman road that connected Rome with the Iberian Peninsula. Each weathered stone beneath your feet has been polished smooth by countless generations of merchants, pilgrims, clergy, and residents who have made this arduous climb part of their daily lives. The architectural brilliance of this ascent becomes apparent as you begin your climb upward. Notice how the medieval builders carefully engineered each step to follow the natural contours of the hillside, creating a serpentine path that maximizes stability while minimizing the steepness of the grade. The walls flanking the stairway showcase the characteristic golden limestone of the region, quarried from nearby hills and hand-fitted by master stonemasons whose techniques had been passed down through generations.