The 'Casa Masó' is the only house open to the public as a museum, formerly home to the famous architect Rafael Masó.
The buildings were constructed using a variety of materials and styles, ranging from medieval foundations to 20th-century decorative facades.
The river Onyar is quite shallow, which often creates calm water surfaces ideal for reflecting the colorful buildings.
The houses were designed to be viewed from the bridges that cross the river, rather than from the riverbanks themselves.
The colorful paint schemes were officially encouraged by the city council in the 1980s to improve the urban landscape.
Eiffel bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles) was designed by the workshop of Gustave Eiffel and offers the most iconic view of the houses.
The Cases de l'Onyar are a row of historic buildings along the Onyar River in Girona, defined by their distinct, vibrant facades painted in shades of orange, yellow, and red. These structures represent a mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau, and define the visual identity of the city's old quarter. The houses were built at different times, with some sections replacing the city's medieval defensive walls. Several buildings were renovated in the 20th century to create a unified aesthetic overlooking the river. The reflections of the colorful buildings on the water are a primary draw for photographers and tourists. The site sits centrally in the city, connecting the historic hilltop quarter with the modern urban area. It remains a residential and commercial landmark rather than a museum-style attraction.
The center of the red iron Pont de les Peixateries Velles bridge.
Walk across the Pont de les Peixateries Velles to get the best perspective of the entire row.
Visit during the 'Temps de Flors' festival in May when the city is adorned with flowers and the river area is particularly vibrant.
Look for the plaque indicating the height of historical floods on some of the building foundations.
Do not expect to enter the houses as they are mostly private residences or offices; only Casa Masó is open for visitors.
