River Onyar Viewpoint

A Window into Girona’s Soul — through the Lens

Before you end your Rafael Masó walking tour, pause at one of Girona’s most photogenic spots — either the Pont de Pedra (Stone Bridge) or the Pont de Sant Agustí. These bridges offer the iconic postcard view of the city: the shimmering waters of the Onyar River, the tightly stacked, brightly colored houses reflecting in the current, and behind them, the solemn silhouette of the Cathedral and Church of Sant Feliu.

Among these pastel-hued facades is Casa Masó itself, now seen from a new angle — not as a museum, but as part of a living urban tapestry.

???? A Photographer’s Paradise

This view has enchanted photographers, painters, and filmmakers for decades. The contrast is what makes it special: the poetic disorder of the facades, each a different shade, each with its own tiny balcony, juxtaposed with the tranquil line of the river. Try visiting at golden hour, when the sunlight bathes the buildings in warm tones, and the reflections double the magic.

????️ A Little-Known Story

Back in the early 20th century, when Rafael Masó was restoring and redesigning his family’s house (Casa Masó), he insisted that the building maintain harmony with its neighbors along the river. While other homes had laundry lines and irregular add-ons, Masó added simple, elegant window frames, subtle geometric lines, and a cream-colored facade — without breaking the chromatic unity of the Onyar.

He believed that even a private residence had a duty to the beauty of the public space — a philosophy that lives on in the photo every visitor takes from this very spot.

So take your time, frame your shot, and capture not just a pretty view — but a piece of Girona’s identity.