Previous image Index Next image
The Lioness of Girona (Lleona de Girona), Girona, Catalonia | Girona (Catalonia, Spain) (IMG_8493.jpg)

The Lioness of Girona (Lleona de Girona), Girona, Catalonia

This Romanesque column with a male lion climbing up it was situated at the entrance to the city and all the travellers who were coming to Girona stopped there. It was first confused with a monkey and later on it became part of Girona’s mythology as a lioness. People standing on tiptoe could just reach and touch the small beast’s bottom with their hands. In time, the rite of touching or even kissing its bottom became a guarantee of a happy return to their city, after having been away. This ritual is accompanied by its saying: "Whoever kisses the lioness’s ass will return to Girona".
Email to a friend
Share on Facebook
Tweet
Copyright © Yair Karelic Photography. All rights reserved