Girona is located north of Barcelona in the Ter river valley, between the mountain massifs of Las Gavarres and Las Guilleries. Its strategic location favored its original growth as an important stronghold, and its history is characterised by a seemingly never-ending list of military events which have immortalised its name. During the Gothic period the city began to expand and enlarge its walled sections, which spread towards the districts that had grown up around the Roman part. Even during the 16C and 17C there was an increase in defensive construction, including fortresses, military barracks and other such buildings. The magnificent walled area, which is preserved in almost its entirety, was last put to the test during the famous sieges of 1808-09 when it faced Napoleon's troops. In spite of everything, the strategic and defensive roles of the city did in no way impede the development of a historic center of exceptional value. One fine example is the Cathedral, an enormous construction that was painstakingly built over many centuries.