Summary of Jewish Heritage in Spain
Spain was a land of promise for Jews in the Middle Ages until the 1492 expulsion by the Catholic Kings (Reyes Católicos). Numerous towns and cities in Spain are significant for their Jewish heritage.
There are famous Jewish quarters throughout Spain—from those in Andalusia’s Seville and Córdoba to the ones in Catalonia’s Barcelona and Girona, as well as one in north-west Spain’s Ribadavia. You can find a Jewish Quarter to explore, no matter where you stay in Spain.
1. Jewish Barcelona and Girona
El Call is Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter, located between the Cathedral of La Seu, Plaça Jaume, and Plaça del Pi. This atmospheric area provides a fascinating insight into both Barcelona’s history and the legacy of Jewish people in Catalonia.
The term “El Call” means “alleyway,” and it aptly describes the small maze of narrow streets that characterize this historical district. The Jewish presence in Barcelona dates back to the 9th Century; however, it was not until two centuries later that El Call was formally established.
During the medieval period, Jews significantly influenced the emergence of Barcelona as an important trading port and enjoyed royal protection until 1391, when the Jewish Quarter faced attacks and the revocation of Jewish privileges. An interesting location here is the Centre d’Interpretació del Call, a museum dedicated to the history of the Jewish Quarter, situated in a 14th Century house known as the House of the Rabbi, which preserves rare architectural details.
Also notable is the ancient Synagoga Mayor, believed to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the third century AD. It has been restored by the Associació Call de Barcelona and is open to the public.
Girona’s Jewish Quarter
The Jewish quarter in Girona is also referred to as the ‘Call’ and is one of the best preserved in Europe. Its main streets include Carrer de Sant Llorenç, Carreró, Travessia del Dr. Luis Batlle, and Carrer del Dr. Miquel Oliva. Torre Gironella served as a refuge for Jews during tumultuous times.
What Else is There to See in Girona?
Girona is a classic medieval walled city that invites visitors to wander aimlessly. It is located near Figueres, the home of the Salvador Dalí museum.
How to Get to Girona
Girona is accessible via high-speed rail from Barcelona, connecting to the line toward Paris. A visit to Barcelona also enriches your understanding of Jewish heritage.
2. Jewish Toledo
Toledo was home to one of Spain’s largest Jewish populations. Visitors can appreciate the old Jewish quarter from the Mirador de San Cristóbal, which extends from Calle Taller del Moro to the city walls at Puerta del Cambrón. Two of the original ten synagogues remain: the Sinagoga del Tránsito (currently a museum) and the Sinagoga Santa María la Blanca. For more information on Jewish Toledo, visit the museum at the Tránsito synagogue.
What Else is There to See in Toledo?
Toledo is among the most popular day trips from Madrid, renowned for its impressive city walls and stunning cathedral.
How to Get to Toledo
Travel by high-speed train from Madrid to Toledo, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes.
3. Jewish Segovia
The old Sinagoga Mayor is now the Corpus Christi church and marks the beginning of the Jewish quarter, which extends to Cannonía. The tourist information center in Segovia provides valuable insights and recommended routes through the Jewish district.
What Else is There to See in Segovia?
Segovia is an excellent day trip from Madrid, famous for its ancient Roman aqueduct and a picturesque castle that evokes fairy tale imagery.
How to Get to Segovia
Take the high-speed train from Madrid, with a travel time of less than an hour. Consider stopping in Ávila to witness the stunning city walls; however, this detour is not train-accessible and requires a guided tour for a fuller experience.
4. Jewish Córdoba and Seville
Córdoba may be seen as a little brother to nearby Seville; however, in terms of Jewish heritage, it stands as a key city in the region. With both cities located just 40 minutes apart by train, visiting both is highly recommended.
The Jewish quarter of Córdoba is among the most renowned in Spain. The whitewashed walls in the area north of the magnificent Mezquita mosque are favorite attractions. Streets like Tomas Conde, Judíos, and Plaza Juda Leví compose the Jewish quarter, with the municipal tourist office found in Plaza Juda Leví providing extensive information on Córdoba’s Jewish community.
The 14th-century synagogue in Córdoba is unique; it is the only synagogue in Andalusia that was never converted into a Christian building. Additionally, a bull museum and a monument honoring the Jewish philosopher and physician Maimonides stand as significant landmarks in the Jewish Quarter.
What Else is There to See in Córdoba?
Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral is its number one sight, having served multiple faiths for centuries and showcasing rich architectural heritage.
How to Get to Córdoba
Córdoba lies on the high-speed train line from Madrid to Seville, enabling easy access, especially from Seville, which also boasts a noteworthy Jewish quarter.
5. Other Jewish Cities in Spain
Cáceres has two Jewish quarters, with the Judería Vieja (Old Jewish Quarter) once housing a synagogue now occupied by the San Antonio hermitage. The Judería Nueva (New Jewish Quarter) was located on Calle Cruz, but it no longer exists.
Hervás
The Jewish quarter starts around La Plaza and runs up to the river, featuring narrow, winding streets such as Call del Vado, Calle Amistad Judeocristiana, and Calleja de los Cofrades. Although many original Jewish buildings have been repurposed by other religions, the synagogue was once located on Calle del Rabilero.
Ribadavia
Ribadavia’s Jewish heritage is remarkably preserved, with several annual festivals rooted in Jewish traditions, including the Festa da Istoria and the Jewish Wedding (Boda Judía), along with performances of Sephardic music. The historical synagogue was likely situated at Plaza de la Magdalena.
Ribadavia serves as an excellent hub for exploring Jewish Spain, notably hosting the Network of Jewish Quarters in Spain and the Sephardic Information Center of Galicia.
Tortosa
The Catalan town of Tortosa has a rich history involving both Muslims and Jews. As early as the eighth century, the Jewish population played a vital role, acting as intermediaries between Christians and Muslims. After the town’s liberation in the 12th century, the Jews were granted the previous Muslim shipyards, and the new Jewish quarter, established in the 13th century, remains well-preserved today, encompassing streets surrounding Major de Remolins.
