An Insider's Guide To Girona's Jewish Quarter

Located within the Força Vella, the mighty Roman fortress built in the 1st century BC, Girona‘s Jewish Quarter, also known as El Call, is one of the Spanish city’s most iconic areas. A maze of narrow cobbled streets, stairs, patios and archways, it’s one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in the world. Here’s our insider’s guide.

What to see

Museum of Jewish History

To begin your visit, learn all about the area and its significance at the Museum of Jewish History. The museum is actually housed in an old synagogue, and gives visitors a great in-depth look at the culture of the Jews in Catalonia, and in Girona itself. Objects on display here include medieval tombstones from the Montjuïc Jewish cemetery in Barcelona and a reconstruction of the figure of the famous Rabbi Moshe Ben Nachman.

The Tapestry of Creation is the famous embroidered tapestry, which is housed in Girona Cathedral. Dating back to the 11th century, it features a typical Jewish couple, which have since become the symbol of Girona‘s Jewish Quarter.

City History Museum

The Museu d’Historia de Girona is located in an old Capuchin convent and provides an excellent overview of the city, all the way from its founding during Roman times. There’s also a section of the museum dedicated solely to the Jewish history in the city, which was home a Jewish community for over six centuries.

Where to stay

The Hotel Historic

The Hotel Historic is one of the few Girona hotels actually located within the old Jewish Quarter itself. Housed in a 9th century building, it perfectly fuses together old period features with modern comfort. Rooms still have wooden rafters and old stone walls, but offer clean contemporary furniture and designs.

Where to explore

Carrer de la Força

Força street lies at the heart of the Jewish Quarter. Walk along it to find both the Jewish History Museum and the City History Museum. You’ll also be able to spot ancient doorways and old Jewish houses, as well as some cute little boutiques and restaurants. Two other must-visit streets are Carrer de Sant Llorenç and Carrer Manuel Cundaro, which both epitomise the Jewish Quarter with their narrow walls, steep stone steps and big stone windows.

Where to eat

Bau Bar

Located right next to the imposing Girona Cathedral, Bau Bar makes for an excellent food stop when exploring the Call. As well as the usual Spanish and international fare, it offers a special Sephardic menu, so you can taste traditional Jewish cuisine.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.