5 Best Barcelona Jewish Quarter Walking Tours

Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter, El Call, is more than just a collection of streets – it’s a whispering gallery of history.

Living in Spain has given me countless opportunities to wander through Barcelona, and each visit to El Call is like peeling back the pages of a fascinating history book.

This is why doing a walking tour of the Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter is a great idea to see how past and present merge seamlessly in its narrow alleys. With my picks for the best options for these tours, you’ll unravel the intricate tapestry of a community that has sculpted Barcelona’s identity to help make the city what it is today.

Best Jewish walking tours in Barcelona

You’ll discover the oldest synagogue in Spain, visit the site of a medieval Mikveh, and learn about the rise and tragic fall of the Jewish community in Spain. The tour is peppered with anecdotes and stories that make the history of Barcelona come alive.

We learned so much about the Jewish community in Barcelona dating back to the fifth century. We would highly recommend this tour!

– Eric (see more reviews)

Moreover, walking through the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This Barcelona city tour does a great job of highlighting how crucial the Jewish people were to the development of the Catalan capital. 

We enjoyed our Jewish history tour of the Barcelona. Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting.

– ALBERT (see more reviews)

This tour showcases unique architectural marvels and some of Barcelona’s hidden gems in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, not to mention it also includes a visit to the recently rediscovered medieval Mikveh.

Seeing the places that are thousands of years old was great. Had an eye opening and interesting time.

– WARREN (see more reviews)

Offering hotel pick-up and a flexible schedule, including whether you’re looking to do this during the day or as an evening tour of Barcelona, this tour of the city’s rich Jewish history will take you to important sites such as Call Mayor and Call Menor, the Ancient Roman Wall, and La Plaza del Rey. 

This is our second time to Barcelona and our second time we used Barcelona dreaming for a walking tour. Highly recommended to understand Barcelona from the past to the present.

– HOWIE (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

This four-hour journey combines history with the city’s vibrant food culture. It begins at Placa Sant Jaume, right next to Barcelona’s city hall, leading you to Spain’s oldest Synagogue, the unique Mikveh, and the ruins of the Jewish Alchemist’s House.

Here, you’ll unravel the history of local traditions, social relationships, and the lives of significant figures like the poet Moshe Natan, merchant Massot Avengena, and Rabbi Solomon Adret. On this enchanting walk through the Gothic Quarter, you’ll also gain exclusive access to Casa Adret, a stunning architectural relic that bears witness to Medieval Jewish life in the city.

But wait, there’s more! After exploring, you’re welcomed to enjoy a refreshing drink – whether it be cold water, a cup of tea, or a glass of local vermouth – on the rooftop of Casa Adret, taking in the breathtaking views of the Gothic Quarter. It’s the perfect way to conclude your insightful journey through Jewish Barcelona!

What is the old Jewish town near Barcelona?

The old Jewish town near Barcelona is actually right within the city itself, located in its bustling heart. Known as “El Call”, it’s Barcelona’s historic Jewish quarter, a hidden gem with centuries of history etched into its narrow lanes and timeworn buildings.

Originally established in the 12th century, El Call was home to one of the most significant Jewish communities in Medieval Europe. Its name derives from the Hebrew word ‘Kahal,’ meaning ‘community’ or ‘assembly.’ In Catalan, it is simply referred to as ‘Call,’ signifying ‘street’ or ‘passage.’

This neighborhood is an absolute wonder for history and architecture buffs. It’s a maze of winding, narrow streets filled with a fascinating blend of Gothic and Medieval buildings. 

Walking through El Call, you’ll stumble upon architectural marvels like the Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona, believed to be one of the oldest in Europe, and the ‘Mikveh’ medieval-era ceremonial bath. Time in El Call feels like a whisper from the past, a truly immersive experience in Barcelona’s rich Jewish heritage.

What is the name of the Jewish Quarter Barcelona?

The Jewish Quarter in Barcelona is known as “El Call”. It’s a name that’s both straightforward and steeped in rich historical significance, reflecting the area’s deep Jewish roots. For example, in the Middle Ages, El Call was the epicenter of Jewish life in Barcelona.

At the time, the area was bustling with scholars, merchants, and artisans. A walk through El Call today feels like stepping back in time, with its narrow winding streets, ancient stone buildings, and remnants of a vibrant Jewish community that once thrived here.

The quarter is home to notable sites such as the Sinagoga Mayor, one of the oldest synagogues in Europe, and, as mentioned, the ‘Mikveh’. In El Call, every corner holds a piece of the past, whispering tales of a time long gone yet preserved in the heart of Barcelona. 

For anyone interested in history and especially for anyone part of or with links to the Jewish community, don’t forget to add El Call to your Barcelona itinerary. It’s truly a historic treasure trove that’s not always on every tourist’s Barcelona itinerary.