Girona: Small Group Jewish History Tour of Girona and Besalú

Catalonia’s Jewish heritage comes alive on this captivating small group tour of Girona and Besalú. Over 7 hours, you’ll explore the well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter in Girona, visit the city’s Museum of Jewish History, and uncover the fascinating history of the Mikveh in Besalú. With all transportation, entrance fees, and lunch included, this intimate journey promises an enriching exploration of the region’s vibrant Jewish culture and history. What secrets await in these enchanting Catalan towns?

Key Points

• A small group Jewish history tour exploring Girona’s well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter and the historic sites of Besalú.
• The 7-hour tour includes guided visits to the Museum of Jewish History in Girona and the 13th-century synagogue and mikveh in Besalú.
• The tour provides an immersive experience and insights into the rich Jewish heritage and culture that shaped the history of Catalonia.
• Girona’s Jewish quarter features winding medieval streets, intricate stone architecture, and the last synagogue site before the expulsion of Jews in 1492.
• The Museum of Jewish History in Girona houses artifacts and exhibits on the daily lives and contributions of the local Jewish community.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The small group Jewish History Tour of Girona and Besalú takes participants on a 7-hour exploration of these historic Spanish towns.

The tour is limited to just 6 people and available in English and Spanish. It begins in Girona’s well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter, where the group visits the Museum of Jewish History.

Next, they travel to the town of Besalú to see its 13th-century synagogue and mikveh. Throughout the day, the expert guide shares insights into the rich Jewish heritage of these sites.

The tour includes all entrance fees, transportation, and a provided lunch.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at Carrer dels Calderers, 19, in Girona’s historic Jewish quarter, known as the "call dels jueus".

Visitors will spend 2 hours on a guided tour at the Museum of Jewish History, followed by an hour exploring the museum itself.

The group will then travel 35 minutes by van to Besalú, where they’ll enjoy a 105-minute guided tour.

The tour concludes with a 35-minute van ride back to the starting location.

Throughout the day, guests will discover well-preserved medieval streets, ancient steps, arches, and stone houses that bring the region’s Jewish history to life.

Historical Significance of Girona and Besalú

Girona features the best-preserved Medieval Jewish quarter in Europe, with the "call dels jueus" remaining since the Middle Ages despite the expulsion of Jews in 1492.

The Museum of Jewish History is located where the last synagogue stood before the expulsion.

Besalú also holds historical significance, with a traditional mikveh and synagogue dating back to the 13th century that’s recognized as a national historic and artistic site.

These sites offer a glimpse into the rich Jewish heritage and culture that once thrived in these Catalan towns, providing an invaluable window into the past.

Exploring the Jewish Quarter in Girona

As visitors step into the winding medieval streets of Girona’s Jewish quarter, they’re immediately transported back in time.

This well-preserved "call dels jueus" has remained largely untouched since the Middle Ages, despite the expulsion of Jews in 1492.

Guided tours offer an immersive experience, exploring the Museum of Jewish History, located where the last synagogue once stood.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate stone architecture, ancient steps, and archways that line the narrow alleys.

The tour provides a deeper understanding of the rich Jewish heritage that has left an indelible mark on Girona’s history and culture.

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The Museum of Jewish History in Girona

Housed in a structure dating back to the 15th century, the Museum of Jewish History in Girona offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s rich Jewish heritage.

The museum features:

1. Artifacts and interactive exhibits that shed light on the daily lives, customs, and contributions of Girona’s Jewish community.

2. Insights into the tragic expulsion of Jews in 1492 and the lasting impact on the community.

3. Stunning architectural elements, including the remains of the last synagogue before the expulsion.

4. Guided tours that bring the museum’s content to life and provide deeper context.

Visitors leave with a profound understanding of Girona’s enduring Jewish identity.

Discovering the Mikveh in Besalú

What lies in wait for visitors to the quaint medieval town of Besalú? Hidden beneath the 12th-century Romanesque bridge is a remarkable discovery – a 13th-century Jewish ritual bath, or mikveh.

This perfectly preserved mikveh, recognized as a national historic and artistic site, offers a glimpse into the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived here.

Descend the ancient stone steps and learn about this centuries-old place of spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Explore the subterranean chambers, marvel at the intricate architectural details, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich Jewish heritage that shaped the history of Besalú.

Highlights and Experiences

The guided visits to significant Jewish historical sites, including the mikveh in Besalú and the Jewish History Museum in Girona, offer visitors a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of the region.

This tour allows guests to:

1. Explore the medieval streets, ancient steps, arches, and stone houses in both Girona and Besalú, providing an immersive experience.

2. Admire the scenic Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river, a key landmark in Besalú.

3. Discover the last synagogue site before the 1492 expulsion, now home to the Museum of Jewish History in Girona.

4. Experience the traditional mikveh in Besalú, a nationally recognized historic and artistic site.

Inclusions and Recommendations

The tour includes an expert local guide, bottled water, lunch, and entrance fees to the Museum of Jewish History in Girona and the mikveh in Besalú.

The tour operators recommend wearing comfortable shoes. However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets and smoking aren’t allowed.

The small group size, limited to six participants, ensures a personalized experience.

The small group size, limited to six participants, ensures a personalized experience.

With the combination of guided visits to significant Jewish historical sites and the opportunity to explore the charming medieval towns, this tour offers an immersive and enriching exploration of the region’s captivating Jewish heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour includes lunch, but it’s unclear if any dietary restrictions are accommodated. Interested participants should inquire about catering options when booking the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers private tours for groups, allowing them to tailor the itinerary and timing to the group’s specific needs and interests.

Is There an Option to Add More Stops or Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Guests can also add more stops or extend the tour duration by contacting the tour operator. Additional fees may apply for customizations or extended tours.

Do Participants Need to Bring Any Specific Items or Documents?

Participants don’t need to bring any specific items or documents. The tour includes entrance fees and bottled water, so travelers only need to wear comfortable shoes and be ready to explore the historic Jewish sites in Girona and Besalú.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour. Children are welcome, but participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets and smoking aren’t allowed.

The Sum Up

This captivating Small Group Jewish History Tour offers an immersive exploration of Girona and Besalú’s rich Jewish heritage. Visitors can explore the well-preserved medieval Jewish quarter, visit the Museum of Jewish History, and discover the historical Mikveh in Besalú. With all inclusions and a personalized experience, this tour promises an enriching journey through Catalonia’s Jewish culture and history.

You can check availability for your dates here: