The Jewish Quarter of Girona
One of the most emblematic places in the city of Girona is the Jewish Quarter, consisting of a network of labyrinthine streets that will transport you to medieval times without leaving the cosmopolitan capital of the Gironès. In fact, it is globally known for being the best-preserved in all of Europe.
Its construction began in the 12th century, when several Jewish families decided to settle on Carrer de la Força. The Jewish community of that time quickly integrated into Girona’s society and came to play a key role in the city’s economic development, thanks to its high cultural level.
It is worth mentioning that, from the 11th to the 13th century, this place was the seat of the most important Kabbalah school in the entire medieval West.
Currently, part of the Jewish Quarter has been rehabilitated thanks to the Embassy of Israel and the Patronat Call de Girona, an autonomous municipal body responsible for the recovery and preservation of the city’s Jewish heritage.
The Patronat is located at the Centre Bonastruc ça Porta, where you can see exhibits and displays related to Jewish life.
Along Carrer de la Força, you will find the Museum of Jewish History, where you can delve into the history of the Jewish community in Catalonia and Girona, and the Girona History Museum. Additionally, in a part of the street where it widens, there are several restaurants with terraces, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the heart of the Jewish Quarter of Girona.
From Carrer de la Força, you will reach the Cathedral Square, where a long staircase leads up to the majestic Cathedral of Girona. This square is outside the limits of the Jewish Quarter and during medieval times it housed the Mercadal, the medieval market of the city of Girona.
You can go up Carrer de Sant Llorenç, a stepped street with a steep slope that connects Carrer de la Força with the upper part of the Jewish Quarter. Some authors have found many similarities between this alley and the streets of the old city of Jerusalem.
On Carrer de Sant Llorenç is the Centre Bonastruc ça Porta and the House of Lleó Avinay. The former consists of a set of gardens, courtyards, and buildings that offer a more detailed view of medieval Jewish architecture. Notable is the Pati dels Rabins, characterized by its brightness, which contrasts with the shadowiness of the Jewish Quarter.
The House of Lleó Avinay belonged to the rector of the aljama, Lleó Avinay and, when the Jews were expelled from Girona, he sold it along with the synagogue, the hospital, and the public baths. One of the most impressive parts is the courtyard, surrounded by Gothic windows and with a beautiful well in the center, which can be seen from Carrer de Sant Llorenç.
You can continue the route along the Pujada de la Mare de Déu de la Pera, the brightest street of those forming the Jewish Quarter, which marked the upper limit of the Jewish neighborhood. On this street is La Pabordia, a set of buildings that housed the public baths between the 13th and 14th centuries.
Finally, it is worth visiting the Placeta de l’Institut Vell, where several Jewish constructions from medieval times are concentrated, and the Canonja Vella, from the 12th century.
The Jewish Quarter of Girona is a charming place full of secrets. We encourage you to walk its shady streets and discover the legacy of a community that contributed to the prosperity of the city!
