Girona: Small Group Jewish History Tour of Girona and Besalú

Exploring Girona’s Medieval Jewish Quarter and Beyond

This 7-hour small group tour offers an engaging journey through the Jewish communities of Girona and Besalú, two towns that showcase Catalonia’s medieval Jewish history. Priced at $164 per person, the experience is limited to 6 participants, ensuring an intimate exploration led by an expert local guide. Starting in Girona, the tour takes you through the best-preserved medieval Jewish quarter in Europe, with a visit to the Jewish Museum of Girona and the 13th-century mikveh in Besalú.

While the tour’s pacing is well-balanced with plenty of highlights, it requires a moderate level of walking and is best suited for those interested in history and architecture. Since entrance fees to the museum and mikveh are not included, travelers should plan for additional expenses if they wish to access these sites. This tour appeals most to history enthusiasts eager to see authentic medieval Jewish sites with expert commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Limited small group experience with a maximum of 6 participants ensures personalized attention.
• Includes skip-the-line tickets to the Jewish Museum of Girona and the 13th-century mikveh in Besalú.
• Tour duration is approximately 7 hours, starting from Carrer dels Calderers, 19.
• Highlights include walking through Girona’s historic Jewish quarter, exploring ancient streets, and crossing Besalú’s iconic Romanesque bridge.
• Transport between sites is via van, with scheduled 35-minute drives connecting Girona and Besalú.
• Important to bring comfortable shoes for walking on uneven, medieval streets.

The Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at Plaça Sant Feliu, beside The River Caffe in Girona’s old quarter. After a brief introduction, the guide leads the small group through Carrer dels Calderers, setting the tone for an immersive day. The total duration of 7 hours includes guided visits, free time for exploration, and transportation between sites.

Participants should check availability for starting times, which vary, but the experience typically departs in the morning. The small group size guarantees a relaxed pace, allowing for questions and personalized insights.

Walking Through Girona’s Historic Jewish Quarter

The first major stop is El Call, Girona’s medieval Jewish neighborhood. The guide provides a thorough guided tour lasting 2 hours, during which you learn about the Jewish community’s history and significance. The narrow, steep streets and old stone buildings still evoke the medieval atmosphere, with many structures dating back to the Middle Ages.

El Call remains in the same location since the expulsion of Jews in 1492, making it one of the most authentic sites of its kind. The guide explains how the Jewish community thrived here, despite facing expulsion, and highlights notable sites within this well-preserved quarter.

Visiting Girona’s Jewish History Museum

A dedicated 1-hour visit to the Jewish History Museum offers a deeper understanding of the community’s life in Girona. The museum is located where the third and last synagogue once stood, and it features exhibits that tell stories of Jewish life, traditions, and the community’s eventual expulsion. With skip-the-line tickets included, visitors avoid long waits and gain immediate access to key displays.

This site provides context for the significance of Girona’s Jewish quarter, emphasizing its historical importance in Catalonia. It also serves as a peaceful space to reflect on the history discussed during the guided walk.

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Lunch Break and Free Exploration Time

After the museum visit, the tour provides a break for lunch and personal exploration. The guide suggests local spots nearby, allowing travelers to enjoy the town’s ambiance, sample regional cuisine, or browse shops. This pause offers a chance to absorb Girona’s charm, take photos, and prepare for the journey to Besalú.

Discovering Besalú and Its 13th-Century Mikveh

The group then departs in a van for Besalú, a small medieval village declared a national historic and artistic site in 1966. The drive takes approximately 35 minutes, during which the guide shares insights into Besalú’s Jewish past. The town’s cobbled streets, stone houses, and arches have remained remarkably unchanged over centuries.

In Besalú, the focus shifts to the 13th-century mikveh—a Jewish ritual bath—considered one of the most important Jewish sites in Catalonia. Visitors explore the mikveh and learn about its role in religious and community life. The guided visit lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

While entry fees are not included, the authenticity of the mikveh and the preserved remains of the synagogue paint a vivid picture of Jewish life here during the Middle Ages.

Wandering Besalú’s Medieval Streets and Crossing the Romanesque Bridge

The tour continues with a stroll through Besalú’s irregular medieval streets, where the ancient steps, arches, and stone houses create a picture of medieval life. Shops selling local handicrafts and goods add to the town’s charm. The Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river stands out as a dramatic and picturesque highlight—an instant photo opportunity and one of the most memorable sights in town.

This area remains remarkably similar to how it looked when the town was home to a significant Jewish population, making it a genuine historical experience.

Return to Girona and Final Notes

After exploring Besalú, the group departs in a van for the return, arriving back at Carrer dels Calderers in Girona. The tour concludes with a chance to ask questions or revisit spots of particular interest. Since the activity ends at the starting point, it offers a seamless end to the day.

The entire experience emphasizes historical authenticity and personalized guidance, with bottled water included to keep everyone refreshed. While the tour does not include meals or entrance fees, its value lies in the expert-led exploration of key Jewish sites and the well-curated itinerary.

Girona’s Jewish Heritage Tour: Who Will Appreciate It?

This tour appeals most to history lovers eager to explore medieval Jewish communities in Catalonia, as well as those interested in architecture, religious history, or cultural preservation. The small group size and skip-the-line access enhance the overall experience, making it ideal for travelers who prefer an intimate and informative outing. Due to the walking involved on uneven streets, it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity; unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

The Girona: Small Group Jewish History Tour of Girona and Besalú offers a balanced mix of guided storytelling, site visits, and free time, providing an insightful peek into medieval Jewish life that remains tangible today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees to the Museum of Jewish History in Girona and the mikveh in Besalú are not included. Participants pay these separately if they wish to visit.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking on cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves moderate walking, so travelers should be prepared for physical activity. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

How flexible is the scheduling?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour has flexible starting times, so check availability when booking.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in Spanish and English, with a live guide leading the small group.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of guided visits to key Jewish heritage sites, skip-the-line tickets, and the small-group format creates an immersive and personal experience of Girona and Besalú’s Jewish past.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby