The Jewish Heritage of Girona and Besalú
Tour Description
Private Tour: The Jewish Heritage of Girona and Besalú
Immerse yourself in the millennial history of Judaism in Catalonia with our private tour of Girona and Besalú, two of the most emblematic Sephardic enclaves in the region. This full-day experience will lead you to discover the remnants and legacy of the medieval Jewish communities that forever marked the identity of these cities.
The Call of Girona: Tradition, Mysticism, and Legacy
We will begin our journey in Girona, touring the ancient Call, one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. You will stroll through its cobblestone streets, witnesses to centuries of coexistence and cultural splendor. Girona was known as one of the great centers of medieval Kabbalah, the mystical and esoteric stream of Judaism, and was even called the “Mother of Israel” for its importance in the development of Kabbalistic thought.
We will visit the Museum of Jewish History, located in the heart of the quarter, where you can admire historical objects, manuscripts, and learn about the daily life, customs, and illustrious figures of the community. Among them stands out Moshe ben Nahman, known as Nahmanides or Ramban, the Master of Girona: a rabbi, philosopher, physician, poet, and one of the greatest Kabbalists in Jewish history. Nahmanides was the highest rabbinical authority of his time, founder of the Kabbalistic school of Girona, and author of influential biblical and Talmudic commentaries. His spiritual and mystical legacy profoundly marked the Jewish identity of the city, and his influence spread throughout Europe.
Besalú: A Medieval Jewish Treasure
The route continues to Besalú, crossing its spectacular Romanesque bridge over the Fluvià river. Here you will discover the 12th-century subterranean Mikveh, unique on the Iberian Peninsula, and the remains of a medieval synagogue. You will walk through the Jewish quarter, where the architecture and narrow streets will transport you to the time when the aljama of Besalú was one of the most important in Catalonia.
Transfer from Barcelona (optional)
We offer transfers from Barcelona for your convenience. The tour price varies depending on the number of participants and the chosen mode of transport, which can be by high-speed train or private van. Contact us for a personalized proposal tailored to your needs: info@visitsefarad.com
...What you will discover on this exclusive tour:
- The fascinating history of the Jews in Girona and Besalú, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- The Call of Girona and the Jewish quarter of Besalú, with their monuments and emblematic corners.
- The Museum of Jewish History in Girona and the Mikveh of Besalú, authentic treasures of Sephardic heritage.
- The legacy of Nahmanides (Ramban), Kabbalah, and the importance of Girona as a spiritual and mystical center of medieval Judaism.
- The customs, trades, celebrations, and prominent figures of both communities.
- The impact of the 1492 expulsion and the indelible mark it left on local culture and architecture.
- Reflections on coexistence and cultural diversity in medieval Catalonia.
Live an authentic and personalized experience
This tour is ideal for those who wish to get to know Girona and Besalú from a unique historical perspective, guided by experts who will share stories, legends, and little-known details of the Catalan Jewish legacy. Enjoy an enriching day, with time to explore, learn, and connect with the Sephardic heritage in two of Spain's most captivating destinations.
Book your private tour now and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Jewish history, Kabbalah, and the figure of Nahmanides in Girona and Besalú. An unforgettable experience awaits you!
Free Cancellation
- Cancellations more than 7 days in advance: 100% refund of the amount paid.
- Cancellations between 7 and 2 days before the tour: 50% refund of the amount paid.
- Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice or no-show: No refund will be issued.
How to cancel or modify your booking?
To cancel or modify your booking, please contact our team via the email or phone number provided in your booking confirmation. Modification requests are subject to availability and must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Refunds will be processed using the same payment method used for the booking.
- In case of force majeure, we will review each case individually to offer the best possible solution.
- If the tour is canceled by the organization (e.g., due to weather conditions or force majeure), the client will be offered the option to reschedule, switch to another tour, or receive a full refund.
Meeting Point
Plaça de Sant Feliu
We will meet at Plaça de Sant Feliu.
Here is a direct link to the tour's starting point location:View on Google Maps
Optional pickup service:
If you would like a transfer from Barcelona or to be picked up from your accommodation, parking, or the Train Station, this service has an additional cost and must be requested in advance.
About the Guide
My name is Alejandro Jonathan Gampel, although people call me Jony. I am a journalist and an art student. I was born in Argentina, but for the last six years, I have been lucky enough to live in Barcelona, a city that I fell in love with from day one.
As the creator of this tour of The Jewish Heritage of Girona and Besalú, my mission is to invite you to discover two of the most fascinating enclaves of Sephardic legacy in Catalonia. I propose a unique journey through the medieval streets of Girona and Besalú, where every corner holds centuries of history, coexistence, and Jewish tradition. Through stories, monuments, and characters, I want you to feel the excitement of reliving the splendor of these communities that marked the identity of the region.
We will begin our journey in Girona, strolling through the emblematic Call, one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, and visiting the Museum of Jewish History, where you can immerse yourself in the customs, daily life, and secrets of the Hebrew community that flourished here during the Middle Ages. Afterward, we will head to Besalú, crossing its impressive Romanesque bridge to discover the ancient Jewish quarter and the 12th-century mikveh, an exceptional heritage treasure in the entire peninsula.
I look forward to sharing this journey through time with you, where history comes to life and the Sephardic heritage is revealed at every step. Come and discover the magic of Girona and Besalú with me: two cities where the Jewish past is still alive in their streets and monuments, and where every experience becomes an unforgettable memory.
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in the history and charm of the ancient Call of Girona and Besalú with an exclusive and personalized guided tour just for you and your group.
What does the tour include?
- Expert guide on Jewish history in Spain, available in English and Spanish
Discover legends, curiosities, and hidden corners with a passionate guide. - Private tour
Enjoy an intimate experience tailored to your interests: only your group participates!
What is not included in the tour?
- Entrance to the Museum of Jewish History in Girona:
Not included in the tour price. Access costs €4 per person. - Optional pickup service:
If you would like a transfer from Barcelona or to be picked up from your accommodation, parking, or the Train Station, this service has an additional cost and must be requested in advance.
Advantages and conditions
- Special discounts for groups
- Children under 13 FREE
- Accessible for strollers
- Service animals welcome (except in the museums)
- Most travelers can participate
Important information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Booking confirmation within a maximum of 24 hours, subject to availability
- Can't find an available time or date?
Write to us, and we will find the best alternative for you together.
Do you have questions or inquiries?
We are here to help!
Write to us at: info@visitsefarad.com
Come and be amazed by the magic and legacy of the Jewish Quarters of Girona and Besalú. We look forward to sharing an unforgettable experience with you!
Legal Notice
1. Booking Conditions
These conditions regulate the booking of tours and tourist services through VisitSefarad.com, establishing the rights and obligations of the intervening parties.
2. Booking Process
To book any of our tours or services, the user must:
- Select the desired tour or service.
- Complete the booking form with the requested personal data.
- Select the date and number of participants.
- Review the booking summary before confirming.
- Proceed to payment according to the available methods.
Once the process is complete, the user will receive a confirmation email with their booking details. The booking confirmation constitutes the formalization of the contract between the user and VisitSefarad.com.
3. Prices and Payments
All prices are indicated in euros (€) and include the applicable VAT. The final price shown will include all mandatory taxes and fees.
The accepted payment methods are:
- Credit/debit card
- PayPal
- Bank transfer (for bookings made more than 7 days in advance)
4. Confirmation and Documentation
After payment confirmation, the user will receive by email:
- Booking confirmation with a reference number
- Full details of the booked tour or service
- Information on the meeting point and times
- Contact details of the guide or person in charge of the tour
This documentation must be presented (in digital or printed format) at the start of the tour.
5. Cancellations and Modifications for Tours Offered by VisitSefarad:
5.1. Cancellations by the user:
- Cancellations made more than 7 days in advance: 100% refund of the amount paid.
- Cancellations between 7 and 2 days before: 50% refund of the amount paid.
- Cancellations with less than 2 days' notice or no-show: no refund will be issued.
5.2. Modifications by the user:
Requests to change the date, time, or number of participants are subject to availability and must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
5.3. Cancellations by VisitSefarad.com:
In the event that VisitSefarad.com is forced to cancel a tour due to force majeure, adverse weather conditions, or not reaching the minimum number of participants, the user will be offered:
- A change of date at no additional cost
- A change to another tour of similar value
- A full refund of the amount paid
6. Liability
VisitSefarad.com is committed to providing the contracted services with the highest quality and professionalism. However, it is not responsible for:
- Incidents arising from force majeure
- Loss or damage of personal belongings during the tours
- Accidents or injuries that participants may suffer due to their own negligence
Participants are recommended to have adequate travel insurance.