El Call – Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter

Wandering through the bustling heart of Barcelona, along las Ramblas and down its mysterious side streets, past all the delicious offerings of tapas, and peering into the tempting storefronts, most travelers have no idea they are passing by one of the most fascinating and historic sections of the city. El Call is the ancient Jewish Quarter of the Catalan capital, where ancient Hebrew street signs and engravings, secret Jewish baths, and the oldest synagogue in Europe await. This living piece of Jewish history is unbeknownst to many of Barcelona’s visitors, and it is well worth the visit – but be careful! Blink, and you might miss it.

A Past of Persecutions

Like many of the world’s most fascinating cities, the Catalan capital has had its share of dark times. Perhaps one of the most dramatic and destructive is that of the expulsion of the Jewish community, once the biggest and most important in Catalonia. It is said that Jewish people had lived in Catalonia since the Roman period, and up until the traumatic Spanish Inquisition in 1391 their culture had been flourishing.

The cultural center of the Jewish people was known as El Call (probably from the Hebrew ‘Kahal’ or ‘Kehilla’ meaning community), an area in the Barri Gòtic which today resides between Las Ramblas, Plaça Sant Jaume, and Barcelona Cathedral. However a terrible massacre of the Jewish people in August of 1391 caused both a mass exodus from the city, as well as many Jews being forced to convert to Christianity. From that point on, Jewish public life disappeared from the city, and it wasn’t until hundreds of years later in the 19^th century that Jewish people started to return to Barcelona.

Ancient Foundations

One of the most fascinating places in El Call is the Sinagoga Major de Barcelona. Once the city’s main synagogue, it is located on Carrer de Marlet 5, in the heart of the Jewish neighborhood. Sinagoga Major has ancient foundations – literally. Its foundation was laid by the Romans, and it is said that the building has stood in some shape or form since the 5^th century. Along with Rome’s Ostia synagogue it is said to be one of the oldest in Europe.

Although it is believed that four synagogues existed in Barcelona until the 14^th century, the ‘Major’ is the only one whose true past has been uncovered. A research project on the Jewish history of Barcelona revealed the origins of this then forgotten building. After the expulsion of the Jews, the building was used as everything from a store room, to an apartment building, with housing added on top of the synagogue in the 17^th century. These random additions and transformations of the building however only add to its charm and intrigue today.

How to Visit

In 2002, the Sinagoga Major was opened to the public after a period of restoration. The synagogue is well worth the visit – even the entrance is fascinating! Upon entering, a small door leads down flights of stairs to the original street level of the Roman foundations. In the left room you’ll find two large windows, which face to the east, to the city of Jerusalem. Also found in the building are other interesting curiosities such as displays of Jewish artifacts which represent the culture and society of the community. These days, you won’t see anyone attending services in the synagogue however special services are occasionally held. Tours are offered in both English and Hebrew, with opening hours as follows:

Summer Timetable

Monday – Friday: 10.30 – 18.30

Weekends: 10.30 – 14.30

 Winter Timetable

Monday – Friday: 11.00 – 18.00

Weekends: 11.00 – 15.00

The Secrets of El Call in Barcelona

While on your Jewish tour of Barcelona, there are some great places to eat which each hold a piece of Jewish history. Café Caelum, found on Carrer de la Palla 8, is an interesting place to visit. This delightful coffee shop, which serves wonderful tea and cakes, actually has a fascinating underground section, which is said to be the location of the old female Jewish baths. Nearby tapas bars La Vinateria del Call and La Alcoba Azul located on Carrer Sant Domènec del Call also have an intriguing, ancient feel to them, the Alcoba with some very curious Jewish remains inside…

So, if you’re looking to discover the true history of Barcelona, take a peek at the secret yet captivating El Call – you may be surprised at what you find.