Barcelona Shore Excursion

This Barcelona shore trip allows you to discover the history of Jewish people who lived in Barcelona. The highlight is a walking tour through the ancient "Call", the Catalonian word for the old Jewish quarter, and a visit to the Main Synagogue of the city.

In the 13th century, Barcelona had a Jewish population of four thousand people, making up 15 percent of the city's total population. Elsewhere on the Iberian Peninsula, Jewish Districts were called "Aljamas", but in Catalonia they were called "Calls". Today this area is a warren of narrow shady streets inside the old Gothic district, not far from the cathedral. At its peak this quarter had its own slaughter houses, bakeries and cemetery. Interaction between Jews and Christians was open and free during the day, but when night came the entry doors to the walled "Call" were sealed closed.

Life in the Jewish community of Barcelona suffered a radical change in 1391. An anti-Jewish campaign from Valencia brought an offensive to Barcelona's Call and the district was destroyed. During this offensive 200 Jews were murdered and most of the rest were expelled. Finally in 1492 there was a decree to expel all Jews from the region. Thus the vast and fruitful chapter of Jewish history here was brought to a close.

After your walking tour of the Call, the highpoint will be a visit to the Synagogue, which was originally constructed in the 3rd century. Lost for nearly 500 years it was rediscovered only 20 years ago. After being refurbished it was consecrated again in January of 2006 to serve Barcelona's current Jewish population. After visiting the Synagogue you'll see the Lloctinent Palace (15th century) whose facade was built from stones ripped from the old Jewish Montjuich cemetery.

Some free time in the Gothic Quarter is included before you return to the pier.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)