The Jewish Quarter of Girona: A Walk Through History
The Jewish Quarter of Girona, known as El Call, is one of the best-preserved medieval Jewish neighbourhoods in Europe. “El Call” is the local name for the Jewish Quarter — the word comes from the Hebrew word “qahal”, which means community. In Catalonia, many medieval Jewish neighbourhoods were called “el Call”. It is located in the old part of the city, and walking through its narrow streets feels like going back in time.
What is El Call?
El Call was the area where the Jewish community lived in Girona from the 9th century until 1492, when Jews were expelled from Spain. The streets are very narrow and the buildings are tall, which kept the area cool in summer and protected from the wind in winter. Today, it is one of the most visited parts of the city.
Some things you can find there:
- The Museum of Jewish History (Museu d’Història dels Jueus), which explains the life of the Jewish community in Girona
- Ancient synagogues and old stone buildings
- Small shops, cafés and restaurants hidden in the alleys
- Beautiful views of the cathedral from different spots
Who is it for?
El Call is perfect for anyone who likes history, architecture or just exploring unusual places. You don’t need to know a lot about history to enjoy it — the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. It is also free to walk around, although the museum has an entrance fee.
We visited El Call during our exchange programme and it was one of the most surprising parts of the trip. The streets are so narrow that sometimes only two people can walk side by side. It feels very different from the rest of the city, and it is hard to believe that such a historic place is right in the middle of Girona.