Jewish Quarter

Discover El Call, Barcelona's historic Jewish Quarter, a captivating maze of streets in the Gothic Quarter, rich in medieval history and cultural legacy.

Overview

Nestled within the vibrant heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter lies 'El Call', the city's ancient Jewish Quarter. This historic sub-spot, whose name 'El Call' derives from the Catalan word for 'small street' or 'alley', and from the Hebrew 'Kahal' meaning community, offers a profound journey into a rich, often hidden, chapter of Barcelona's past. Though a relatively small area, its narrow, labyrinthine streets whisper tales of a once-thriving medieval Jewish community that significantly shaped the city's cultural and economic landscape.

History & Cultural Background

The presence of Jewish people in Barcelona dates back to the Roman era, with a more organized community forming by the 9th century. By the 11th century, El Call had become a well-established cultural and religious hub. During its 'Golden Age' in the 12th and 13th centuries, Barcelona earned a reputation as a 'city of sages' among Jews, with the Jewish population making up approximately 15% of the city. The community, estimated at around 4,000 people, contributed significantly to commerce, banking, medicine, and philosophy, acting as doctors, scientists, merchants, and even moneylenders for the Catalan aristocracy. This period saw the rise of prominent scholars, and El Call housed schools, bathhouses, hospitals, and two synagogues, becoming one of the most important Jewish quarters on the Iberian Peninsula. As the population grew, a 'Call Menor' (Minor Call) was established to complement the 'Call Major' (Major Call).

However, this era of prosperity came to a tragic end. The late 14th century saw rising antisemitism, culminating in the devastating pogroms of 1391, where approximately 300 Jews were killed. Synagogues and Jewish cemeteries were abolished, and many Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or flee. The Spanish Inquisition further erased visible traces of Jewish life, and the quarter largely declined.

What Makes It Special

What makes El Call profoundly special is its enduring, albeit subtle, connection to a powerful history. Despite centuries of suppression, the very layout of its narrow streets, the ancient stones, and certain rediscovered sites continue to tell a compelling story. It holds one of Europe's oldest synagogues, the Sinagoga Major, with foundations dating back as early as the 3rd or 4th century CE. This ancient synagogue, once repurposed for other uses, was rediscovered and restored, reopening in 2002 as a museum and cultural site. Another unique aspect is the MUHBA El Call, a branch of the Barcelona History Museum, located in the heart of the old district, which vividly chronicles the lives and cultural legacy of the Jewish community.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• The name 'El Call' not only refers to a 'small street' but also to 'Kahal', meaning community or congregation, reflecting the communal nature of Jewish life.
• The Sinagoga Major, though modest in size today, was once the primary synagogue and was limited in height due to medieval laws stating that no synagogue could be taller than the city's smallest church. Its windows are traditionally oriented towards Jerusalem.
• After the 1391 pogroms, many Jewish buildings were repurposed; for instance, the Sinagoga Major became a dye house.
• Wandering the streets like Carrer del Call, Carrer de Sant Domènec del Call, and Carrer Marlet, you might notice faint marks where 'mezuzot' (small parchments with Hebrew verses) were once affixed to doorframes, serving as silent reminders of former Jewish homes.
• Barcelona's Jewish community was a center of intellectual thought, with scholars like Nahmanides (Ramban), a renowned philosopher and theologian, having strong ties to the region.

Visitor Perspective

Exploring El Call is an intimate experience, a quiet contrast to the bustling Gothic Quarter. It invites a reflective stroll through narrow, winding alleyways that have retained much of their medieval charm. Visitors can step into the Sinagoga Major, now a museum, and descend to its ancient Roman foundations, witnessing fragments of history firsthand. The MUHBA El Call museum further enriches the understanding, offering artifacts and explanations that bring the past to life. While the visible traces are subtle, the atmosphere of El Call speaks volumes of a resilient community and their profound impact on Barcelona. It's a journey into a hidden legacy, offering a unique perspective on one of Europe's most beloved cities. To fully appreciate this historical gem, taking your time to absorb the atmosphere and imagine the vibrant life that once filled these streets is key.