What is El Call
El Call (pronounced "kahl") is the Catalan word for the medieval Jewish quarter. From the 9th to the 15th century around 1,000 Jews lived inside this small triangle between Carrer de la Forca, Carrer Sant Llorenc and the Cathedral. Cabbalist scholar Nahmanides was born here in 1194 and the Girona school of Cabbala produced texts still studied today.
Self-guided walking route
Start at the Cathedral steps and walk down Carrer de la Forca, the spine of the old quarter. Branch left into Carrer Sant Llorenc to reach the Museum of Jewish History. From there, go up the narrow Carrer Cundaro and exit by the Plaza dels Jurats viewpoint. The full loop takes around 90 minutes including 45 minutes inside the museum.
Museum of Jewish History (Bonastruc ca Porta)
Built on the site of the last medieval synagogue, the museum has 11 themed rooms covering daily life, festivities, the Cabbala school, the 1492 expulsion and the rediscovery of the quarter. Tickets are 4 euros (2 euros reduced), free for children under 16. Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday 10:00 to 14:00. Closed on January 1, May 1, December 25 and 26.
Best photo spots
The narrow Carrer Sant Llorenc with its stone arches, the rooftop viewpoint at the Museum, and the steps of Carrer Cundaro at sunrise. Avoid midday in summer when the lanes get crowded with day-trip groups from Barcelona.
How to combine with the Cathedral and Arab Baths
The Cathedral combined ticket (15 euros) covers the Cathedral, the cloister and the Tapestry of Creation. The Arab Baths (3 euros) are 5 minutes uphill. A full Old Town morning works as: Cathedral 9:30, Jewish Quarter and Museum 11:00, Arab Baths 13:00, lunch on Plaza dels Jurats.
Guided tours vs self-guided
For first-time visitors a 2 hour guided walking tour is the best value: a local historian explains the Cabbala, the 1391 pogrom and the hidden details you would miss on your own. Self-guided is fine if you have read up beforehand and only have a quick stop.
Frequently asked questions
General admission is 4 euros, reduced 2 euros, free for children under 16. Combined with the Girona History Museum it costs 7 euros. Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00 are free.
The streets are open 24 hours. The Museum of Jewish History opens Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00 and Sunday 10:00 to 14:00. The Cathedral and Arab Baths nearby open from 10:00 to 18:30 (until 20:00 April to October).
A self-guided walk of the lanes takes 30 to 45 minutes. Add 45 minutes for the Museum of Jewish History. A full guided walking tour combining El Call, the Cathedral and Arab Baths lasts about 2 hours.
El Call sits between Carrer de la Forca, Carrer Sant Llorenc and the Cathedral, on the east bank of the Onyar river. From the iconic Onyar coloured houses, cross the Pont de Pedra and walk uphill for 5 minutes.
Yes. El Call is one of the three best preserved medieval Jewish quarters in Europe alongside Toledo and Cordoba. Its compact maze of stone alleys, the Cabbala history and the Museum make it a must-see in Girona.
