Barcelona Jewish Quarter - Is it worth it?

[Lovincruisin1321]

I have seen several posts back in 2010 saying not to waste the time in the Jewish Quarter.

 

It's 2015 - has anything changed? Is it worth it?

[dogs4fun]

I have seen several posts back in 2010 saying not to waste the time in the Jewish Quarter.

 

It's 2015 - has anything changed? Is it worth it?

Nothing has changed. However, I would disagree with posts claiming that the Jewish Quarter is a waste of time. If you possess any Jewish heritage, MHO is that a visit is definitely worth it. If you are not Jewish, the quarter may be of little interest to you as there are many beautiful sights in Barcelona not pertaining to Jewish heritage and scant time to visit them all during a short port visit.

If you are interested in Jewish heritage and you have the time, the Synagoga Mayor (purported to be the oldest synagogue in Europe) is very interesting. There was a thriving Jewish community in Barcelona until the late 1300's - the history is fascinating. During our latest visit to BCN, we hired a private guide for a 2 hour walking tour of the quarter. We considered it money well spent.

Some info:

http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn/Barcelona-most-famous-tourist-attractions%20/museums/call-medieval-jewish-quarter

http://museuhistoria.bcn.cat/sites/default/files/Triptic_Call_ENG.pdf

Edited December 14, 2015 by dogs4fun

[cc_rider]

We're planning to combine it with a general tour of the Barrio. Go from Santa Maria del Pi to the cathedral by way of El Call, then walk the perimeter of the Roman walls, coming back through El Call and ending at Roman cemetery at Placa de la Vila Madrid.

 

We also plan to spend a couple of post-cruise days in Girona, which has a largely intact medieval Jewish quarter.

[mskaufman]

We spent a day in Girona on our last Barcelona pre-cruise. Well worth the trip from Barcelona.

 

https://markandkareneurope2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/362

[nikel]

Anybody know of any tours that pick you up at the port for a day of touring in Girona

[epixx]

Anybody know of any tours that pick you up at the port for a day of touring in Girona

 

Yes; we did this tour of Girona and Besalu from Barcelona port: http://www.kokopeliadventure.com/?page_id=125

 

I highly recommend this company.

[cc_rider]

We plan to see Girona on our own. Disembark from the Epic and take a train to Girona, drop our bags at the hotel, and see the town. Since the museums seem to close at 2 on Sundays, we'll have to hurry. Go to the Jewish Museum first and see what else we have time for. Will walk the rest of the old town later in the day.

Since Monday will be a holiday, we'll take an early train to Figueres to see the Dali Theater. Then back to Girona to hang out one more night before returning to Barcelona.

Looking forward to seeing the old section of Girona. Really does look like how I'd picture a Medieval street.