Spain

Flamenco dancers, the Prado museum, Gaudi’s work in Barcelona, and the Alhambra Palace.

Spain is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds, but Jewish heritage tours to Spain are also an opportunity to understand the complicated history of Jews in the land of Sepharad.

Our tours delve into Spain’s rich Jewish past, visiting cities that were once vibrant centers of Jewish life. Explore Cordoba, where you’ll find the statue of the great philosopher Maimonides and its UNESCO World Heritage Jewish Quarter, home to one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval synagogues (built 1314-1315) and the Casa de Sefarad, dedicated to Sephardic culture. In Toledo, the “City of Three Cultures,” walk through its historic Jewish Quarter and visit the Sephardic Museum, housed within the magnificent Sinagoga del Tránsito, offering profound insights into medieval Jewish life. Girona, in Catalonia, boasts a remarkably preserved Jewish Quarter, or “Call,” with records of a Jewish presence dating back to 890 CE, and its Jewish Museum.

Experience Barcelona, where a significant Jewish community thrived from the 9th century, with traces visible in its ancient Call and the main synagogue, one of Europe’s oldest Jewish houses of worship. Discover the former Jewish quarters of Seville, where Jews settled soon after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and played a key role during the Muslim conquest. In Granada, delve into a Jewish history that dates back as far as 135 CE, with Jews forming a majority in the 12th century during the Golden Age.

Beyond these major hubs, our tours also explore other historically significant Jewish cities linked by the “Caminos de Sefarad” network. Visit Cáceres and its charming Jewish Quarter, or the historic Jewish presence in Plasencia with its former synagogue. Discover the medieval Jewish enclaves of Oviedo and the well-documented Jewish communities in Ribadavia and Monforte de Lemos in Galicia. Segovia’s Judería, or Jewish Quarter, flourished during the Middle Ages. Don’t miss Tarragona, once nicknamed “the city of the Jews” during Muslim rule, or the ancient community in Calahorra. The ancient Jewish presence in León, Estella-Lizarra, and Tudela further highlights the widespread Jewish contribution to Spanish culture. While the tours primarily focus on the mainland, you’ll also appreciate the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of various Spanish regions.

Jewish history in Spain is marked by the Inquisition when the country expelled its Jews, but now there is a revival in the Sephardic heritage of the area. The Spanish government has created a network linking 15 medieval Jewish cities across Spain in the initiative “Caminos de Sefarad,” making it easy to explore the former homes of famous Jewish figures like Moses ibn Ezra and Maimonides on a Jewish Spain tour.

The Jewish community of Spain today is around 20,000 people. On Jewish heritage trips to Spain, you can visit Barcelona to learn about the Jewish history there or walk around the ancient Call and the main synagogue of Barcelona, one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.

There’s so much to love about Jewish heritage tours of Spain. Tapas, great wine, beautiful places, and a fascinating Jewish history make this country worth the visit.

Choosing Gil Travel means partnering with experts who craft truly resonant journeys. We personally scout every destination and tap into our global network of local professionals and Jewish educators. This ensures a meaningful, balanced, and unforgettable immersive experience for any traveler – be it a large group, a family, or an individual. We meticulously tailor trips to your unique needs, from your personal Jewish family history and kosher dietary requirements to how you prefer to spend free time, with an expert supporting you every step of the way.