jewish travel spain

Where are Spain's Most Famous Jewish Quarters?

Spain was a land of promise for Jews in the Middle Ages, until the 1492 expulsion by the Catholic Kings (Reyes Catolicos). There is a number of towns and cities in Spain that are important to Jewish heritage in the country.

There are famous Jewish quarters throughout Spain: from those in Andalusia's Seville and Cordoba to the ones in Catalonia's Barcelona and Girona, as well as one in north-west Spain's Ribadavia, not to mention those close to Madrid in Segovia and Toledo, you can find a Jewish Quarter to explore no matter where you are staying in Spain.

What follows is a list of the cities that make up Jewish Spain, with details of what there is to see in each city.

Jewish Barcelona and Girona

El Call is Barcelona's Jewish Quarter. Located between the Cathedral of La Seu, Plaça Jaume, and Plaça del Pi, it's an atmospheric area which offers a fascinating insight both into Barcelona's history and the story of Jewish people in Catalonia.

El Call means "alleyway," and suitably, El Call itself is a small maze of narrow streets. The Jewish presence in Barcelona dates back to the 9th Century, although it was two centuries later when El Call was created.

Jews were hugely influential in the emergence of Barcelona as a trading port of international significance during the medieval period and enjoyed the King's protection. Until 1391 that was, when the Jewish Quarter was attacked and Jewish privileges rescinded. An interesting spot here is the Centre d'Interpretació del Call. This is a museum dedicated to the history of the Jewish Quarter. It's in a 14th Century house called the House of the Rabbi and conserves rare period details in its architecture.

Also of interest is an ancient synagogue, the Synagoga Mayor, believed to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating back as far as the third century AD. It has been restored by the  Associació Call de Barcelona  and is open to the public.

Girona's Jewish Quarter

The Jewish quarter in Girona is also called the 'Call' and is one of the best preserved in Europe. The streets of Carrer de Sant Llorenç and Carreró, Travessia del Dr Luis Batlle and Carrer del Dr Miquel Oliva make up the main part of the Jewish quarter here. Torre Gironella is the famous refuge of the Jews during troubled times.

Read more about  Girona .

What Else is There to See in Girona?

Girona is a classic medieval walled city that is great to aimlessly wander around in. It is close to the city of Figueres, home to the Salvador Dali museum .

How to Get to Girona

Girona is on the high-speed rail line from Barcelona to Paris (the train also serves Figueres). Barcelona also has a famous Jewish Quarter.

Jewish Toledo

Toledo had one of the largest Jewish populations in Spain. A good place to see the old Jewish quarter is from the Mirador de San Cristóbal. The quarter stretches from Calle Taller del Moro as far as the city walls at the Puerta del Cambrón. Two of the city's ten synagogues still survive as they had been converted into churches following the expulsion of the Jews - the Sinagoga del Tránsito (now a museum) and the Sinagoga Santa Maria la Blanca. Ask for more information on Jewish Toledo at the museum in the Tránsito synagogue.

Read more about  Toledo

What Else is There to See in Toledo

Toledo is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid, famous for its city walls and cathedral.

How to Get to Toledo

Take the high-speed train from Madrid to Toledo and you'll be there in 30 minutes!

Jewish Segovia

The old Sinagoga Mayor is now the Corpus Christi church and marks the start of the Jewish quarter, which stretches from there to the Canonjía. The tourist information center in Segovia has a lot of good information on the city's Jewish quarter, including recommended routes through the district.

Read more about  Segovia

What Else is There to See in Segovia

Segovia is a great day trip from Madrid. It has a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct and a fairytale castle (think Bavarian or Cinderella's).

How to Get to Segovia

Take the high-speed train from Madrid: it takes under an hour.

Read more about How to Get from Madrid to Segovia

However, it's worth popping in to Avila on the way to see the fabulous city walls. This detour can't be taken by train and to fit both in a single day, you'll probably want to take a guided tour.

Jewish Córdoba and Seville

Cordoba is almost seen as a little brother to nearby Seville, but in terms of its Jewish heritage, it's the main city in the area. But with the two cities just 40 minutes apart by train, it makes sense to visit the two on the same trip.

Córdoba's Jewish quarter is one of the most famous in Spain. The whitewashed walls of the district just north of the great Mezquita mosque is one of the most popular sights in the city. The streets of Tomas Conde, Judíos and Plaza Juda Leví make up the majority of the Jewish quarter (in Plaza Juda Leví you can find the municipal tourist office with lots of information on the Jewish community in Córdoba).

The 14th-century synagogue in Córdoba is the only one in Andalusia and the only synagogue in Spain that was never turned into a Christian building. Other important sights in the Jewish Quarter include a bull museum and a monument to Jewish philosopher and doctor Maimonides.

What Else is There to See in Córdoba

Cordoba's number one sight is its Mosque-Cathedral, which has served the city's other two faiths for centuries.

Read more about  Córdoba .

How to Get to Córdoba

Cordoba is on the high-speed train line from Madrid to Seville , particularly close to the latter city, which makes visiting from Seville a great idea. Plus, Seville has an important Jewish quarter of its own to visit.

Other Jewish Cities in Spain

Cáceres had two Jewish quarters, each with a synagogue. The Judería Vieja (Old Jewish Quarter) had its synagogue where the San Antonio hermitage stands today. The synagogue of the Judería Nueva (New Jewish Quarter) stood on c/Cruz, but no longer stands.

Tudela had two Jewish quarters, the Juderia Vetula (around c/San Julián) and the Juderia Nueva (along Paseo del Castillo) and once had three synagogues, though no one is entirely sure where they were.

The Jewish quarter begins around La Plaza and goes up to the river, where you will find a number of small winding streets. It consisted of the streets of Call del Vado, Calle Amistad Judeocristiana and Calleja de los Cofrades, but most of the original Jewish buildings have long been in the hands of other religions. The synagogue was on Calle del Rabilero.

Ribadavia's Jewish heritage is quite well preserved. There are a number of festivals in Ribadavia that have Jewish origins - the Festa da Istoria, the Boda Judía and performances of Sephardic music. The synagogue would have been on Plaza de la Magdalena.

Ribadavia is a good place to get information on Jewish Spain, as the Network of Jewish Quarters in Spain and the Sephardic Information Center of Galicia are both in this town.

The Catalan town of Tortosa has a strong history of both Muslims and Jews. The Jews in the town occupied an important position in the town as early as the eighth century, when the town was occupied by the Muslims, as they were able to provide a link between the Christians and the Jews. When the Christians liberated the town in the 12th century, the Jews received the Muslim shipyards. The new Jewish quarter, founded in the 13th century, is still well preserved to this day, occupying the streets around Major de Remolins.

Plan the Perfect Trip to Spain

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How to Get From Madrid to Toledo by Train, Bus, and Car

Guide to Visiting Granada in Spain

Visit the East Coast of Spain

The 20 Best Things to Do in Spain

How to Get from City to City in Spain

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Popular Places In Spain

Are you looking for kosher eatery or jewish poi near you, about spain.

Spain, a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, includes 17 autonomous regions with diverse geography and cultures. Capital city Madrid is home to the Royal Palace and Prado museum, housing works by European masters. Segovia has a medieval castle (the Alcázar) and an intact Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical modernist landmarks like the Sagrada Família church. In the 8th century, nearly all of the Iberian Peninsula was conquered (711–718) by largely Moorish Muslim armies from North Africa. These conquests were part of the expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate. Under Islamic law, Christians and Jews were given the subordinate status of dhimmi. This status permitted Christians and Jews to practice their religions as People of the Book but they were required to pay a special tax and had legal and social rights inferior to those of Muslims. Córdoba, the capital of the caliphate since Abd-ar-Rahman III, was the largest, richest and most sophisticated city in western Europe. Mediterranean trade and cultural exchange flourished. Spain was Europe's leading power throughout the 16th century and most of the 17th century, a position reinforced by trade and wealth from colonial possessions and became the world's leading maritime power. The Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936. For three years the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco and supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy fought the Republican side, which was supported by the Soviet Union, Mexico and International Brigades but it was not supported by the Western powers due to the British-led policy of Non-Intervention. In 1939, General Franco emerged victorious and became a dictator. Spain became a democracy in 1978 after the death of General Franco. The climate of Spain, its geographic location, popular coastlines, diverse landscapes, historical legacy, vibrant culture and excellent infrastructure, has made Spain's international tourist industry among the largest in the world. In the last five decades, international tourism in Spain has grown to become the second largest in the world in terms of spending, worth approximately 40 billion Euros or about 5% of GDP in 2006.

The Best Of Spain

Are you a spain kosher establishment or tour operator, jewish history, poi & kosher establishments in spain.

The two major centers of Jewish life in Spain are Madrid (4,500) and Barcelona (3,500), followed by Malaga, where a smaller number of Jews live. Other communities are found in Alicante, Cadiz, Marbella, Majorca, Torremolinos, and Valencia, Canary Islands, Oviedo, Seville. In Spanish North Africa, Jews reside in Ceuta and Melilla. The Jewish community of modern Spain is primarily based on waves of post-war migration from Morocco, from the Balkans, from other European countries, and, most recently (in the 1970s and 1980s), from Latin America. A sizable proportion of the community is affiliated to the synagogue-focused communal centers in Barcelona and Madrid, which, in turn, are linked to the Federacion. Barcelona also has a Reform and Chabad congregations, Madrid also has Mazorti and Chabad, Valencia also has Mazorti, Majorca and Malaga also have Chabad. In the absence of laws restricting hate propagation or Holocaust denial, Spain serves as a publishing and distribution center for neo-Nazis and other extreme rightists. Indeed, Spain serves as a refuge for a number of Nazi war criminals and neo-Nazis convicted elsewhere of promoting racial hatred or historical revisionism. Toledo features the Museo Sephardi (situated in the El Transito synagogue), the nearby Church of Santa Maria La Blanca (an ancient synagogue), and the former Jewish quarter. The synagogue of Maimonides can be visited in Cordoba. Most of these have long since been used as churches. Former Jewish areas, the juderias, can be seen in, Avila, Barcelona, Besalu, Caceres, Calahorra, Córdoba, Estella, Gerona, Hervas, Jaén, León, Monforte de Lemos, Montblanc, Oviedo, Palma de Majorca, Plasencia, Rivadavia, Segovia, Tarazona, Tarragona Tortosa and Tudela. Kosher travelers can find restaurants in cities throughout the country. There are kosher restaurants in Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella and Costa Del Sol. There are also some great Passover programs in Spain and throughout Europe.

What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!

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Jewish Heritage in Spain 14 nights

This 14-night tour, with multiple expert guided tours, begins in Barcelona. In addition to seeing the Jewish sites in the Catalonian capital, you’ll take a day trip to see Girona’s perfectly preserved Jewish Quarter and on to Besalu to visit the mikvah. You’ll also have time to see Gaudi’s architecture before taking the high...

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Trip Summary:

On this private tour you’ll travel to places that celebrate the Golden Age in Medieval Spain when the Spanish Jewish community lived and prospered in all of Spain’s great cities. You’ll visit many major locations on what is called ‘The Sephardic Way’ which is a cultural network reviving Spanish Jewish heritage. At...

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Arrive into Barcelona International Airport. Depart from Madrid or vice versa.

Totally Spain does not arrange International Flights so you have the flexibility to book the flights you prefer. We can recommend a travel agent with whom you can book your international flights if required. Otherwise a website such as Skyscanner is very useful for checking up-to-date flight schedules and prices.

This 14-night tour , with multiple expert guided tours, begins in Barcelona. In addition to seeing the Jewish sites in the Catalonian capital , you’ll take a day trip to see Girona’s perfectly preserved Jewish Quarter and on to Besalu to visit the mikvah. You’ll also have time to see Gaudi’s architecture before taking the high-speed train to Cordoba in Southern Spain to see the Jewish Quarter, the synagogue and the Mezquita . Then to Granada where you will explore the Realejo area and the splendid Alhambra Palace . Travel on to Seville to enjoy the large Jewish neighbourhoods including Barrio Santa Cruz . You’ll also see the Alcazar .  From there a short road trip driving yourself through the land of the Conquistadors to the walled city of Caceres where Jewish families flourished in the Barrio San Antonio. Continue to Plasencia where a thriving Jewish community existed in the 13th century in the Jaraíz suburb and where two synagogues are known to have existed. Next drive to Toledo and see the Transito Synagogue , walk the Jewish Quarter and visit the Sephardic Museum . And finally take the high-speed train to Madrid. Visits include the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace .

Please note that there is a functioning synagogue in Barcelona, in Madrid and in Seville too but no where else on  this itinerary.  Certified kosher food can only be obtained in Barcelona and Madrid. Unfortunately it is not available in any of the other locations on this tour.

On this private tour you’ll travel to places that celebrate the Golden Age in Medieval Spain when the Spanish Jewish community lived and prospered in all of Spain’s great cities. You’ll visit many major locations on what is called ‘ The Sephardic Way’ which is a cultural network reviving Spanish Jewish heritage . At each site, you’ll visit the Jewish Quarters and synagogues, museums and other relevant sites that illustrate the proud past this community shared up until 1492 when it was expelled by order of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. You’ll be guided at each location by an expert local guide who can provide you with an insight into the communities and can highlight the work that is being done to preserve these important sites today.

• Barcelona 3 nights
• Cordoba 1 night
• Granada 2 nights
• Seville 2 nights
• Caceres 1 night
• Plasencia 2 nights
• Toledo 1 night
• Madrid 2 nights

Tour Itinerary

Barcelona, Spain

Arrive in Barcelona International Airport. You’ll be met at the airport by your private driver who will transfer you to your centrally located 4-star Barcelona hotel.

Barcelona is without doubt one of Europes most exciting cities.  It is a place of extraordinary architectural dazzle, achieved by what has been called both Catalán Art Nouveau and Modernisme, by architects Gaudi, Domenech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch.  Monumental sculptures by local masters like Joan Miró adorn public spaces, and museums house extraordinary treasures ranging from works of the ancient Romans to those of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.  The city is further enhanced by brightly colored outdoor markets, a magnificent Mediterranean port , and a plentiful array of stylish restaurants.  Needless to say, the nightlife is splendid.

This afternoon is at leisure to get settled in and adjusted to Spanish time. Activities & Services Included today

• Private transfer from Barcelona airport to your Barcelona hotel
• 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade available on request

This morning after breakfast you’ll be met at your hotel by your expert local guide, who will escort you on a tour of the former Jewish quarter in Barcelona known as El Call (from the Hebrew for ‘kahal’ meaning community). As you walk your guide will bring to life the history of these medieval streets. You’ll learn where the original synagogue and the kosher butcher were located. It is believed that up to four synagogues were located in this city. You’ll be shown Hebrew letters and inscriptions on other buildings around the city. You’ll track the history of the community from a position of great respect in the 11th century to segregation in the 14th century and forced conversion or expulsion in the 15th.

After lunch (not included)  you are joined again by your guide and a driver. Your tour this afternoon is of Antoni Gaudi’s architecture.  You'll visit inside sights including Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia (construction started in 1882 and still continues to this day!) before going to the Paseo de Gracia to see the exterior of La Pedrera ( Casa Mila) with your guide.  Afterwards you'll visit the interior independently at your leisure.

Activities & Services Included today

• Private full day tour in Barcelona with expert, English speaking guide (with a short break for lunch)
• Private chauffeur and car for half-day.
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for Sagrada Familia
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for Park Güell

Meals Included today

• Full Buffet Breakfast

Barcelona - Daytrip to Girona & Besalu, Spain

Daytrip to Girona & Besalu

Today you’ll visit the city of Girona and the town of Besalu. You’ll be collected by your private driver and guide at your hotel and continue to Girona.

The Jewish community in Girona dates back to 890 . It was a very important Jewish centre during the Middle Ages and it still has the best-preserved and most important Jewish quarter in Spain. The site was discovered accidently by a property developer. Some of the families expelled in 1492 had bricked off or closed off their properties believing they would return some time in the future. Catholic neighbours were reluctant to re-open these properties fearing they might be considered Jews themselves and so the area was entombed. In the late 1970s, when the old town was being re-gentrified, a land purchaser discovered the remains of Nahmanides’ yeshiva.

Your guide will take you from the main street (which was a Roman Road) to the archways and narrow paths between stone buildings. As you travel through the old walkways where the sunlight doesn’t reach – you will feel like you have walked back in time. In the heart of this quarter is a new educational and cultural complex called the Bonastruc Ca Porta Centre , which recreates Jewish life through art exhibits, musical events and food tastings. Surrounding a patio on the site of an ancient synagogue, the complex includes a Catalan Museum of Jewish Culture , the Institute for Sephardic and Kabbalistic Studies, and a library that houses important medieval Jewish manuscripts.

After lunch (not included) in Girona, you’ll travel to Besalu – a stunning town which first welcomed its Jewish community in the 9th century. In fact, Girona’s first Jewish community came from here.

Near the Mihah, where most Jews lived, you’ll see the site of the synagogue that was built in 1264. Although there are no remains of the synagogue, the place is still called ‘ Pla dels Jueus ’ or Place of the Jews.

You’ll visit the 12th century mikvah (ritual Jewish bath), one of the only three from the same period that have been kept in Europe – which was discovered in 1964. This mikvah is a stone room with 36 steps where strategically placed openings allow the rising river to flood it to the correct water level each spring and fall.

Return to Barcelona in the evening.

• Private chauffeur and car from your Barcelona hotel to Girona & Besalú
• Full day service of an expert, English speaking guide
• Pre-Booked entrance tickets for the Cathedral in Girona
• Pre-Booked entrance tickets for the Jewish Museum in Girona
• Pre-Booked entrance tickets for the Mikve in Besalú
• 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade available on request.

Cordoba, Spain

Today following breakfast you'll be transferred from your hotel to Barcelona train station for your  high-speed train to Cordoba  famous for its well-preserved Jewish quarter and the mighty Mezquita (mosque-cathedral). A driver will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your centrally located hotel.

Meet your expert local Cordoba guide  at your hotel and spend the late afternoon/ early evening exploring the city that was the great Moorish capital of Al Andalus. A walk around the old Jewish quarter gives the sensation that little has changed since the 10th century. Visit the Mosque-Cathedral or Mezquita which is without doubt one of the most famous constructions in all of Andalusia and is one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. The original Mosque was built between 786 and 788 by Abd ar-Rahman, but over the centuries, many additions and extensions have been made. Following the Christian conquest it was consecrated as a Cathedral in 1236.

Visit the  Synagogue  built in 1314, a beautiful Mudejar building nearly perfectly preserved and the only synagogue in Spain from that time not to have been turned into a Christian building. See  Almodovar gate or ‘Gate of the Jews’  as it is known locally and the monument to the great Jewish doctor and philosopher,  Maimonides . You will also visit the  Casa Sefarad , a cultural project concerned with Judeo-Spanish culture, history and tradition that through it’s unique collection and cultural activities aims to make known the rich legacy of the Sephardic tradition. The exhibition on Sephardic food surprises most contemporary Spaniards who don’t know that staples such as ‘cocido’ stew is of Jewish origin.

Later at your leisure we recommend a walk to the  Roman bridge  across the  Guadalquivir river . You may wish to visit the  Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos  (Fortress of the Christian Monarchs) a Mudejar palace from 14th century with a beautiful Moorish garden complex, which served as the seat of the Inquisition´s Tribunal in the 15th century. Try to see a number of the beautiful courtyard patios also.

Note that the third week in June is when the annual  International Sephardi Music Festival  takes place in  Cordoba’s Botanic Gardens. 

• Private transfer from your Barcelona Hotel to Barcelona train station
• High speed train from Barcelona to Cordoba train station to your Cordoba hotel
• Private Half-Day Walking tour in Cordoba with expert, English speaking guide
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Mosque-Cathedral
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Synagogue
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for Casa Sefarad

Granada, Spain

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Cordoba Train station to take the high speed train across the Andalucian countryside to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Andalusia. A private driver will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your centrally located Granada hotel.

Granada is perhaps most famous for its exquisite Alhambra Place , a complex of palaces built around courtyards of flowering trees, pools and fountains.  It’s often hailed as the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European monuments. Set on a wooded hill above Granada city, the Alhambra Palace was built in the 14th century by the sultans of Granada, rulers of the last Muslim kingdom in Al-Andalus. It reveals the brilliance and spirit of the Moorish culture in Andalusia at a time when the rest of Europe was only just beginning to emerge from the Dark Ages.

This afternoon you will be met by your expert local guide who will take you on a walking tour of the old quarter of Granada. You’ll learn that the Jewish community lived in Granada in perfect freedom until the first persecution in 1066 when the entire Jewish population fled or was killed. You’ll hear about the Treaty of Granada in 1491 ( signed by Queen Isabella and Emir Muhammas XII) that protected religious freedom and you’ll find out that it was revoked by the Alhambra Decree in 1492.  You'll also see the cathedral and Royal Tombs, burial place of the Spanish monarchs, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand, the so-called Catholic Monarchs.

You’ll be taken to the Realejo also known as the Juderia or Jewish Quarter during the Muslim period of rule. The old gates and walls have not survived but the upper parts of the Quarter retain some if its original labyrinthine layout – a feature of Moorish urban design. Here you'll visit Sephardic House - a privately-run Sephardic museum that opened in 2014.

• Private transfer from your Cordoba hotel to Cordoba train station
• High speed train from Cordoba to Granada - Tourist class
• Transfer from Granada train station to your Granada hotel
• Private Half-Day Walking tour in Granada with expert, English speaking guide
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Cathedral
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Royal Tombs
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for Sephardic House

Today, following breakfast, you’ll be transferred privately from your hotel to the Alhambra Palace to meet your expert guide for a peaceful private guided visit of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens .

This complex of palaces built around courtyards of flowering trees, pools and fountains is often hailed as the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European monuments. It’s beauty shows the brilliance and spirit of the Moorish culture in Andalusia at a time when the rest of Europe was only just beginning to emerge from the Dark Ages. You will also tour the Generalife - the Summer palace and gardens of the Sultans. It is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens. Prepare to be wowed by the water features and courtyards.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy Granada.  Perhaps go for lunch at a ‘ Carmen ’ (a traditional Granada house with a large garden of vines and fruit trees) with stunning views of the Alhambra in the Albaicin or maybe enjoy refreshments in the open air with some of Granada’s legendary tapas.

• Private transfer from your Granada hotel to Alhambra Palace
• Private Half-Day Walking tour of the Alhambra Palace & Gardens with expert, English speaking guide
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Alhambra Palace & Gardens

Seville, Spain

This morning, after breakfast and checking out, you’ll once again be met at your hotel by a private driver who will transfer you to Granada train station for your journey to Seville.  Upon arrival you'll be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your centrally located Seville hotel

This afternoon is at leisure. If you are interested in Mudejar buildings we recommend a visit to the Casa de Pilatos , completed in 1540 and situated in the Barrio Santa Cruz (the old Jewish quarter).

This evening you’ll attend a flamenco performance , the musical roots of which are many including Jewish, gypsy and moorish along with European and African influences.

• Private transfer from your Granada Hotel to Granada train station
• High speed train to Seville
• Private transfer from Sevilla train station to your hotel in Sevilla
• Pre-Booked Flamenco show in Sevilla (1 hour duration)

Your private guided visit today will focus on the history of the Jews not only in Seville but also in Spain.  Your guide will take you through the former Jewish Quarter that encompasses the neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz, Santa María la Blanca and San Bartolomé while providing you an insight into all aspects of Judaism in Seville - the first city in Spain to where the jews returned after 1860 and settled down again, creating the first jewish community of Spain following the expulsion in 1492.  Seville’s Jewish community, although very small today, was the second largest after Toledo.

Your tour of the key Jewish sites will include the Santa Cruz Square ; location of the old synagogue that became a Christian church after 1391 – it was sadly destroyed in 1811. You’ll visit the former synagogue-church of Santa Maria la Blanca – built in 1252.  You’ll also be shown the church of San Bartolome . It survived the fate of the previous two synagogues in the late 14th century but by 1490 was remodeled. You’ll also visit three gates – De la Carne, San Nicolas and Meson del Moro - which provided access to the Jewish Quarter. And you will be taken to the site of the Cano and Cueto cemetery also.

Following your tour enjoy lunch and afterwards enjoy an independent visit with pre-booked tickets to the stunning Alcazar, the site of the marriage between Carlos V and Isabel of Portugal in 1526. Every period from the Arabic to Mudejar, Renaissance, Baroque and more is on display in this UNESCO-listed site that is still used by the Spanish Royal Family when in Seville.

Later you may wish to learn a little about the city’s connection with the Discovery of the New World. We recommend a visit to the Indias Archive located in what used to be the Mercaderes Market built in 1572. Inside you’ll find many invaluable documents that give context to the first voyage of Christopher Columbus undertaken in 1492 (the same year of the expulsion) and the trade links that followed.

• Private Half-Day Walking tour in Sevilla with expert, English speaking guide (focused on the Jewish heritage)
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Alcazar

Caceres, Spain

Today, check out of your Seville hotel and you will be transferred to the rental car depot to collect your rental car.  Leaving Seville you head northwest into the region of Extremadura , land of the Spanish Conquistadors, to Caceres. Journey time is about 3 hours.  Native sons Pizarro, Cortes, De Soto and Balboa left this vast, beautiful and little-visited region that borders Portugal to conquer the New World.

This afternoon you will be met at your hotel by your expert local guide for a tour of Caceres.

Caceres, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO and surrounded by Moorish walls, is splendidly preserved. Its handsome ochre-coloured mansions – belonging to the noblemen of the 15th and 16th centuries who fought against the Moors and journeyed to the Americas as conquistadors – line the city streets and small squares. Plaza Santa Ana forms the heart of the old city. From the 13th to15th centuries, Jewish families lived and worked in the Barrio de San Antonio . Discover the narrow alleys of the old Jewish quarter and see the modest homes of the aljama (the Jewish district in medieval times) and the synagogue, now the Ermita de San Antonio. Tour Yusuf al-Burch’s House and Museum, where the private baths may be either Jewish ritual baths or Arabic. Stroll beneath the Roman Arco de Cristo and you’ll arrive at the Olivar de la Judería , or the Jewish Quarters olive grove. Outside the city walls, a new Jewish quarter was constructed in 1478, where nowadays the Palace of La Isla sits on the site of the former synagogue here.

• 6/7 days car rental. Standard size (Opel insignia or similar) Manual transmission
• Basic CDW/LDW unlimited mileage and theft waiver
• Private Half-Day Walking tour in Caceres with expert, English speaking guide
• Visit former synagogue, now the San Antonio hermitage. Tour Yusuf al-Burch’s House and Museum, where the magnificent private baths may be either traditional mikve (Jewish ritual baths) or Arabic.

Plasencia, Spain

After breakfast it is just a short drive of one hour to Plasencia, your next stop on this Jewish heritage tour.  However, we recommend that you take the longer route there going via Trujillo instead.  Trujillo is a charming town and birthplace of the conquistador, Francisco Pizarro , whose grand statue adorns the main plaza. It is known that in the second half of the 13th century Jews settled in Trujillo - 60 to 70 families - with names such as Bueno, Machorro, Cohen and Haluzo . The synagogue was located on Calle Tiendas number 8 now a shop called Maribel Calleja while the entrance to the synagogue is in the laboratory of the Pepe Solís pharmacy occupying number 10 and 12 of the same street.

After lunch continue to Plasencia and overnight.

• Car Rental as described previously.

This morning you are met by your local expert guide for a tour of Plasencia.

In Plasencia in the 13th century the Jewish community thrived.  The wealthy Jewish quarter of La Mota was situated in the northwest of the walled city. Its inhabitants came to own land or rent vineyards to work, according to the preserved documents of the 13th century. The houses of the Jewish quarter of La Mota were in the place that today occupy the stairs and the fountain of the Plaza de San Nicolás , approaching it from Santo Domingo el Viejo and Caldereros street. 

Numerous plaques can be seen in the city with the names of those Jewish families who once lived in Plasencia.

• Private Half-Day Walking tour in Plasencia with expert, English speaking guide

Toledo, Spain

This morning proceed by car to Toledo .  It's a two-hour journey roughly.  You'll drop off your rental car in Toledo.

This afternoon your local expert guide will take you on a tour of Toledo .

Toledo, the former capital of Spain and the stronghold of Castilian kings was, just before the expulsion, one of the leading centres of Jewry in Spain the `Jerusalem of the west ´. One of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in all of Europe, it was the site of the famed ` school of translators ´ of King Alfonso `The Wise´ and here Muslims, Jews and Christians coexisted in harmony for centuries. In the 14th century, after the Jews had been expelled, eight of the citys ten synagogues and its five Talmudic schools were destroyed. The remaining synagogues were converted into churches.  One was the Samuel Halevi Abulafia Synagogue known nowadays as Nuestro Señora del Transito. Built in 1357 it is full of Moorish carvings, arcades and a beautiful panelled wooden ceiling. Two years after the expulsion it became a Catholic Church and, since 1972, a Sephardic Museum with historic Hebrew inscriptions. The other is Santa Maria La Blanca ( formerly the Grand Synagogue ) which is now empty. It was built by Arabs in the 12th century and appears more like a mosque than a synagogue.  The previously mentioned School of Translators, where Jews used their knowledge of Arabic and Hebrew to translate philosophical and scientific works into Latin and Spanish, can still be seen in the Plaza Santa Isabel.

• Car Rental as described previously. Car returned this afternoon in Toledo.
• Private Half-Day Walking tour in Toledo with expert, English speaking guide (focused on the Jewish heritage)
• Pre-Booked entrance tickets for the Synagogue Santa Maria la Blanca
• Pre-Booked entrance ticket for the Synagogue of El Transito
• Pre-Booked entrance ticket for the Cathedral

Madrid, Spain

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Toledo train station to take the high speed train to Madrid. A driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your centrally located hotel.

Madrid stands at the very centre of Spain –geographically, culturally and politically. Madrid capital not only offers the culture and good times of a sophisticated, modern city but it also retains the charm and elegance of its early years. The power and glory of Madrid is reflected in its parks, plazas, boulevards and in the pride and panache of today’s Madrilenos. For all its international veneer, however, the city remains thoroughly Spanish, and Old Madrid has been designed on a human scale rather than a monumental scale.

Among the splendid attractions of Madrid are the Prado Museum; home to masterworks of Goya, Velazquez and El Greco: the 19th century Villahermosa Palace now the Thyssen-Bornemizsa Museum; the Reina Sofia Art Centre showcasing more than 300 modern works by Dali, Miro &  Picasso among others; the 18th century Royal Palace on the lovely Plaza de Oriente; the bustling Puerta del Sol with its many shops, restaurants and tapas bars; Rastro Market on Sundays one of the oldest outdoor markets in Europe; and Retiro Park for strolling while admiring local artists and buskers.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.  Your pre-booked entrance ticket to the Prado Museum could be used this afternoon if you wish or tomorrow.

JEWISH MADRID

There is a small but active Jewish community in Madrid . The main centre is the Beth Yaacov Synagogue on Calle Balmes where there is a small history museum inaugurated in 2007 by the Jewish Community of Madrid that can be visited though a pre-booked appointment is necessary.  Its opening coincided with the 90th anniversary of the opening of the first synagogue in Madrid since the days of the Inquisition.  With its collection of photographs, documents and published materials, it provides information about the recent history of the Jewish Community of Madrid.  Visitors are reminded of what it was like for Jews to return to Spain after an absence of some 400 years. 

The Old Jewish Quarter of Madrid began to emerge in 1085, near the present-day Teatro Real and Calle del Arenal. Next to the Jewish Quarter or `juderia´was the cemetery, located in what is now Plaza de Oriente.  Three centuries later the bubonic plague forced the Jews to relocate to the New Jewish Quarter beside the Campo del Rey - Plaza de la Armería - where the Almudena Cathedral now stands. 

The monument to the victims of the holocaust was inaugurated in 2007 by Madrid City Council and the Jewish Community of Madrid and it is located in the Garden of the Three Cultures in Juan Carlos I Park.  It was designed by artist Samuel Nahon and architect Alberto Stisin.

Since 2008 the streets of Madrid have played host to Hanukkah celebrations, the Festival of Lights. The mayor of Madrid and dignitaries from the Jewish Community and Sefarad-Israel take part in the lighting of the candles on a day full of festive atmosphere with music, traditional peonzas (spinning tops) and buñulos (fluffy profiterloes)

Note that kosher cuisine is readily available in Madrid from several establishments near the synagogue.

• Private transfer from your Toledo Hotel to Toledo train station
• High speed train from Toledo to Madrid - Tourist class
• Private transfer from Madrid train station to your Madrid hotel
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Prado Museum (open date & entry time plus skip-the-line)

This morning you will be met by your expert local guide for a walking tour of Madrid .

Tour the historic Hapsburg Quarter and see Madrid’s magnificent plazas such as the Plaza de Oriente where you visit inside the Royal Palace , the Plaza Mayor , Puerta del Sol, the San Miguel market , Cibeles Fountain and more.

• Private Half-Day Walking tour in Madrid with expert, English speaking guide
• Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Royal Palace

After breakfast you’ll be collected at your hotel by a private driver who will transfer you to Madrid International Airport for your departure.

• Private transfer from your Madrid hotel to Madrid Airport

Please remember that this tour can also be done in reverse starting in Madrid and finishing in Barcelona.  It can also be used as a template for a custom trip should you wish to modify, add or subtract days to suit your schedule.

Additional Information

ORIGINAL & RELATED POSTS FROM TOTALLY SPAIN'S BLOG

Jewish Heritage Sights in Spain

Totally Spain's Guide to Extremadura

Must Sees in Andalusia

What to do in Madrid. 10 Things we love in Spain's Capital City

Guide to Gaudi's Barcelona

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GALLERY OF THIS ITINERARY

What's included

This trip includes.

Accommodation ( based on 2 people sharing )

• 14 nights accommodation in quality 4-star hotels in a standard room.   Upgrade options available on request.
• Full Buffet breakfast daily
• All private transfers from airport / stations as indicated above
• Car hire as described in itinerary on Day 9
• Half-day private driver in Barcelona (Day 2)
• ​ Full-day private driver for the Girona & Besalu tour
• ​High Speed Trains  (tourist class – upgrades available on request)
• Barcelona to Cordoba Cordoba to Granada Granada to Seville Toledo to Madrid

Private Guided Tours (half-day tours unless otherwise stated)

• Private Walking tour in Barcelona (morning) plus private tour of Gaudi sights (afternoon) with expert English speaking guide (includes transport + private driver in the afternoon)
• Private Excursion from Barcelona to Girona & Besalu with expert English speaking guide  (includes transport + private driver)
• Private Walking tour of the Alhambra Palace & Gardens with expert English speaking guide
• Private Walking tour in Granada with expert English speaking guide
• Private Walking tour in Cordoba with expert English speaking guide
• Private Walking tour in Seville with expert English speaking guide
• Private Walking tour in Caceres with expert English speaking guide
• Private Walking tour in Plasencia with expert English speaking guide
• Private Walking tour in Toledo with expert English speaking guide
• Private Walking tour in Madrid with expert English speaking guide 

Pre-Booked Entrance Tickets

• Barcelona – Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera (Casa Mila) & Park Güell
• Girona - Cathedral and Jewish Museum
• Besalu - Mikve
• Cordoba – Mosque/Cathedral , Synagogue and Casa Sefarad
• Granada – Alhambra Palace, Cathedral & Royal Tombs, Sephardic House
• Seville – Alcazar
• Toledo –Synagogue Santa Maria la Blanca, Synagogue of El Transito & Cathedral
• Madrid – Royal Palace & Prado Museum

Special Highlights

• Flamenco show in Seville (1 hr duration)
• Comprehensive personalized trip documentation including local maps, guides and tourist information
• Totally Spain's specialist trip planning service and support
• Spanish Government tax

NOT INCLUDED Flights, Personal Travel Insurance, Porterage (not commonly available in Spain), Tips, Meals, drinks or hotel extras other than those described above. Anything else not specified above.

Trip Overview

Trip summary.

Prices from

5300 EUROS PER PERSON

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The described itinerary is just a taster of what this trip could involve. We would work with you to tailor your personal trip.

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We recently spent thirteen days visiting Madrid and Southern Spain on a journey organized by Totally Spain.  Belen was a pleasure to work with.  She listened to our preferences and was candid and responsive in her answers to our questions.&...

Martin and Donna Gleason, Washington, DC USA 2023-11-10

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Jewish Tours to Spain: The Legacy of Sepharad

Our Spain Jewish tour “España” is an exquisite symphony of experience, with a vital connection to world history and enduring Jewish heritage. This timeless land of explorers vibrates with the colorful passions of swirling flamenco and guitars; you will find its deep beauty unforgettable.

From this exotic land emerged great sages and the Kabbalists of the “Golden Age,” as well as the traditions of Sephardic Judaism, with its fascinating Eastern flavor. Enjoy the blend of Moorish, European and Jewish influences as we travel through the land of Cortez and Ponce de León. Spain is a delight for the senses and for the soul!

Current available tours to Spain and Portugal:

Explore our 7 day jewish tour to portugal, explore our 10 day jewish tour to portugal, explore our 12 day tour to portugal and spain, tour information, jewish tour to spain madrid – toledo – cordoba – seville – granada – girona – barcelona, duration: 10 days, accommodations : madrid , 3 nights emperador hotel cordoba , 3 nights nh amistad hotel barcelona , 3 nights avenida hotel, included services : transfers deluxe hotels breakfast daily at the hotels lunches and dinners as specified deluxe air-conditioned coaches flight from granada to barcelona professional tour director, pre/post tours: we can accommodate pre/post tour arrangements in conjunction with this departure., passport & visa: no visa is required for this tour. always make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the tour ends., not included: r/t flights from the usa meals and service not mentioned tips to tour director, drivers & guides all expenses of personal nature, day 1 monday arrival in madrid.

Welcome to Spain. Upon arrival to Madrid International Airport, you are welcomed to its capital, Madrid. Here, the history of a people blends with the world of power, glamour and enterprise, thus making Madrid uniquely textured. During your tour this morning,  first visit the impressive Royal Palace before being introduced to two of Europe’s grandest squares: Plaza Mayor, with arts, crafts and chic boutiques under its arcades, as well as the Spanish version of Times Square – Puerta del Sol. Later, enjoy an introduction to Madrid Jewish community and a visit to the Beth Yaacov Synagogue. Check into your hotel in the heart of Madrid’s most popular area and enjoy time to rest and refresh. Dinner. Emperador hotel. (D)

Day 2 Tuesday Madrid – Toledo – Madrid

This day is devoted to Toledo. With its naturally fortified location, Toledo was once the true center of Spain, and is also widely considered a “pearl” because of its subtle beauty. Additionally, Toledo was once the center for Jewish Spain, with a rich, creative heritage; you will feel this atmosphere as you stroll the narrow alleys in its historic section. See El Greco’s house, formerly the palace of the prominent Samuel Halevy (treasurer of King Pedro I, and architect of the El Transito Synagogue). Continue to Sinagoga de Santa Maria La Blanca, later converted to a church, and Sinagoga del Transito, today the Sephardic Museum. Lunch is served during the tour. Later, return to Madrid and enjoy time at leisure to visit the impressive Prado Museum, with its priceless collections of Spanish art, or browse Madrid on your own. Emperador hotel. (B/D)

Day 3 Wednesday Madrid – Avila – Segovia – Madrid

Breakfast, Begin a full day excursion to Avila and Segovia. First, tour Avila, including the imposing city walls and the former Jewish areas (Juderias). Lunch is served. In Segovia, you will sense history as you visit the historic part of the town as well as the Aqueduct and the Jewish Quarter. Although only few traces remain to tell the story of a glorious past, Segovia stills stands as a remarkable monument to its history. Return to Madrid in the afternoon. Emperador hotel. (B/L)

Day 4 Thursday Madrid – Cordoba

This morning, travel southward to Cordoba, former home of many Jewish scholars and poets. Once the biggest city in all of Europe, Cordoba thrived and expanded with its unique blend of cultures. These are beautifully expressed with a visit to Mezquita, the most significant Muslim architectural achievement in the Western world. This 8th century structure was first a church, later a mosque, and now has a cathedral placed in its center. A tapas Lunch is served during the tour. Next, walk the street leading up to the Juderia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful courtyards and shops. Although not Jewish in its current expression, a few signs still hint of the Golden Age. Note, for example, the tiny, gem-like Synagogue, not to mention the statue of the great court doctor and Torah sage, Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon). NH Amistad hotel. (B/L)

Day 5 Friday Cordoba – Seville – Cordoba

Today, a short drive takes you to nearby Seville, immortalized in opera classics such as “The Barber of Seville” and “Don Giovanni,” not to mention the great“Carmen.”Upon arrival, begin a tour of this classic city, including the imposing Cathedral, said to be one of the largest in the world. Here, find the resting place of Spanish Kings and Queens, as well as the markedly impressive sepulcher of Christopher Columbus – but are his remains actually there? Continue past the Alcazar Palace, still used as a residence for the Spanish Royal Family, to the grand Plaza Espana, site of the pavilion of the great 1929 exhibition. Last but not least, visit the Barrio de Santa Cruz – the former Jewish Quarter. Today, it is one of Seville’s most charming areas. Return to Cordoba in the afternoon. Dinner. NH Amistad hotel. (B/D)

Day 6 Saturday Cordoba

Breakfast. Choose to rest and explore Cordoba on your own, or join a tour into the nearby Andalusian countryside. In Baena, visit the Olive Oil Museum, then pay respects to Jose Luis Santaelle, recognized as “Righteous among the Nations”because of his heroic assistance to the Jewish people of Berlin. Later, visit Lucena, formerly known as “The Pearl of Sepharad.” Enjoy a walking tour of this picturesque town. In the late afternoon, return to Cordoba. NH Amistad hotel. (B)

Day 7 Sunday Cordoba – Granada – Barcelona

This morning, depart for Granada. Upon arrival, visit one of the Wonders of the World, the Moorish Palace of Alhambra and the Generalife. Located on a hilltop with the Sierra Nevada mountains behind it, Alhambra’s exquisite design and layout have few rivals. Be filled with a sense of mystique as you are guided past graceful courtyards, splashing fountains and lavish rooms. In the afternoon, check-in for the flight to Barcelona. Transfer to the hotel in Barcelona. Avenida Palace hotel. (B)

Day 8 Monday Barcelona

Begin sightseeing in the most exciting city Spain can offer – Barcelona, capital of the Catalonian province. First, a visit to one of Spain’s landmarks: the incomplete architectural masterpiece of Antonio Gaudi, known as the Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family). Next, continue on a walking tour through the centuries-old streets and alleys of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. Your tour will include an introduction to this former Jewish area. Next, visit the oldest Synagogue in Barcelona, which has recently been restored. Remainder of the day at leisure. Avenida Palace hotel. (B)

Day 9 Tuesday Barcelona – Girona – Besalu – Barcelona

Today, visit historic towns in the hilly areas of Catalonia. Girona stands not only as a charming example of Spain’s quaint early-Medieval ambience, but also as a reminder of the days when Jewish traditions bloomed. In fact, Girona was once a link between the first Kabbalists of Provence and the poets and writers of Cordoba and Toledo. Jewish settlers came here at the end of the 9th century, growing and prospering until the Spanish Inquisition in 1492 – that is, for a span of 600 years! The “Call” (Jewish Quarter) in particular, evokes this Jewish culture, indisputably a major aspect of the Golden Age of Spain. The spirit of our ancestors, you will clearly sense, has never vanished. Visit the Archeological and Jewish Museums during your tour. Lunch. Later, continue to Besalu to see the remains of the pre-Inquisition Mikveh. Return to Barcelona in the afternoon. Dinner. Avenida Palace hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 10 Wednesday Barcelona – Home flight to the USA

Time for an early breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for the home flights, or continue on a post-tour extension beyond the Jewish Spain experience. Adios. (B)

We organise a variety of Jewish heritage tours to Spain, allowing you to experience the vibrant culture of this country, and to understand the fascinating history of Jews here. Our Spanish tours guarantee a truly memorable experience and include an exploration of delicious kosher Spanish cuisine.

Barcelona, known as the country’s “avant-garde capital” includes a beach-front, Gaudi’s architecture, Las Ramblas boulevard, the hilltop fortress of Montjuic, previously the Jewish quarter, and has a cosmopolitan feel. Close to Barcelona is Figueras, where Salvador Dali was born. Its Dali Museum hints at the craziness of his genius. Spain was finally conquered by Emperor Augustus in 19 BCE, 200 years after the Romans first arrived on the Iberian Peninsula. The rhythm of life, where meals are eaten at hours that reflect an ability to enjoy days and nights to the fullest, still includes the daily siesta as a necessity for many. Its people are welcoming and inclusive.

Madrid, the nation’s capital, is home to the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Von Thyssen museums. Bullfighting is still practised in Madrid and the South. Andalusia, in southern Spain, is renowned for its olive groves, laid-back style, and “white villages”. Visits to Granada, Seville and Cordoba are not complete without a flamenco experience, including dance, song and Spanish guitar.

The tiny city of Jerez produces marvellous sherry and houses the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Marbella is the capital of the Golden Mile, home to the rich and famous. Ronda is renowned for its dramatic views of the Serrania de Ronda mountains, and its Puente Nuevo bridge which overlooks the 100-metre chasm of El Tajo Gorge.

SPANISH CUISINE

On our kosher tours to Spain, you will experience a full variety of delicious Spanish cuisine. Andalusia is all about simple pleasures – a glass of wine from Jerez and homemade goat cheese with good pelayo bread and olive oil from the Cordoba region. It’s all about the freshness, quality and diversity of the produce. Many of the dishes go back to Moorish times or earlier as many cultures settled in Andalusia, including Jews, Romans, and Phoenicians, creating an incredibly rich gastronomic heritage.

Tapas originated from Andalusia and they remain one of the region’s most popular foods – you just can’t visit without experiencing these famous mini dishes. Another famous export of Spain is olive oil; in fact, it produces more than any other country and much of it is high quality. The Cantabrian sea, along with the mountains and valleys of the inland area, are the natural larder of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque country. These are the four regions that make up what is known as ‘Green Spain’. Its stoves produce delicious dishes based on traditional recipes but also produce novel, imaginative and avant-garde culinary creations.

When we speak about the cuisine of the north of Spain, we must talk about San Sebastian, which attracts travellers from far and wide. With 15 Michelin stars, San Sebastian’s gastronomy sparkles as brightly as the turquoise sea that lies beside it. Top-quality produce from land and sea are the common denominators in a cuisine whose characteristics vary from area to area, influenced by its history and culture. Come and savour it for yourself!

FROM A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE

It is said that the first Jews arrived in Seville in the sixth century BC, and were from David’s family. They spoke Ladino, a Judeo form of Spanish. The Sephardic Jews suffered persecution from the Visigoths during the sixth century AD, followed by a period of harmony under Moorish rule. In the 13th century, they fled the fundamentalist Almohads to the Christian north of Spain, returning after the Reconquest. Sephardim prospered in banking, medicine, law and commerce, with a far higher literacy rate than other Spanish communities.

Valued for their commercial expertise, the Jews in Spain worked as tax collectors, which led to popular resentment and hatred. The Jewish quarter in Seville was burned, popular animosity whipped up by fierce anti-Jewish rhetoric from a Catholic cleric; its inhabitants sought shelter with Moors in Granada, or were baptised and forced to convert to Christianity.

In 1481, the Spanish Inquisition started, with its headquarters at the Castillo San Jorge in Seville, targeting Jews among other groups. In 1483, all Jews were expelled from the city and in 1492, all of Spain was to be free from those of the Jewish faith who had not converted. Half of the country’s 300,000 Jews left, many for Portugal, while some stayed in hiding. Those who stayed behind eventually became integrated into the Christian population; many Spanish surnames ending in -ez, adopted when they converted, indicate Jewish ancestry.

Most tours are bespoke, suiting your taste and budget. Browse example itineraries and our planned tours.

With Sephardic Routes, Spain connects with Jewish history

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Girona , Spain

For Aida Oceransky, life as a Jew in Spain today isn’t the silent burden it used to be. When she emigrated here from her native Mexico in 1968, Oceransky didn’t dare talk about her family’s Ukrainian Jewish past. All the Jews she knew in the 1970s and ‘80s went to Mass. Even a decade ago, “you couldn’t find anything on Judaism in Spain — a magazine, a book, nothing,” she said.

Now, more than five centuries after Spain violently expelled its Jews, the country is experiencing a revival of interest in Sephardic heritage — and neither Oceransky nor the 40,000 other Jews living here feel as though they have to whisper about their identity.

In fact, Sephardic culture has seen a boom in Spain in recent years. There’s Noah Gordon’s international bestseller, “The Last Jew” (set during the Spanish Inquisition), and the 2004 Spanish comedy “Only Human”, as well as conferences, music festivals, and even restaurants specializing in Sephardic cuisine. The biggest splash is the government-sponsored initiative known as Caminos de Sefarad, or Sephardic Routes, a network linking 15 medieval Jewish cities across Spain on the first-ever travel itinerary through the diaspora in Spain.

Unlike Berlin and Prague, Czech Republic, and other European cities where a lost Jewish heritage has been a cultural steppingstone for years — and where old Jewish quarters, synagogues and cemeteries are almost mandatory tourist stops — the curiosity in Spain’s Jewish sites has grown up almost overnight.

A growing number of tourists is coming to Segovia, a city in Spain’s Castile region, not only to see its towering Roman aqueduct but also to get a glimpse of a rediscovered Jewish past. “People want to see the Jewish quarter because it’s practically unknown — and because they don’t expect it,” said Marta Rueda, a guide who once led former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres on a tour through Segovia’s old streets.

Granted, the Jewish cemetery stands on an unmarked hill opposite the town; the old synagogue has been turned into Corpus Christi Church; and about 100 Jewish homes were leveled centuries ago to make way for a vast Gothic cathedral. Nowadays, the most notable Jewish features of Segovia are its modern eateries, such as the Menora Café and El Fogón Sefardí restaurant. Nonetheless, the mere investigation of its Jewish legacy “is something new.”

“Even people from Segovia never learned about the Jewish quarter,” Rueda said. “Now people want to know their history.”

Spain’s relationship with its Sephardic legacy has in many ways been a centuries-long struggle against silence. In the Middle Ages, Jews played a major role in the country’s success — as astronomers, doctors, merchants and aides to the Catholic monarchy — until King Ferdinand exiled them and the Muslims with the expulsion edict of 1492.

In the 19th century, Jewish merchants started to trickle back in from Greece, Germany and elsewhere in Europe. They built the first modern synagogue in Madrid in 1916 and many fought on the side of the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War, which ended with Gen. Francisco Franco taking Fascist control of the country in 1939.

Decades of religious oppression forced the community into the background. It wasn’t until 1968, after laws had loosened, that the Spanish council of Jewish communities emerged, giving shape to the new community.

In more recent years emigration from Morocco and Latin America increased Spain’s Jewish population to about 40,000. In 1992, Franco’s successor, King Juan Carlos I, addressing members of a Madrid synagogue on the 500th anniversary of the Inquisition, formally welcomed the “return home” of Jews to Spain. Since then, Jewish culture, history and identity — like those aspects now visibly promoted on the Sephardic Routes — have enjoyed an almost reinvented status.

“Everything remained unrecognized about the Jews for so many years,” said Ana María López, director of the Sephardic Museum in the artist El Greco’s famed city of Toledo. The museum is adjoined to El Tránsito Synagogue, a masterpiece of 14th century architecture with ornate rafters and biblical wall inscriptions. Visits to the synagogue and museum have doubled in the last 10 years, now up to 300,000 annually, due to an interest that López believes signals a deeper change in Spaniards’ perceptions about their past.

“People realize there were others besides them — and that they were important,” she said.

That realization is partly the result of the Network of Jewish Quarters in Spain — Sephardic Routes, which has worked with government, schools and businesses to highlight Jewish heritage.

“This network is about bringing patrimony to light; it’s about rehabilitating the physical space and memory of Spain’s Jews,” said Assumpció Hosta, the general secretary of Sephardic Routes, from her office in Girona, 60 miles north of Barcelona. The organization began here in 1995, in this medieval Catalan city whose narrow, climbing cobblestone streets of the Call, or Jewish quarter, are considered among the best preserved in Europe.

For Girona and other small and medium-size cities like it — from Jaén in the south to Oviedo and Tudela in the north — there are also strong financial incentives for marketing the Jewish past. “The hotels are happier. The restaurants are happier. We couldn’t do this while Franco was alive, and when the country was still in poverty,” Hosta added. “We didn’t have Einstein, but we had [12th century rabbi and philosopher] Maimonides. Now there is a lot of curiosity.”

There is also, inevitably, some disappointment for travelers hoping to see more of Spain’s Sephardic past than what physically exists today. In the great walled city of Ávila, 50 miles west of Madrid, a medieval synagogue has been converted into a chic but cozy hotel named Hospedería La Sinagoga, with Sephardic-motif double rooms renting out for about $100 a night.

In Oviedo, the small Asturian capital near the north-central coast, 19th century architects built the Campoamor Theater over the Jewish cemetery, and only several plaques now stand demarcating the former — now unrecognizable — Jewish quarter.

Indeed, Sephardic Routes has its critics, especially from those who see a dangerous tendency in focusing on “the archeological Jew” and not paying enough attention to the living Jewish community of today.

“They talk about Jews without [their being] hardly any around,” said Nily Schorr Levinsohn, who works in media relations for Catalonia’s Jewish community of 6,000, based in Barcelona. Schorr Levinsohn thinks that Spain, burdened by guilt over its history with the Jews, now genuinely wants to reflect and learn about what it lost. But “today’s Jews aren’t a part of this process.”

Considering that only a few decades ago Spain still upheld laws forbidding Jews to practice their religion, the country has come a long way in reconciling with its anti-Semitic past. Nowadays Spaniards can tune into Radio Sefarad, read Jewish magazines and even catch a weekly culture TV show called “Shalom.”

Surveys by the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Democratic Committee still consistently show Spain as one of the most anti-Semitic countries in Europe. Blatant pro-Palestinian coverage in the press fuels the sense that many Spaniards are cool toward Israel and Jews in general. The Catholic Church to this day resists releasing documents about the lands and properties acquired from Jews after their expulsion in the 15th century.

That aside, the point is that on a broader level things have started to change as visitors to Spain, and the Spaniards themselves, are finally learning about the history of Sephardic Jews.

“For many years, people hid the story that connects Jews to Christians in Spain,” said Oceransky, who is the president of her 130-person Jewish community in Asturias. “Most Spaniards have never, never seen a Jew. Their only image is what they see about Israel on television and a few facts they learn about the Holocaust — mostly transmitted through the Catholic Church.

“What we want is that the people come to know us — to know what Jews are and to understand the marks Jews left here.”

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Jewish Heritage Spain Tour: Retracing the Steps of History

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, madrid – the capital and the past.

Madrid is a modern city with a vibrant history. The streets are endlessly filled with effervescent life, from overflowing cafes to luxury stores. The flavors and aromas of the San Miguel Market offer the traditional tastes of Spanish cuisine with a modern, elegant twist. Your private transfer is waiting for you at the airport. They escort you to your luxurious accommodation in the historic center of Spain’s capital city. Plaza Mayor was the centerpiece of Madrid for hundreds of years. The square is surrounded by regal architecture that dates back to the 17th century.

The colonnade surrounds the plaza on three sides. In the archways you find cafes overflowing with people enjoying a glass of wine, sangria, or a cup of coffee in the afternoon warmth. The ochre colors of the buildings create an inviting atmosphere behind the wrought-iron balconies. The history of the square isn’t just in the beauty of the buildings but is also told in pictures through the carvings you can find on the circular seats beneath the lampposts. Spain’s river of history runs deep and you have just begun to dip your toes in the water.

What's Included:

Madrid – Diving into the Past

The city is peaceful in the early morning hours. The streets seem empty and the energy is reserved for the moment. The sun continues to rise and life begins to percolate, scented with fresh, strong coffee and sweet pastries. Your private guide meets you at your hotel and you are ready to venture out into the city. Puerto del Sol is the “heart of Madrid,” and is also one of its most bustling areas. The square is known as one of the original 15th century gates to the city. A street sign made from tile and painted with a charming depiction of the square connotes the importance and beauty of the area’s history.

The old Post Office is now home to the current regional government offices. The opulent gothic façade resembles a majestic castle more than a modern presidential office. The Casa and Torre de los Lujanes are located in the Plaza de la Villa. They are among the oldest buildings in the city and were constructed at different times in the 15th century. The tower was once the tallest building in Madrid, and the plaza was home to the city’s Arab marketplace. The plaza is filled with charm in its tranquil surroundings and subtle décor. You feel a connection to the city and the culture which begins to burn brightly.

Toledo – The Collective Cultures

Toledo is a city rich with imagery, from its collection of past medieval cultures to its stunning panorama made famous by El Greco’s painting, View of Toledo . The old mosques and synagogues are now filled with the embellishments of the church. The winding, narrow streets create a stunning historic labyrinth that opens up to hidden plazas. Mudejar architects constructed the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca in the 11th century. The complex is mesmerizing in its splendor, complete with elegant horseshoe arches. The synagogue maintained its original majesty throughout the turbulent times in Toledo and the whole of Spain.

The interior divides into five aisles. Each arch is embellished with intricate Moorish décor shaped into the plaster. The floor is decorated with dark red tiles. The plain exterior and rounded windows create a view of European décor, but the interior’s décor creates an entirely unique atmosphere that allows you to step into a historical monument. The Sinagoga del Transito contains the Sephardic Museum that opened in the 1970s. It maintains a fabulous collection of Jewish art and ritual objects spanning the centuries. Toledo is rich in natural charm and depths of history ready to be uncovered.

Cordoba – The Old Quarters

Today you will make the train ride to Cordoba, located in the wondrous countryside of Andalusia. The hills are brushed with gold and the mountain ranges roll against the backdrop of vast blue sky. Cordoba sits on the banks of Rio Guadalquivir. Narrow cobblestone streets meander around the Mosque-Cathedral known as the Mezquita. Plaza de las Tendillas is surrounded by neo-classical buildings and filled with a cool mist from the springing fountains. The town center is always bustling with life. The bars are intimate with crowds of jovial locals. The restaurants emanate the aroma of traditional cuisine, such as salmorejo cordobés , cold tomato-cream pasta.

The old Jewish quarter is known as Juderia and contains the illustrious 14th century Synagogue. Mudejar style and décor spreads throughout the temple, from the ogival arch of the walls to the specific geometric shapes that run along the divisions. The Casa de Sefarad was once connected to the synagogue by a series of underground tunnels. The home is now a small museum with an exhibit dedicated to the local Jewish poetesses of Al-Andalus. In the courtyard a large mosaic of a Star of David fills the open space and is surrounded by a colonnade of arches.

Seville – The Southern Capital

The energy of Seville is unique to Spain and distinctive to the city. Soulful guitars and vocals emanate from restaurants. Flamenco dancers tap their heals to the rhythm and express an eclectic mixture of longing. The Moorish Palace, known as the Alcázar, watches over the entire city, a collection of gardens, courtyards, and lavish halls. Charming duck ponds and quiet pathways wind around Maria Luisa Park. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the most fashionable neighborhood in the city; however, it once stood as the Jewish Quarter.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary and of the See, or just Seville Cathedral, is situated next to the old quarter. The church is magnificent and gigantic, known as the world’s largest church by sheer volume. It was built over the 12th century mosque and is 413 feet long and 272 feet wide. The exterior looks almost like a fortress, made of strong brick and imposing material, the walls are more powerful than graceful with dashes of intricate decoration on the various doors.

Once you enter the building you find a world of opulence. The Tomb of Christopher Columbus is found inside the Door of the Princes. The tomb is large and regal. Four knights of the church stand holding a treasure trove. Their gilded cloths capture the light. The tile that lines the room is polished. It feels like a room fit and decorated for royalty. The vaulted ceilings of the cathedral are inspiring and the overall majesty of the basilica can leave you wanting to stay a while longer.

Seville – Fruit of the Vine

The day is yours to experience Seville as you wish. The Calle de las Sierpes is a road that winds through the spirited crowds of the shopping district. The buildings’ facades are colorful and inviting. The Museo Arqueologico is considered one of the best archeological museums in the country and houses the treasure of Carambolo , believed to be a vast collection of gold of Tartessus. You could also choose to indulge in a private cooking lesson that will show the delectable secrets of Spanish and Sevillian cuisine. Join a celebrated top chef to explore the intricate simplicity of ingredients.

The traditional flavors of the region are spiced with Moorish influence. Spend time in the kitchen of the chef’s restaurant with the aromas of the particular dishes meant to provide you the best examples of regional cuisine. The Rabo de Toro is a rich ragout made of bull’s tail and filled with tremendous depths of flavor.   Sherry wine offers a bit of sweetness to the dish and flame to the experience. A variety of cheeses add decadent richness to your palette as you prepare the food.

Granada – The Moorish Legacy

After breakfast you will arrive in Granada and check into your hotel. Your expert guide will meet you and escort you to the incredible complex of the Alhambra. The collection of palaces shines red in the late-morning light. The structure rises out of spruce and pine trees and looks almost like a peak of an imposing mountain. The 11th century was the basis for the 14th century additions, which turned the original fortress and palace into a citadel of both strength and opulence.

The complex is spread over three tiers that rise up the mountainside and is a collection of courtyards, gardens, and residences. The Hall of the Ambassadors is the largest room in the complex reaching 37 feet in length. The central dome reaches a height of 75 feet. The grand hall encompasses the grandeur of the entire citadel and provides views of the entire palace in three separate directions to see the landscape below. This room is where Isabel and Ferdinand received Christopher Columbus.

The wealth of history is as enticing as the decor. It seems like the exuberant artistry never ends, taking you from one hall to another. The Hall of the Abencerrages contains vaulted ceilings are honeycombed and resemble stalactites. A cool breeze blows through the open portals. The water in the pool at the Partal ripples and the calligraphy on the walls of the Nazaries Palace is delicately engraved. The intricate history of the complex and the city is intertwined with the diverse faiths that once filled the neighborhoods and called Granada home.

Barcelona – In Touch Heritage

The city is a maze of winding narrow streets filled with historic buildings and a wealth of culture. Each shop you pass and each restaurant you look into is like a quiet nook, hidden from the rest of the world and known only to those living in Granada. After breakfast your private transfer will escort you to the airport where you will board your flight home. However, you can always stay a while longer and discover more of the ancient Jewish heritage of Spain, which would take you to the world-famous Catalonian city of Barcelona.

Arrive in Barcelona to experience the renaissance of Jewish culture in the city that sits on the Mediterranean. An ancient synagogue was discovered in the city in 2001 dating back to the 3rd or 4th century and was expanded in the 13th century.  The simple architecture is moving and informative. The unassuming building is made of stone and the door is a tiny portal you have to duck under to enter. The interior is subtle in design and décor and allows you to experience the historical importance without pomp.

Optional Add on: The Spirit of Barcelona

Enjoy a full day in Barcelona at your leisure. The city is filled with a spirit unlike any other city in Spain. Each street is unique, from the architecture of Gaudi to the golden beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is proud of its heritage as the capital of Catalonia and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya offers insight into the artistic eyes of the state, displaying over a millennium’s worth of artwork. The museum is housed in an Italian style building that was built in the 1920s and is known as the National Palace.

You can understand the pride and culture of Catalonia in the collection of work, the images, styles, and focus of life and religion, including numerous works of el Greco and Alexandre de Riquer. In the grace of the artwork and the vibrancy of the city you can find an endless amount of beauty in its history, architecture, and natural spirit. The following morning you will have a private transfer to the airport where you will make your flight home.

Trip Highlights

• Enjoy a private walking tour of Madrid, the capital city of Spain, to view the incredible Royal Palace and Prado Museum
• Discover the tremendous medieval Jewish cultural history in Toledo amidst the sensational gothic architecture
• Witness the Maimonides synagogue in Cordoba and the celebrated Mezquita that dates back to the 8th century
• Traverse the remarkable Jewish Quarter of Seville
• Explore the tremendous Alhambra, a complex of Moorish of palaces in Granada 
• Visit the recently discovered synagogue in Barcelona that was once hidden for almost a millennium 

Detailed Description

The history of Spain is entwined in the treasures of Jewish culture. This tour will take you through the wealth of ancient and medieval Jewish quarters and repurposed synagogues. You will discover charming plazas hidden to the world. Explore the exceptional connection between modern culture and historic traditions. From the cathedral in Toledo to the staggering palaces of the Alhambra in Granada, regional cuisines to archeological museums, you will experience the history of Spain’s Jewish heritage through the indelible persistence of the past.

Your discovery of Jewish heritage in Spain begins in Madrid. Modern and historic grandeur fill the city’s divided neighborhoods, torn between the new and the old. Exuberant décor sweeps through the Royal Palace and artistic integrity drapes the walls of the Prado Museum. A full-day tour in Toledo offers you the chance to visit the Spanish synagogues and the Sephardic museum. Journey to Cordoba and take a private tour of the old Jewish quarter, including a visit to the Maimonides’ synagogue.

Once in Seville you will have two days to meander through the Jewish Quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz. The city’s architecture is charming and a leisurely day in the city will eventually lead you to the celebrated chocolaterias . Transfer to Granada, home to the stunning Alhambra palace-fortress. The city is a historic maze that blends the North African influence of its past with the Arabic traditions of its present. You have the option of adding on two enlightening days in Barcelona.

A new congregation was established in the late 1990s and an ancient synagogue was discovered in 2001. The gothic architecture presses against modernist buildings and the entire city overflows with a unique spirit. Your private transfer will meet you at your hotel on your final day in Barcelona and escort you to the airport. You may be leaving Spain but you are taking the enriching history and vibrant heritage home with you.  

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$2,491  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

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Jewish learning Why Spain? Why Now? Join Hebrew College’s Jewish Discovery Tour of Spain

As we live in a time of strained interfaith relationships, can Spain provide a distant mirror for intergroup relations in our time?

When we think about Jews and Spain, one date looms large—1492 and the expulsion of the Jews. But there is so much more to see and experience. In southern Spain (Al Andalus) for hundreds of years, Jews, Muslims and Christians lived together, translated classics together, fought side by side, wrote poetry on common themes and built buildings that merged Muslim architecture with Jewish motifs. Travel to Spain enables us to see a land where converso culture continues to exert influence (sometimes hidden, sometimes openly) and to reimagine what might have been. As we live in a time of strained interfaith relationships, can Spain provide a distant mirror for intergroup relations in our time?

In Barcelona and Girona we will see the traces of a vibrant culture of science and the arts in which Jews were full participants, as doctors and viziers, soldiers and writers, philosophers and legalists. Travel to Spain enables us to locate this rich (and lost) Jewish world in the context of the beauty of modern Spain. From Don Quixote’s windmills to Gaudi’s architectural creativity to the masterworks at the Prado in Madrid, our trip touches base in the past and the present, including meeting the Jewish communities that will welcome us for shabbat.

Today, more than ever, we need to find models for reshaping the Jewish future in a pluralistic world. Join us for the journey

Together we’ll explore and learn about Jewish Sepharad. This trip will led by Me’ah faculty, Rabbi Leonard Gordon, Me’ah Co-Director, Terri Swartz Russell, Kayla Ship from Keshet Educational Journeys, and local guides in Spain.

Check out the full tour itinerary, pricing and details here .  Please contact Terri at Me’ah [email protected] or Kayla Ship at Keshet [email protected] with any questions.

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A Trip to the Jewish Quarter of Seville, Spain

The Jewish Quarter of Seville is the ultimate place to retrace the footprints of Jewish history in Spain. The exploration of this district is as crucial as the Royal Alcazar  or Plaza de España  in the fulfilment of the Sevillian experience. This entire neighbourhood is a must-see  when visiting the city.

Follow the twisting paths of this area and let your curiosity enjoy the many marvels that this neighborhood has to offer.

History of the Jewish Quarter

The Jewish district began with the construction of a wall during medieval times that separated Jews from the rest of the city. This fence begins at Tintes street and travels through Mercedarias square until ending at Mateos Gago.

In 1248, Seville was conquered by the Christians, who warmly-welcomed the Jewish population. As this society became increasingly adept, the Christian population no longer needed the money or the assistance of the Jewish people and relations grew tense.

Enough hatred was fostered to incite disaster in 1391, when the entire Jewish community was attacked and their synagogues were converted to churches. Thousands of Jewish lives were lost.

A dark history of deceit, destruction and death creates an unshakable feeling that hangs in the air within the walls of the Jewish Quarter of Seville. Given the quaint charm that defines this area, visitors will find it hard to believe such history.

Barrio de Santa Cruz

Cobbled streets, white-washed houses, cute shops and many dining spaces largely account for the widespread recognition of this particular Jewish neighborhood in Seville.

Visit the covered passageway heading off the Patio de Banderas Juderia and the Pasaje del Agua, which is named after a watercourse running along the top of the wall. Orange trees will frame your journey as you explore the many hidden passageways, gardens, and churches within this area.

The main sights include the Cathedral and the Giralda Bell Tower , the Alcazar, and the Archivo de Indias.

Barrio de San Bartolomé

Situated between the Puerta Carmona and the Puerta de la Carne, this neighborhood is often overlooked despite its unique charm. The central square, Plaza de Las Mercedarias, is surrounded by many attractions including Content de las Mercedarias and the former Parish church of Barrio de San Bartolomé El Viejo.

Wander these streets and take in the haunting atmosphere. Tragic love stories, historic street names, and hidden symbols decorate this labyrinth of snaking streets.

Exploring the Jewish Quarter

There are many options to help make the most of your adventure through history in the Jewish Quarter of Seville.

Apart from the wealth of information available online, the Centro de Interpretación de la Juderia is a museum located within the Santa Cruz district that exists to recover and to value Jewish culture. For only 6.50 € , enter the museum Monday to Saturday from 10:30 until 15:30 or Sunday from 10:30 to 18:30 to understand the boundaries of the city, its history, its characters and their stories.

There are also many tours available that will guide you through the maze of streets and provide historical information. These tours vary in length and price depending on what you wish. Consult online reviews or visit the local tourism office for more information.

Otherwise, grab a map of the city and take your time exploring the Jewish Quarter. We advise making a loose plan to visit several notable sites within the area; shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among many fantastic tapas bars  and charming courtyards that are nestled within the streets.

Bring some cash, a camera, a map and your curiosity.There are many little restaurants, bars and shops worth checking out. If you would prefer packing your own lunch, there are many courtyards and benches that would accommodate a charming picnic.

Getting to the Jewish District

The Jewish District of Seville is located around the Cathedral of Seville , so arriving is a similar process.

The exploration of these neighbourhoods in indisputably best done on foot.

Explore this charming district located in the heart of Seville, Spain and allow the haunting charm of history occupy your afternoon.

Jewish Journal

Connect. inform. inspire., before traveling to spain, watch this documentary about a hidden jewish history.

• By Brian Fishbach
• Published January 5, 2024

Brian Fishbach

The next time you visit Spain, set aside a day to take a $20 flight from the mainland to the island of Majorca, a Spanish Island south east of Spain’s Mediterranean coast.

But before you do, make sure to watch the Menemsha Films documentary “Xueta Island: The Lost Jews of Majorca” which explores the hidden Jewish history of Majorca dating back almost 1,000 years.

Majorca is about the size of Puerto Rico, but not nearly as populated.

The documentary’s director, Dani Rotstein, has lived in Spain for nine years and now runs a tourism business, Jewish Majorca, offering Jewish history tours on the island in six different languages.

Rotstein grew up in a Jewish home in New Jersey. After spending 15 years working as a television commercial producer, he landed a job in Majorca. Though he had lived in Madrid for an entire year and had visited Ibiza many times, he never once visited the island of Majorca.

The documentary chronicles how Rotstein first learned about the Jewish history of Majorca when he visited an Orthodox shul. It’s an exciting journey of history and how a chance encounter led to a new life mission for Rotstein.

Rotstein was inspired by the island’s secret Jewish community, known as the Xuetas, who were forced to convert to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition— but continued to practice Judaism in secret.

He was fascinated by the Xuetas’ determination to maintain their Jewish identity despite centuries of persecution.

The documentary also highlights the recent resurgence of Jewish life on the island over the last half century and a growing interest in Jewish heritage among the island’s residents.

While sometimes it’s spelled “Mallorca,” Rotstein says that he spells it with a ‘J’ because his tour company is “putting the ‘J’ back in Majorca.”

One fascinating part of the documentary is how during the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, covert cooking was a way for the Jews to stay undetected while observing the laws of kashrut. In the challah department, to emphasize their “conversion” to Christianity, some Jews intentionally incorporated lard and pork fat into the bread, signifying their break from secret Judaism and their commitment to Catholicism.

And then there’s the Sabbath empanadas. They acted as a natural oven for cooking kosher ingredients like fish with scales and vegetables inside a bread—similar to a dumpling. They were prepared before Shabbat and this dish continued to cook slowly over the Sabbath, allowing it to be consumed without reheating or further cooking throughout the day. While pork was added to the top bread, it wasn’t directly mixed with the cooked contents. Instead, it was placed on top as a symbol. After returning to their homes, the pork would be removed before consumption, allowing the meal to be enjoyed without breaking the laws of kashrut.

“That’s how I’m dedicating my life, sharing the story with tourists, but also residents,” Rotstein told the Journal. “We go into public schools, tell the story of the history, we also talk about the Holocaust, and we’re trying to make Judaism more visible on the island. Luckily, now we can do that, without the Catholic church domination and Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. It’s finally a time where we can be open about our Jewishness.”

While the documentary goes into much depth about the Jewish history of Majorca, the Journal asked Rotstein several clarifying questions about the history and his journey as chronicled in “Xueta Island.” The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

JEWISH JOURNAL: What’s the 2 minute summary of what happened to the Jews of Majorca?

DANI ROTSTEIN : After 1391, when there was this terrible attack on the Jewish Quarter of Palma [on the island], not necessarily because they were Jewish just because the rural folk in the farmlands of Majorca were being heavily taxed and just had a famine. A lot of people were dying, also because of the black plague, things were not going well economically from Majorca. So what’s the first thing you do? You look for a scapegoat, you look for someone to blame. The rural people came to the city in Majorca and they went after the noble class and the authorities. They didn’t actually go after the Jews right away. They chased all of the wealthier upper class that lived in the city, the city dwellers, they chased them to the castle where they were safe. Since they couldn’t get to the noble class, the farmers said, ‘If we can’t get to the wealthy upper class, the Nobles, well, let’s go get to the next group of city dwellers— the Jews.’ The farmers destroyed Jewish Quarters all over Majorca.

JJ: You said there was a fact you learned recently that didn’t make it into the documentary.

DR : After this terrible destruction of the Jewish Quarter where 300 men, women and children were killed, the king actually went ahead and replaced the Jews that were killed. He paid for Jews from North Africa and Portugal to come live in Palma so they wouldn’t lose the Jewish community there. That says so much. That’s the only place in the world at this time where that happened. The people who had done the killing and the massacring were really like the general public. They were being told in the churches that the Jews killed Jesus and the Jews are bad and you have to try and convert them. The king, the upper class, knew how important the Jews were. They didn’t want to lose their Jewish community—the Jews were so financially important, they were all of the money lenders because they couldn’t do anything else. So that was one of the jobs that they had, yeah. Some Jews went to North Africa. In 1435, about forty years later, there was another massacre. But this time, instead of being killed, the Jews were allowed to convert. So I don’t know about you, but for me, if I had the option of dying or converting, I’m gonna choose conversion.

JJ: How did this Jewish community have a resurgence?

DR :  British Jews who started this synagogue 50 years ago. I was shocked to hear that in Catholic Spain, under Francisco Franco’s rule, there were these tiny Jewish communities basically in Madrid, Barcelona, and Majorca. In about 1971 British Jews bought a plot of land for British expats that were living there for a Jewish cemetery. They just did things like Passover and Rosh Hashana and some big holidays in a hotel that they had timeshares in. It wasn’t until 1987 that they actually opened up the synagogue that you see in the film.

JJ: Tell us about the first synagogue experience you had in Majorca.

DR : I moved there thinking that I was gonna be the only Jewish person on the island. Then I got there not knowing anyone and, speaking to friends at work at this production company I was working at. It turns out that there is a synagogue that someone told me about. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know if it was going to be a Sephardic one or Ashkenazi transplants. It ended up being Ashkenazi transplants. So I went to this synagogue, and it wasn’t very welcoming at first. It was very hard to find it. There wasn’t a Facebook page, not even a website. It was just kind of like this undercover synagogue. I go inside and there’s no rabbi, it’s just like the volunteers leading the prayers. It’s an Orthodox shul. They said that they didn’t have a minyan so we had to skip the kaddish. They said there aren’t ten Jewish men, but I counted 14 men in the men’s section. I was pretty sure that the global number for minyan is 10. I asked the guy next to me, why are we skipping when there’s obviously a minyan? And he looked at me and said that not all of these men are Jewish. Some of them are Xuetas. I never heard that word before. He told me that the Xuetas are Catholic descendants—the Jewish Conversos of Majorca.

JJ: What was going through your mind when you first heard this? DR : “You’re telling me there’s Catholics who are going to synagogue and not counting as a minyan and they come every Friday?” I was really blown away by this tiny island in the Mediterranean that not many people heard about. I was really intrigued and it took me along this journey of wanting to discover more about this specific, Jewish history of this random island in the Mediterranean called Majorca.

JJ: What are common reasons for people to move to the island?

DR : It’s a beautiful place, obviously, great health and wellness opportunities. There’s lots of retreats. A lot of yoga people go there for spirituality, training, like if you’re a big cyclist, you’re gonna want to visit Majorca. Generally good weather. If you’re a beach bum, you’ll love that place. And Myorca tends to be one of the more international cities all over Spain. After all, it has Spain’s third largest airport after Madrid and Barcelona.

Xueta Island will be screened throughout Los Angeles in early 2024. For showtimes, go to

https://xuetaislandthemovie.com/ .  To set up a tour with Rotstein and Jewish Majorca, go to their website: https://jewishmajorca.com/

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6 Powerful Jewish Travel Experiences to Remember

When you travel abroad, do you try to incorporate Judaism into your visits to other countries? Just as we can "do Jewish" while traveling domestically , so, too, are there myriad ways to experience Jewish life, culture, and, especially, history while traveling outside North America. 

From Shabbat on the go while road tripping across the United Kingdom or cycling in Amsterdam to checking out a new synagogue community while on an island vacation, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Jewish (and Jewish-ish) vacation spots and ideas from around the world, submitted by the staff of the  Union for Reform Judaism .

1. Recalling Our Long-Lost History in Southern Spain

Last June, I spent 10 days in southern Spain, where I saw a number of beautiful, historical, jaw-dropping churches and cathedrals. Indeed, evidence of religious life is everywhere in Spain, but it’s almost a reminder that vibrant Jewish life has been absent from Spain since the expulsion of Jews in 1492.

Everywhere I visited, I saw streets where Jews used to live, where the synagogue used to be, and where the market used to stand. Many cities take pains to note where Jewish life once was: In Toledo, residents have placed ceramic markers to denote the old Jewish quarter; a couple in Granada turned their home into a small museum of Jewish life. Cordoba has La Sinagoga , a tiled, one-room worship space engraved with words from the Psalms, and the city memorializes medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides with a statue. Still, it’s clear that the banishment of Spain’s Jews was a significant tear in the life of the community.

My vacation filled me with appreciation for Spain’s beauty – but it also reminded me of the blessing of living in a country whose history and values are inextricably tied to religious freedom.

(Submitted by Barbara Weinstein, associate director, Religious Action Center )

2. Peeking into the Past in Greece

I recently returned from a trip to Greece, two sun-filled weeks of island-hopping, ancient history, beaches, incredible food, and warm hospitality – and everywhere we went, we found Jewish roots.

On the sacred island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo, there is an ancient synagogue among the ruins. When we checked into our first accommodations of the trip, the hosts greeted us with a familiar treat: apples dipped in honey so that we might begin our journey with sweetness. And in Athens, where history is quite literally around every corner, we saw carvings of menorahs that used to line the ancient agora (marketplace).  

On our last morning in Athens, we visited the Jewish Museum of Greece , a small but impactful museum tucked away on a side street just blocks from Parliament. Built around a central winding staircase, each floor explores a different aspect of the history of Greece’s Jews – including everything from the clothing of Jews in the Ottoman Empire to artifacts from Greek civilians who hid Jews in their homes during the Nazi occupation.

Even halfway around the world, our Jewish connections, culture, and history made us feel right at home.

(Submitted by Elena Paull, Director, Organizational Effectiveness and Strategic Initiatives

3. Getting Outdoorsy in Israel

When I was a little girl, my grandmother used to call me “The Little Mermaid,” a nicknamed I earned by running into any water source in sight – even as a toddler – and sometimes terrifying my family. (At 3, I ruined my dad’s new shoes in the Dead Sea. I would’ve floated, but his fatherly instincts kicked in, and his shoes were destroyed by the salty water!)

Growing up in Israel, I had many beaches and seaside sites to visit in the summertime. One of my favorite places to go was the national park in Caesarea . Located on the coast about an hour north of Tel Aviv, this place has always perfectly combined the old and the new for me: I’ve enjoyed looking at the Roman and Crusader-era ruins from behind my sunglasses; watching the interactive exhibit in the visitor center; and browsing the shops, galleries, and restaurants in the entertainment area in the port. (I’m still looking forward to seeing a performance of Israeli musicians in the Roman Amphitheater one day!)

One of my best memories from the Caesarea is going to the national park with my family for a nighttime candlelight tour. This activity, available only in summer, enabled me to see this incredible site in a whole new light – literally. I’ll definitely be back next time I visit my family in Israel in the summer!

(Submitted by Daphne Macy, previous communications manager for Strengthening Congregations)

4. Melding the Past and the Present in Prague

Of all the cities I visited while traveling in Europe, Prague, Czech Republic, was my favorite, with its brightly colored buildings and friendly environment. Between paddle-boating on Vlatva River and visiting the John Lennon Wall, my friends and I decided to take a self-guided tour of Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto.

Prague has one of the most perseverant Jewish Quarters in Europe, surviving the Nazi occupation only because Hitler intended to keep it intact as a “museum of an extinct race.” Our tour brought us through the Maisel, Spanish, Pinkas, and Old-New Synagogues, as well as the Jewish Ceremonial Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Together, these sites make up the Jewish Museum in Prague . Each site, only a few blocks apart, highlights a different facet of Jewish life. Beginning with the Haskalah (enlightenment) at the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe, the museum took us through the Jews’ journey from assimilation to the rise of Zionism, ending with Holocaust education and a memorial for those killed.

After the long, emotional tour, we ended our day in a quaint restaurant in the center of Bohemia, where I met up with friends from URJ Camp Newman , my Reform Jewish summer camp in California, who coincidentally were also in town.

Taking a moment for Jewish learning amidst a fun-filled semester of travels felt grounding. It reconnected me to my faith and reminded me about the power of community and the enduring strength of the Jewish peoplehood – and the surprise camp reunion was a welcome bonus! 

(Submitted by Emily Arkin, previous communications intern, URJ Youth)

5. Stopping for Reflection in Lithuania

In June 2017, I traveled to Lithuania for a small gathering of emerging interfaith leaders tasked with building toward a better future of Catholic-Jewish relations. I slept in the attic of a small, secluded convent in a wooded area 15 minutes from downtown Vilnius, under a large crucifix and next to a statuette of the Virgin Mary – and yet, it was one of the most powerful Jewish experiences I’ve had in my adult life.

Vilnius was once home to a thriving Jewish community 100,000 strong. After the devastation of the Shoah, though, only one of the city’s 105 synagogues and 5,000 Jewish people remain. As we walked the streets in our interfaith cohort, it felt like wandering amongst a city of ghosts. I held an old photograph of the Great Synagogue of Vilnius, destroyed during World War II, and, 80 years later, stood on the street where it used to stand, filling in the blanks in my mind and in the small photo before me. 

While painful to relive such tragic history, I felt so connected – so deeply Jewish – that I remain moved by the experience.

(Submitted by Sofi Hersher, previous associate communications director, Religious Action Center)

6. Experiencing Jewish Life in London

During the spring of 2018, my sister and I vacationed in London, UK for the first time. She was mainly excited to both explore the city and take the train into Essex to see the Royal Wedding; I was mostly just thrilled to be in England for the first time. Aside from the wedding and other touristy plans, I also wanted to incorporate Judaism as much as I could during my trip.

The night before the wedding fell on a Friday, so I made a goal of observing Shabbat at a synagogue outside of the United States for the first time. This led me to Westminster Synagogue , an unaffiliated Reform congregation close to London’s Hyde Park neighborhood. I was pleased by the service, which reminded me very much of services back home (aside from the accents, of course). I got to schmooze with a few members at the oneg Oneg Shabbat עֹנֶג שַׁבָּת The "joy" of Shabbat—refers to refreshments after Shabbat services. , one of whom was a fellow Jew of Color who was of Filipino descent.

This visit – along with my visit to the Jewish Museum of London  – made me want to continue this tradition of infusing Judaism with my travels the next time I visit the UK (and when I visit other countries). I like seeing the similarities and differences in worship style, personalities, and overall culture compared to what I’m used to as an American.

(Submitted by Chris Harrison, previous writer and editor for Audacious Hospitality)

Looking for Jewish travel experiences in North America? Check out  "9 Close-to-Home Spots for Your Jewish (or Jew-ish) Summer Vacation" or use our Find a Congregation tool  to locate a Reform synagogue near your next travel destination. If you’re traveling internationally,  download this app  from the  World Union for Progressive Judaism  (WUPJ) to help you find Reform congregations in cities around the world.

• Jewish Life Around the World

About the Author

Kate Bigam Kaput (she/her) is a professional health and wellness writer living in Cleveland, OH, and the former assistant director of marketing and communications (messaging and branding) for the  Union for Reform Judaism ; in this role, she served as content manager and editor for  ReformJudaism.org . A prolific essayist, Kate has written for  The Washington Post ,  Cleveland Magazine , and more; her personal essays appear in the anthologies  BODY TALK: 37 Voices Discuss Our Radical Anatomy   and  Living Jewishly: A Snapshot of a Generation .

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Spain to ask to join south africa’s icj genocide case against israel.

The European Jewish Association criticised the move, saying that Madrid "has lost its way."

BY JC Reporter

• United Nations
• South Africa

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor at the ICJ in the Hague (Photo by REMKO DE WAAL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

The Spanish government announced on Thursday it will apply to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

“We took the decision because of the ongoing military operation in Gaza,” said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares. “We want peace to return to Gaza and the Middle East, and for that to happen we must all support the court.”

Spain is the second European country after Ireland to request to intervene in the case, joining Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya and representatives of the Palestinian Authority.

The European Jewish Association criticized Spain's move in a statement, saying that Madrid had "lost its way."

“The Spanish Government has lost its way. They have lost their sight. They have lost their bearings, and they are deaf to what happened on October 7th," the statement reads.

“There is no genocide in Gaza. There is a war—a horrible war—but a war nonetheless. A war, we remind the Spanish government, that could be over tomorrow if Hamas released what remains of the hostages they dragged to Gaza after murdering, raping and beheading many innocent Israelis, including babies, women and the elderly," it continues.

“A clear message has been sent to Jews everywhere in Spain and across Europe by the Spanish government: 'We do not recognize the right of Jews to defend yourselves against terror.' That it comes from a country that expelled Jews, burned them at the stake, and whose Vice-President herself called for Jewish genocide ‘from the river to the sea,' only confirms the sad depths to which the Spanish government has now sunk."

Around two weeks ago, the Spanish government recognized Palestine as a state, along with Ireland and Norway. In response, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz sent a letter last week to the Spanish authorities forbidding Madrid’s consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to residents of the Palestinian Authority.

The Spanish government’s plan to open an embassy in Ramallah then hit a snag as Spanish diplomats based in Israel refused to move to the city, according to Spanish media.

The diplomats, currently located in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, cited safety and quality of life concerns, according to Spanish news site OKDiario.

South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel at the ICJ on December 29, 2023, requesting that the court issue provisional measures against Israel under the genocide convention, including ordering an immediate ceasefire.

On January 26, the court rejected the request, calling in its ruling for Israel to uphold its obligations under the convention.

South Africa then returned to the ICJ on March 6 with a new filing, claiming that it was compelled to do so “in light of the new facts and changes in the situation in Gaza—particularly the situation of widespread starvation.”

On March 28, the ICJ approved additional measures, ruling that Israel must ensure Gaza residents be given access to additional food, clothing, sanitation and medical assistance. The ICJ also demanded that Israel increase the number of land crossing points into the Gaza Strip for supplies.

In May, South Africa sought to impose emergency measures on Israel, this time citing the latter’s military operations in Rafah.

Echoing its January 26 ruling, the court indicated that Jerusalem must “immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah governorate which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”

As noted by ICJ Vice President Julia Sebutinde of Uganda, the measure does not prohibit Israel’s military from operating in Rafah, but “only operates to partially restrict Israel’s offensive in Rafah to the extent it implicates rights under the genocide convention.”

Meanwhile, former Israeli Supreme Court President Aharon Barak has resigned from the panel of judges at the ICJ, citing "personal family" reasons, Israel Hayom reported on Thursday. The Israel government now must decide whether to appoint a new judge to replace Barak in The Hague.

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Spain-Israel tensions soar as Madrid throws support behind Palestine

Spain, whose recognition of Palestinian statehood angered the Israeli foreign minister, has now joined the ICJ genocide case.

Madrid, Spain – After Spain recognised Palestinian statehood, Pedro Sanchez met with his Palestinian counterpart, Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, and leading officials from several Middle Eastern countries in Madrid.

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the foreign ministers of Turkey and Jordan were among the group that later posed for a photo on the steps of the Moncloa Palace in the Spanish capital.

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Slovenia’s government approves recognition of a palestinian state slovenia’s government approves ..., war on gaza, the view from israel war on gaza, the view from israel, ‘the battleground is palestine’: israel’s war looms over european elections ‘the battleground is palestine’: ..., spain says to join south africa’s gaza genocide case against israel at icj spain says to join south africa’s gaza ....

“On behalf of President [Mahmoud] Abbas and the government of Palestine, the people of Palestine, we warmly welcome Spain’s recognition of the state of Palestine,” Mustafa said of Spain’s historic move. “This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue our struggle for a just and lasting peace.”

Ireland, Norway and Slovenia have also joined Spain in the push that has been roundly condemned by Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz sent a furious direct message addressed to Sanchez on X, writing: “Hamas thanks you for your service,” along with a 17-second video that flipped between images of flamenco dancers and apparent scenes of the Palestinian group’s incursion into southern Israel on October 7.

. @sanchezcastejon , Hamas thanks you for your service. pic.twitter.com/Pkdp5diHRX — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 26, 2024

He has accused Spain of complicity “in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes” and called Spain’s deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz, anti-Semitic after she closed a speech with the pro-Palestinian slogan “ From the river to the sea ”.

Widely used at pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the slogan refers to the British mandate borders of Palestine, which stretched from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean before Israel was created in 1948.

“It is the year 2024, the days of the Inquisition are over. Today the Jewish people have a sovereign and independent state, and no one will force us to convert our religion or threaten our existence – those who harm us, we will harm them in return,” said Katz, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party.

For months, diplomatic relations between Israel and Spain have descended to new lows. Each side has summoned ambassadors as the war in Gaza rages.

After Spain’s landmark move, Israel ordered the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem to halt services to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank as a “punitive” measure.

And tensions are certain to rise further, as Spain on Thursday announced it would join South Africa’s genocide case before the International Court of Justice against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Spain is the first European nation to back the case.

Long a supporter of Palestinian rights, Spain led the push towards recognition hoping to pave a pathway to peace and a two-state solution.

Sanchez said the “historic decision … has a single goal and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace”.

According to some observers, pressure from Sumar, a far-left party and the junior partner in Spain’s coalition government, had an impact on the final decision by Sanchez, who also reportedly plans to host an international peace conference in Madrid.

But Manuel Muniz, dean of the School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs at the IE University in Madrid, said Israel may oppose Spain’s involvement in future peace talks.

“In terms of the impact on Spain-Israel relations, it is quite evident that the short-term effects are significant,” he told Al Jazeera.

“What remains unclear, is the impact that all this will have in the longer term. It probably means Israel will push back against Spanish involvement in future peace talks with the Palestinians. But this will depend on the nature of the government in Israel.”

Isaias Barrenada Bajo, a specialist in relations between Spain and Palestine at the University of Complutense in Madrid, said the unilateral recognition of the Palestinian state was the culmination of years of cross-party policy in Spain.

In 2014, the Spanish parliament passed a motion to recognise the Palestinian state but it never came to fruition.

“What has made the difference now is the war in Gaza and the pressure of Sumar to recognise the Palestinian state,” he told Al Jazeera.

Barrenada said since the death of the dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975, all Spanish governments of differing political colours have supported Palestine’s right to a state.

Away from the political arena, popular opinion in Spain appears to favour backing a Palestinian state.

A survey for the Real Elcano Institute, a think tank based in Madrid, found 78 percent of Spaniards favoured the recognition of Palestine, while 18 percent were against and 4 percent did not know.

Jorge Hernandez, 42, a car company executive from Barcelona, believes Spain had to act.

“The United States and Britain are doing nothing but the killing on both sides goes on. Other countries must do something. I don’t know if recognising Palestine will make any difference, but we have to put some pressure so the fighting stops,” he told Al Jazeera.

But among Spain’s small Jewish population, estimated to number about 50,000, some say the atmosphere has worsened since October 7.

On that day, Hamas led an incursion into southern Israel that sharply escalated the historic Israel-Palestine conflict, during which 1,139 people were killed and 250 were taken captive.

Israel’s onslaught of Gaza since, by far its deadliest war on the besieged enclave, has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians to date, according to health officials.

Israel’s justification for its military campaign of crushing Hamas remains elusive.

Ruth Timon, 57, a Jewish lawyer from Madrid, says she avoids conversations about Gaza in case they blow up into a row.

She said her son has faced verbal abuse at the Madrid university where he is a student.

She believes that Sanchez’s decision to recognise Palestine was motivated by domestic political factors.

Spain’s left-wing coalition government depends on smaller regional parties for a majority but has failed to pass this year’s budget and other laws.

“Politically in Spain we are in a complicated situation. No laws have been passed. The government cannot do anything, so it concerns itself with international politics,” Timon told Al Jazeera.

“Sanchez is focusing on Palestine and Ukraine ahead of the European elections. [His] Socialist party, I think, believes supporting Palestine may bring support in the European elections .”

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• Here Are the 50 Best Restaurants in the World for 2024

Barcelona's Disfrutar climbed to the No. 1 spot.

Jeremy repanich, jeremy repanich's most recent stories, watch: how chef angie mar makes her haute chinese chicken salad.

• Watch: How This Michelin-Starred Pastry Chef Makes Crown Shy’s Churro Ice Cream Sundae
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For only the second time in its history, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants unveiled its flagship list in America, but it was Spain that reigned supreme tonight.

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“We are so excited, we are so proud, and we think our struggle will be quieter now,” Casañas said with a chuckle as he acknowledged the journey to become the world’s top-ranked restaurant. And when asked if a younger generation of diners may not understand or appreciate long tasting menus with an avant-garde streak, Casañas replied, “Maybe it’s not the more fashionable way to do things, but for us, we do the things we want, and we never change our way. And today we are here.”

After Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris moved up from 10 last year to No. 3 in 2024, yet another Spanish restaurant, Diverxo in Madrid, joined a top five that was rounded out by Maido in Lima, Peru. At No. 6 Atomix in New York City once again ranked the highest of any American restaurant, further cementing its position at the forefront of Korean fine dining not just in the U.S. but around the world. The other U.S. restaurant to rank in the top 50 was Kyle and Katina Connaughton’s SingleThread in Healdsburg, Calif.

The 50 Best Restaurants in the World 2024

• Disfrutar, Barcelona
• Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo
• Table by Bruno Verjus, Paris
• Diverxo, Madrid
• Maido, Lima
• Atomix, New York
• Quintonil, Mexico City
• Alchemist, Copenhagen
• Gaggan, Bangkok
• Don Julio, Buenos Aires
• Septime, Paris
• Lido 84, Gardone Riviera
• Trèsind Studio, Dubai
• Quique Dacosta, Dénia
• Sézanne, Tokyo
• Kjolle, Lima
• Kol, London
• Plénitude, Paris
• Reale, Castel di Sangro
• Wing, Hong Kong
• Florilège, Tokyo
• Steirereck, Vienna
• Sühring, Bangkok
• Odette, Singapore
• El Chato, Bogotá
• The Chairman, Hong Kong
• A Casa do Porco, São Paolo
• Elkano, Getaria
• Boragó, Santiago
• Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin
• Belcanto, Lisbon
• Pujol, Mexico City
• Rosetta, Mexico City
• Frantzén, Stockholm
• The Jane, Antwerp
• Oteque, Rio de Janeiro
• Sorn, Bangkok
• Piazza Duomo, Alba
• Le Du, Bangkok
• Mayta, Lima
• Ikoyi, London
• Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin
• Mingles, Seoul
• Arpège, Paris
• SingleThread, Healdsburg
• Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau
• Hiša Franko, Kobarid
• La Colombe, Cape Town
• Uliassi, Senigallia

Jeremy Repanich is Robb Report's culinary editor. He joined the magazine after stints at Good, Playboy, and multiple publications at Time Inc. His writing has also appeared in Vice, Deadspin…

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Spain seeks to join South Africa’s case at top UN court accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza

The court has ordered israel to halt its military offensive in the southern gaza city of rafah.

Families of hostages taken in Israel on Oct. 7 plead for peace at interfaith conference in NYC

The discussion came as the IDF confirmed that four more hostages have died while in Hamas captivity.

• Spain became the first European country to request permission from the United Nations court to join South Africa’s case against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza.
• South Africa filed the case with the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of breaching the genocide convention.
• The court has ordered Israel to halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Spain became on Thursday the first European country to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

South Africa filed its case with the International Court of Justice late last year. It alleged that Israel was breaching the genocide convention in its military assault that has laid waste to large swaths of Gaza.

The court has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah but stopped short of ordering a cease-fire for the enclave. Israel has not complied and shows no sign of doing so.

ISRAEL'S NETANYAHU RIPS IRELAND, SPAIN AND NORWAY RECOGNIZING PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD: 'REWARD FOR TERRORISM'

"We take the decision because of the ongoing military operation in Gaza," Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said in Madrid. "We want peace to return to Gaza and the Middle East, and for that to happen we must all support the court."

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno addresses a media conference prior to talks on the Middle East in Brussels, on May 27, 2024. Spain became on Thursday the first European country to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)

Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Libya and the Palestinians are waiting for the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, to grant approval to their requests to join the case.

Israel denies it is committing genocide in its military operation to crush Hamas triggered by its deadly Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel .

Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 250 more hostages in the surprise attacks. Israel’s air and land attacks have killed 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between combatants and civilians.

NORWAY, IRELAND, SPAIN RECOGNIZING INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN STATE AS ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR CONTINUES

Once admitted to the case, Spain would be able to make written submissions and speak at public hearings.

Spain’s request is the latest move by the government of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to support peacemaking efforts in Gaza.

Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognized a Palestinian state on May 28 in a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations. Slovenia, a European Union member along with Spain and Ireland, followed suit and recognized the Palestinian state this week.

Over 140 countries have recognized a Palestinian state — more than two-thirds of the U.N. — but none of the major Western powers, including the United States, has done so.

While Sánchez has condemned the attacks by Hamas and joined demands for the return of the remaining Israeli hostages, he has not shied away from the diplomatic backlash from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that by recognizing a Palestinian state, Sánchez’s government was "being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes."

Sánchez’s backing of the Palestinians is generally supported in Spain, where some university students have followed their American counterparts in protesting on campuses. Spaniards will vote in elections for the European Parliament elections on Sunday.

Last year, the International Court of Justice allowed 32 countries, including Spain, to join Ukraine’s case alleging that Russia breached the genocide convention by falsely accusing Ukraine of committing genocide in its eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and using that as a pretext for the invasion.

Preliminary hearings have already been held in the genocide case against Israel, but the court is expected to take years to reach a final decision.

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Albares said the decision by his government had the immediate objective of adding pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to follow the court’s interim measures to stop bloodshed in Rafah.

"I insist once again that these interim measures must be complied with," Albares said. "Whether this is genocide or not, that is for the court to decide, and Spain of course will support its decision."

Israel sent troops into the southern city of Rafah in early May in what it said was a limited incursion, but those forces are now operating in central parts of the city. Last week, Israeli strikes hit near a U.N. Palestinian refugee agency facility in Rafah, saying they were targeting Hamas militants. An inferno that followed ripped through nearby tents housing displaced families , killing at least 45 people.

More than 1 million people have fled Rafah since the start of the operation, scattering across southern and central Gaza into new tent camps or crowding into schools and homes.

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Netanyahu doubles down on crushing Hamas; IDF tells 4 hostage families loved ones are dead

Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Monday, June 3. For the latest on the conflict, see our story for Tuesday, June 4.

Hamas and Israel's opposition leader both expressed support Monday for a cease-fire deal that President Joe Biden said was proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , even as Netanyahu disputed Biden's version of the plan.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Monday that Hamas views Netanyahu's proposal, unveiled by Biden last week, "positively," according to a translation by the Times of Israel. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, in a briefing Monday, said the U.S. is awaiting an official Hamas response on the proposal the militant group received Thursday.

In Israel, Netanyahu political rival Yair Lapid urged the government to approve the deal and promised to provide a "political safety net" if the prime minister's far-right partners follow up on threats and pull out of the fragile ruling coalition. "The Israeli government should agree to Netanyahu's proposal and send a delegation to Cairo today to finalize the final details and bring home the (hostages),'' Lapid said.

The U.S. is urging the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution supporting the plan, which would require at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes, Reuters reported.

Biden said Netanyahu had offered a three-phase plan that included the return of all hostages and Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza by the end of phase two. But on a day when the Israeli military said four more hostages have been confirmed dead, Netanyahu called Biden's description of the proposal "incomplete," saying Israel maintains "the aims of the war, primarily the elimination of Hamas ."

Biden says Israel has offered a plan: 6-week Gaza cease-fire and hostage release

Developments:

∎ The date for Netanyahu's address to a joint session of Congress has not been set yet, but it won't be June 13 as was reported Monday because it coincides with a Jewish holiday, his office said in a statement.

∎ More than half of all structures in Gaza appear to have been destroyed or damaged since war began Oct. 7, according to preliminary satellite analysis by the U.N .

∎ Hundreds marched for peace through the center of Jerusalem in a display of cross-religious solidarity. Organizers say the march was meant to counter Jerusalem Day’s nationalist Flag March, planned for Wednesday.

∎ Pret a Manger, a British chain of sandwich and coffee shops, said travel restrictions on its staff because of the war have forced it to scrap plans to expand into Israel.

Netanyahu on Gaza cease-fire: Says Hamas must be destroyed

Israeli politicians reject deal, threaten to dissolve government

Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the proposed deal as an “offer of surrender” he and his Religious Zionist Party would not support. He blamed the Israeli War Cabinet for the offer and said they continue to "humiliate Israel."

Right-wing Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Netanyahu of "whitewashing" the proposed cease-fire deal and threatened to pull his political party out of the ruling coalition if it is approved. Ben-Gvir said his repeated efforts to view details of the deal have been rejected by Netanyahu's office.

"The details of the deal, as presented by President Biden, show that it is a deal that means the surrender of Israel and the end of the war without achieving the main goal of destroying Hamas," Ben-Gvir said in a statement. "If you sign an indiscriminate deal that will bring an end to the war without the collapse of Hamas, Otzma Yehudit (Ben-Gvir's party) will dissolve the government."

Israel confirms four more hostages are dead

The Israel Defense Forces said Monday that it told the families of four men kidnapped during the Oct. 7 attacks that they're dead and their bodies are being held by Hamas.

The IDF said it confirmed through its sources that Haim Perry, Yoram Metzger, Amiram Cooper and Nadav Popplewell had perished, adding, "The circumstances of their death in Hamas captivity are still under examination by all the relevant professionals.''

Israel has said Hamas and its allied militant groups are holding more than 130 hostages in Gaza, but it's not known how many of them are alive.

A million Palestinians have fled Rafah, UNRWA says

About a million Palestinians, the estimated number who had been sheltering in Rafah to escape the war in other parts of Gaza, are being displaced again as Israel pushes its offensive to the southern border city in pursuit of Hamas, the United Nations said Monday.

UNRWA, the U.N.'s agency for Palestinian aid, said it has been providing essential services to thousands of fleeing families in damaged facilities in the city of Khan Younis, north of Rafah. "Conditions are unspeakable," UNRWA said.

The IDF has been directing civilians in Rafah toward an "expanded humanitarian zone" about 12 miles away, but the refugees say there's nowhere safe from Israeli attacks.

On May 26, an Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah set off a fire, killing 45 people and sparking international outrage. Netanyahu later referred to the incident as a "tragic mishap.'' The U.S. for months has been trying to dissuade Israel from taking its attack into Rafah, with no success.

No deal to reopen vital Rafah border crossing

U.S., Egyptian and Israeli officials have been conducting meetings aimed at reopening the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, but that won't happen until Israel returns control to Palestinians on the Gaza side, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Monday. Last month, Israel seized Gaza's entire border with Egypt including the crossing during its offensive against Hamas in Rafah. The crossing was the primary access point for the flow of humanitarian aid as well as a lifeline to the outside world for more than 2 million Palestinians living in the Israeli-besieged territory.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israeli forces are working to destroy tunnels between Gaza and Egypt used by Hamas to smuggle weapons and to escape the war. Egypt denies such tunnels exist.

UN experts urge all nations to recognize Palestine

A coalition of more than two dozen U.N. human rights experts on Monday urged all nations to recognize the State of Palestine and use all available political and diplomatic resources to forge an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The call came less than a week after Spain, Ireland and Norway joined more than 140 nations in officially recognizing a Palestinian state. Israel has repeatedly condemned such action, saying it strengthens Hamas. The U.S. has sided with Israel, saying a solution must be negotiated.

"This recognition is an important acknowledgement of the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggles and suffering toward freedom and independence,” the U.N. experts said in a statement.

Maldives bans Israeli passport holders

Maldives  announced plans to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Indian Ocean island nation , known for being a luxury travel destination, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Mohamed Muizzu, president of the predominantly Muslim country, previously condemned Israel over a recent  strike on Rafah  in southern Gaza that led to the death of 45 Palestinians who had sought refuge in an Israeli-established, temporary refugee camp.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a Facebook post that it is  advising Israeli citizens  to avoid traveling to Maldives, and for any Israeli citizens currently in the country to leave, "since if they fall into distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to help."

− Savannah Kuchar

Maldives to ban Israelis from entering country as protest over Gaza war

How Biden described Netanyahu's proposal

Biden said last week that Netanyahu had proposed the three-phase deal. The first phase would last six weeks and include "complete cease-fire and withdrawal" of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza. It would also include the release of some hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Phase 2 would include the release of all remaining living hostages, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the "cessation of hostilities permanently." Phase 3 would include a major reconstruction plan for Gaza, and the bodies of any of other hostages killed in captivity would be returned to their families.

Netanyahu, who's under intense political pressure at home, has questioned Biden's description of the proposed plan. According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu said there are gaps between Biden's version and Israel's position.

Kirby pushed back against that Monday . ''I know of no gaps to speak of," he told reporters. "We're confident that it accurately reflects that proposal − a proposal that we worked with the Israelis on."

Contributing: Francesca Chamers and Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY; Reuters