What can I see
During the Middle Ages, Castelló d'Empúries was a prosperous city with a large Jewish population. The Jewish quarter was located in the center of the city and was surrounded by a wall. The quarter was a place of trade and culture, and the Jews were known for their skill in medicine, literature, and philosophy. Unfortunately, in the 15th century, the Spanish Inquisition persecuted the Jews and many were expelled from Spain. The Jewish quarter of Castelló d'Empúries was left abandoned and in ruins for several centuries
In the 20th century, the quarter was restored and is now an important tourist destination.
The Call Primitiu
This is the name given to the oldest Jewish quarter in the town. It is located in the heart of the old quarter of Castelló d'Empúries and is made up of a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets. The Jewish quarter of Castelló d'Empúries reached its peak in the 14th century, when the town was an important centre of Jewish culture in Catalonia.
First Synagogue
One of the most outstanding attractions in the town's Jewish Quarter. This synagogue, also known as the Call Synagogue, is the oldest synagogue in Catalonia and dates from the 13th century.
The First Synagogue of Castelló d'Empúries was discovered in 1970 during restoration work in the Jewish Quarter. After several years of restoration, the synagogue was reopened to the public in 1985.
Nova Synagogue
Located in the heart of Puig Mercadal, in Peixateries Velles street. The building is currently privately owned and is known as Can Vicenç Comas. Although its existence is already recorded in 1260, the influx of Jews from France at the beginning of the 14th century made it necessary to enlarge it, which was carried out around 1321 by the Figueres stonemason Arnau de Font. In 1420, at the height of the community's decline, it was sold and converted into a hostel.
Convent of Sant Domenec in Castelló d'Empúries
This historic building is located in the centre of the town. It was built in the 17th century and was used as a convent by the Dominican order until the 19th century. The convent is an impressive example of Catalan Baroque architecture and has a church, a cloister and several halls. The church has an impressive façade and features baroque decoration inside.