What can I see
The Miqvé is a ceremonial bath used in Judaism for the purification of individuals in religious rituals. In Besalú, it is located beneath the remains of the old synagogue, located near the Fluvià river.
This ritual bath is believed to date from the late 12th century, making it one of the few in all of Europe to have remained intact since that time.
To access the chamber, where the pool (measuring 2.5 m by 1.5 m) is located, you must climb a 36-step staircase. The purification ritual involves descending the last seven steps and dipping three times (Nayim). Women purified themselves several times throughout their lives, for example, before and after childbirth or their wedding. Religious men purified themselves on Fridays to prepare for the Sabbath, the day dedicated to Yahweh.
The Jewish Call of Besalú is a well-preserved medieval Jewish neighborhood in the town of Besalú.
The story of its discovery is rather peculiar. In 1964, while excavating to build a well, this underground chamber was accidentally discovered. After all the earth was removed, Rabbi Mordoc of Perpignan and Rabbi Chilli of Paris were consulted and verified that it was a Miqveh. In addition, it was discovered that for many years it was used as a warehouse for dyeing clothes, either out of necessity or ignorance.
To visit the Miqveh of Besalú, it is best to join one of the guided tours that the town's tourist office organises regularly.