Jewish Manuscripts & Archive Tour

This is an exceptional opportunity to connect history, architecture, archival research, and manuscript art with the vibrant legacy of the city’s Jewish community. You’ll explore the medieval Jewish quarter, Casa Adret, and gain privileged access to the Cathedral of Barcelona’s historic archives, normally closed to the public.

Since the Middle Ages, the Cathedral Archive has preserved thousands of documents chronicling the life of Barcelona’s citizens, many revealing the rich history of the Jewish community, which lived alongside Christians from the 9th century onward. Through a collaboration between Mozaika and the Cathedral of Barcelona, researchers have uncovered previously unstudied documents, shedding new light on Jewish life in the city for the very first time.

This tour is divided in two stages. First, we will enter a medieval archive within the Cathedral of Barcelona and view reproductions of archival documents dating from 1105 related to Jewish Barcelona and the discoveries made in the original archive. Explore spaces once occupied by kings and nobles, enjoying privileged architectural views of the Cathedral interior

Then, we will walk through El Call, Barcelona’s Jewish quarter, where we can put all of these documents in context. Along the way you will also discover the lives of Jewish community members, including women, preserved in historical records, poetry, and gain a glimpse of the glory of Barcelona’s illuminated manuscript workshops through pages of the Catalan Haggadot.

We’ll end this tour with exclusive access to Casa Adret, where you’ll discover the house’s unique archaeological remains,  its former Jewish owners, and its architectural evolution from medieval times to today. Learn about Mozaika’s ongoing cultural work and the contemporary revival of Jewish heritage in Barcelona.

Tour Highlights

• Guided exploration of El Call and its medieval Jewish history

• Private access to the medieval Cathedral Archive (1535), normally closed to the public

• Viewing of reproductions of rare Jewish manuscripts and archival documents

• Discover stories of Jewish men and women preserved in archival records

• Walk past Barcelona gothic highlights (the Kings Palace, the Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça St Felip Neri, and through the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter)

• Insights into Barcelona’s contemporary Jewish community and cultural revival

• Exclusive access to Casa Adret and viewing its archaeological remains dating to the 12th century.

 Details

• Group size: 1–11 people

• Duration: 3-3.5 hours

• Transport: Walking

• Accessibility: cobblestone streets, narrow stairway to enter the Archives

• Suitable for all ages (family-friendly versions available)

• Price: depends on group size

* please note this tour requires confirmation/booking 7 days in advance.