MUHBA, Casa Adret, Sinagoga Major and Domus: What to See in Barcelona's Medieval Jewish Quarter

Four sites in Barcelona's old Jewish quarter let you step into real medieval remains: a museum built into a 13th-century house, a synagogue rediscovered by chance, and a Roman villa most visitors walk straight past. Here's what each one offers, and how to plan around their hours.

MUHBA El Call, Placeta de Manuel Ribé. The museum occupies the house of Jucef Bonhiac, a veil weaver, a medieval building that preserves original 13th and 14th-century remains. Glass sections in the ground floor let you look down at his former wells and storage space. The displays include finds from excavations in the quarter, such as tombstones with Hebrew inscriptions, dishes with Hebrew lettering and ritual lamps, along with a facsimile of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a manuscript made in Barcelona in 1350. It is small but has a wonderful collection, and an hour is about right. It's just extended its visiting hours, which are currently Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 to 14, and Friday and Saturday from 10 to 15 and 16 to 19; it is closed on Mondays. El Call | Museu Historia de Barcelona | Ajuntament de Barcelona"

Romanesque column in Casa Adret's Medieval dining room

Casa Adret, Carrer Salomó ben Adret 6. One of the oldest buildings in the quarter, with 12th-century foundations, the mark of the mezuzot on its doorposts, and an award-winning restoration. It is now a Jewish cultural hub, home to Mozaika and other organisations. You can enter by appointment or for an event, and all Jewish tours end inside with an incredible visit of its 4 floors (and rooftop terrace). Read more: What is Casa Adret

The Synagogue Major Museum.

Sinagoga Major, Carrer Marlet 5. A small museum of two rooms, with a foyer and a main hall, opened to the public by Miguel Iaffa in 2002. It is presented as the city's Major Synagogue, though the exact site is disputed among historians, and the debate about where the original stood is part of the story. Either way, it carries real emotional weight, and it was the first Jewish heritage site to open in the quarter, shining a light on its history. Opening hours differ between listings and change with the season and local public holidays, so check before you go.

MUHBA Domus de Sant Honorat, Carrer de la Fruita 2. This is the site most visitors miss. Underneath are the remains of a large 4th-century Roman house, and beside it six medieval silos from the 13th and 14th centuries, tall structures that show the commercial energy of the Jewish quarter. The property is thought to have belonged to Massot Avengenà, a wealthy member of the community. It is open on Sundays from 10 to 14, and Monday to Saturday only for guided groups with a booking."

These four sites are part of a wider route through Barcelona's Jewish quarter. See our complete guide to visiting Jewish Barcelona for the full route, or join our Jewish Quarter & Casa Adret Highlights Tour to see them with one of our guides.