jorgesanchez's travel recommendations

Gerona was one of the eight Jew centres in Spain until 1492 (together with Toledo, Tudela, Segovia, Cordoba, etc.). In the old part of this lovely town, in the area called Call, close to the Cathedral, in a very narrow street, you will find this IX century synagogue, today converted in museum and a centre of Hebrew studies. It has several floors and departments showing the history of the Jews, and the Institute of Studies Nahmanides (in honour to one eminent Jew who lived there called Mosse ben Nahman). Something that will surprise you is to see a metallic statue of Christopher Columbus with a fragment of the caravel Santa Maria. It was a gift from the Israel Government to Gerona because they believe that Columbus was Jew and used instruments and old books to carry out his mythical voyages.

Address: Calle de la Força 8 Gerona Spain Phone: + 972216761 E-mail: callgirona@ajgirona.org Price: budget