Recovery of the jewish quarter of Girona

Gerona, Gerona, Cataluña.
Special mention / Diploma in the category Conservation / Conservation and adaptive reuse in the year 1984.

Dating of the building: 9th - 15th century.

Applicant: Friends of Gerona Antigua.

Reason for the award :

For the recovery of one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe.

  • © Josep M. Oliveras
  • © Pedro Cobo (www.pedrocobo.com)
  • © Pedro Cobo (www.pedrocobo.com)
  • © Pedro Cobo (www.pedrocobo.com)
  • © Pedro Cobo (www.pedrocobo.com)

The joint effort of two associations from Gerona and the artist José Tarrés has made it possible to rescue the Call of Gerona from the oblivion of centuries and prevent it from being a victim of real estate speculation.

In Spain, the Jewish quarter in Girona is perhaps the only area that can compete with those of Toledo or Seville. In times of the Crown of Aragon, the Jewish community of Gerona had moments of great economic and cultural relevance, such as financing the military campaign of James I to conquer Majorca. A Talmidic school and a Kabaalist centre, in which the wise Hebrew scholar Ariel Isaac the Blind shone in the 12th century, operated for centuries in this Call (Catalan name for Jewish quarter).

It was precisely the association, Friends of Isaac the Blind, together with the Friends of Gerona Antigua association and the artist José Tarrés, who promoted the recovery efforts of the Call. This artist promoted the purchase of properties in a state of ruin, although of special historical value, thus avoiding their demolition. In addition to their reform, the works served to renovate the staggered streets and urbanize the Patio de Los Rabinos.

Others awards in Cataluña: