JEWISH TORTOSA: VISIT THE URBAN PLACES THAT HAVE BEEN A TESTIMONY TO THE HEBRAIC PRESENCE

Explanation The starting point for this route is the Immaculada Square in the Remolins district. From here you will go on to carrer Jaume Tió i Noé, where the latest studies have placed the old Jewish district, from this street as far as the barranc del Cèlio, on the left side of carrer Major de Remolins. According to documental sources, the synagogue, bakery and butchers were located here. Continue until you are next to the Menahem ben Saruk square, where you will find the Cèlio Tower or Grossa de Vimpeçol Tower (10). From here, you go along Travessia Vandellòs, one of the narrowest streets in the neighbourhood, until you reach the Jueus Portal (9), the only Jewish portal that has survived until now. If you go through it, you will find the defence complex of the Avançades de Sant Joan (8), built during the 17th century, under which the Jewish graveyard was located. Cross the gate again and find yourself in the new Jewish district, where you can walk along winding, mazelike, narrow streets, which were built by former inhabitants. The same urban structure is preserved practically intact. The neighbourhood, which has always been inhabited, has only modified its appearance by growing upwards due to the little land available. It seems that the new Jewish district dates back to the first third of the 13th century, when the nobles of Tortosa, represented by Ramon de Montcada and friars from the Temple, granted 25 Jews a free document for its construction. The aljama of Tortosa was one of the most important in the country and the commercial and financial activities of the most prominent members indirectly benefited the Christian community. In the 14th century, the whole Peninsula was subject to great social pressure against the Jews, which led to mass emigration and conversions. In the case of Tortosa, this was not as serious as in other places. By royal order, the local authorities imprisoned the members of the aljama in the Suda Castle (5) to protect them from a possible attack. You must go along carrer Vilanova, wider than the others, which has the peculiarity of a straight and transversal line. It is recorded as being opened in the 15th century. You must visit the Platger and Figuereta squares that have preserved as a testimony the picturesque aspect of squares with wells. To complete this tour leave the district along carrers Major de Sant Jaume and Santa Anna, until you reach carrer Doctor Ferran on the corner of la Rambla de Felip Pedrell. This road is the same one that the Jews used to go to the Cathedral in February 1413, when the Tortosa Cathedral Dispute began in its facilities. The dispute, led by Pope Benet XIII, was an initiative of his doctor, the converted Jerónimo de Santa Fe, to discuss the arrival of the Messiah and the Jewish religion would lack any sense. There were 70 public sessions presided over by the Pope, which lasted until about 1414. The results of the dispute were disastrous for the Jewish community.

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