The Jewish quarter of Calahorra is a reflection of the cultural richness and history of the jewish community in the city, which dates back to the end of the ELEVENTH century. In its heyday, during the XV century, this mosque had about 600 inhabitants, making it the largest of The Rioja. Through historical documents found in the archive of the cathedral, we know that the jewish community calagurritana developed a remarkable activity, agricultural, commercial and artisanal, and was composed by doctors, landlords and tax-collectors.
One of the most outstanding characters of this community was the poet and theologian Abraham Ibn Ezra, who lived his last years here. This underlines the rich intellectual heritage and culture that characterized the Jewish quarter of Calahorra.
The Synagogue and the community space
The old jewish quarter was located in the environment of the Rasillo of San Francisco and was bounded by the streets Tailors, Hill and city Walls. This jewish ghetto was a walled enclosure own and had a synagogue, where he carried out the religious practices and social community. In addition, their inhabitants enjoyed a full legal organization, religious and social, shaping an environment of support and cohesion.
However, after the arrival of Henry II of Trastamara and the subsequent decree of expulsion signed by the Catholic Kings on march 31, 1492, a large part of the jewish community had to leave Calahorra. Those who were converted to christianity and those who returned were later resettled in various parts of the city to promote their integration.
Despite these tragic events, the legacy of the jewish culture has endured throughout the centuries. Today, the descendants of those calagurritanos have been found in places as far away as Krakow, Poland, in the SIXTEENTH and SEVENTEENTH centuries.
The Torah of Calahorra
A key element that bears witness to the rich jewish heritage of Calahorra is the Torah that is preserved in the Cathedral of Calahorra. Discovered in 1929, this manuscript is part of a more expansive document that dates back to the years 1451-1460. Accredited by a document signed by the Catholic Kings, this Torah represents the deep connection between the jewish community and its history in the city.
The Torah of Calahorra is a manuscript of great quality, written in Hebrew characters, which includes passages from Exodus, narrating how the Lord instructed Moses to free the people of Israel from egyptian slavery. Its exquisite calligraphy and the quality of its materials makes it an important testimony of the culture and jewish religion.
Network of jewish Quarters in Spain – Caminos de Sefarad
Calahorra is part of the Network of jewish Quarters in Spain – Caminos de Sefarad since 2001. This association, created in 1995, aims at safeguarding the heritage of urban, architectural, historical and cultural of jewish heritage in Spain. Currently, the network includes 21 cities, promoting the richness of jewish culture through tourist and cultural projects, as well as exchanges of experiences at national and international level.
We invite you to delve into the history and legacies of the Jewish quarter of Calahorra and enjoy the different activities and resources that the city has to offer. For more information, visit these links:
town Hall Calahorra – Culture and Jewish
Network of jewish Quarters in Spain – Caminos de Sefarad
Come and discover the legacy of the Jewish quarter of Calahorra, a site full of history, culture and traditions that have left an indelible mark on our city.
