Besalu

About

In the Middle Ages, Besalu was the capital of its own independent state - major economic and political hub, where Jews and Christians lived in harmony for centuries. Even during the anti-Semetic pogroms at the end of the 1500s, it’s believed the Jews of Besalu were allowed to flee without bloodshed. Today, it stands frozen in time, greeting visitors with a 12th century fortified bridge, which grants access to the quiet network of cobbled streets. After admiring the medieval Cornellà residence, with its Romanesque arcaded gallery, and the many Romanesque churches, visitors have the unique opportunity to visit Besalu’s historic Jewish quarter. Most notable is the 12th century mikvé, a bath used for ritual ablutions, which is the oldest of its kind and one of only five left in the country. And of course, in such a traditional setting, Besalu is the perfect place to site down, and enjoy some traditional cuisine in a charming setting.