Jewish Legacy Tours
Discover Mallorca’s little known Jewish heritage.
The Jewish Legacy of Palma
In no Spanish city has the Jewish legacy managed to remain as intimately linked to the everyday life of its inhabitants through the centuries as in Palma. During a 3-hour walking visit, we will learn the fascinating history and the contributions of the Jewish people who have lived in Palma from the 5th century to the present day. Visiting the different neighborhoods or “calls” where the Jews lived, worked, and worshipped, we’ll reconnect with a vibrant yet tragic history.
Forced to convert to Christianity, Mallorca’s Jews became known as Xuetas. As Crypto-Jews, many worshipped their faith in secret which brought the fury of the Inquisition upon them. Hear their stories. What was the "Tower of Love"? Who was Jafudes Cresques? What happened during a fateful escape in 1688? And what does it mean "to hang a Sambenito"? We will climb the "Steps of the Inquisition" and walk down the "Street of the Jews". Finally, we will touch the ancient stones of what once was Palma's principal synagogue.
3 hour tour
In the old city of Palma you’ll discover the fascinating history of the Jews. We’ll visit the old neighborhoods where the Jews once lived and where many still do. We’ll visit their shops, one of which is the oldest in Palma. In this interactive visit, you’ll discover interesting characters that made their mark on local culture. If your visit is in the morning, you’ll visit the small museum dedicated to their memory.
Sephardic Food Experience
Enjoy a private workshop where you will learn to make “panades” (empanadas). Originally a dish of Jewish origin, it is descended from an ancient Hebrew dish described in the Talmud as paixtida. During Passover, a seasonal food experience is also offered which is based on panades, frit mallorquin and rubiols, three cornerstones of local gastronomy but with a Jewish origin. Contact us for more details.
Extended Day Tour
Continuing with a focus on local Jewish history, this tour extends your visit beyond the walls of the old city of Palma. We will visit the Santa Catalina neighborhood, Parc de Sa Quarentena, and the nearby memorial dedicated to a group of 32 Jews who refused to convert to Christianity. Hear their story.