Jewish Quarter (Conesa)

On Ravalla Street, the Jewish Quarter of Conesa invites you to explore a chapter of the town's history. This area comprises twelve houses located on a dead-end street. To uncover its past, one must consider the street's layout in relation to historical accounts of the Jewish community that settled in Conesa.

You enter through the vaulted passageway on Ravalla Street, which would have allowed the Jewish quarter to be enclosed. When you pass by, take note of this entrance and the layout of the houses. According to the heritage description, the Jewish quarter would have been located sheltered by the castle, between it and the cluster of houses surrounding the church square, oriented from northwest to southeast.

The Jewish community in Conesa dates back to around 1390. According to Pijoan, most of them chose conversion. Among the descendants of the converted Jews of the town was Friar Jeroni Contijoch, abbot of Santes Creus in the 16th century. This reference links the history of the Jewish quarter to a figure associated with the monastery.

During your visit, keep in mind that many of the current buildings are modern and some have been extensively renovated. No elements remain that would allow you to identify the houses as part of the Jewish quarter. Therefore, the appearance of the buildings you see today doesn't, on its own, reveal this past.

Most of the houses are in good condition, and some of the renovated ones are in perfect condition. Others, which are not regularly occupied, are in fair condition. The properties are privately owned.

If you are interested in the history of Conesa, this street offers you the opportunity to learn about the Jewish presence in the town while observing a space transformed over time.