TORTOSA, the city of three cultures

Would you like to uncover the fascinating secrets of a city with over two thousand years of history? We invite you to explore Tortosa through the Route of the Three Cultures, a guided tour that will immerse you in the legacy of the three great civilizations that, with relative harmony, left their mark on the city over the centuries: the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures.

The route begins at the site of one of the city’s two ancient synagogues, on the boundary that separated the Old Jewish Quarter (Call Vell) from the New Jewish Quarter (Call Nou). From there, delving into the old Jewish neighborhood will allow you to discover traces of the Jewish community that lived in Tortosa, as well as curiosities about their customs, way of life, and the most prominent historical figures of the time. Throughout the tour, you will also learn about the influence of Muslim and Christian cultures, especially in the fortified area of the city, which includes the impressive Suda Castle. This castle not only played a key role in the defense of Tortosa but also offers deep insights into the earliest Iberian, Roman, and Visigothic settlements in the region.

A fundamental aspect of the city is its Renaissance splendor, and you cannot miss the Royal Colleges, an architectural gem of this era that marks one of the brightest moments in Tortosa’s history. During the tour, you will also explore medieval monuments and learn about the history of the unfinished Santa Maria Cathedral of Tortosa, as well as the miracle of the apparition of the Virgin of the Ribbon (Mare de Déu de la Cinta), the city’s patron saint. The visit ends at the Plaça de l’Absis, where you can admire the renovated cathedral façade and enjoy spectacular views of the Ebro River, a witness to the great historical events that have shaped Tortosa over the centuries.