Vilanova Street

Vilanova Street is one of the most distinctive parts of Tortosa’s Jewish Quarter. Located in the New Jewish Quarter, it is particularly notable for its straight layout and unusual width in an area otherwise characterised by narrow streets, alleyways and small squares.

Its east–west orientation also provides an unusual amount of natural light for a medieval Jewish quarter. The street runs parallel to the Célio ravine and crosses Carrer Major de Remolins. From this area, it approaches the surviving section of the 14th-century city walls.

Vilanova Street in Tortosa’s Jewish Quarter

The street lies within the area known as the New Jewish Quarter, which developed when the earlier Jewish neighbourhood no longer provided sufficient space. Historical records date the development of this new area to the early 13th century.

As a result, Vilanova Street became one of the main thoroughfares of the neighbourhood. Around it is a network of streets, alleyways and small squares that still reflects the characteristic urban layout of Tortosa’s Jewish Quarter.

A distinctive layout within the Jewish Quarter

One of the most striking features is the contrast between Vilanova Street and the surrounding streets. While much of the Jewish Quarter has a more irregular and maze-like layout, this street stands out for its straight course and width.

In fact, the layout that characterises the street today dates from the early 15th century. At that time, houses and other buildings were demolished to create the appearance and structure that have survived to the present day.

This transformation helps explain why Vilanova Street has a different appearance from the surrounding streets. In addition, its orientation creates a more open and naturally illuminated urban space.

Between the Jews’ Gate and the streets of the Jewish Quarter

Vilanova Street forms part of the route through Tortosa’s Jewish heritage. From the Jews’ Gate, located in the 14th-century medieval walls, visitors can quickly reach this part of the Jewish Quarter.

From here, walking along Vilanova Street provides an opportunity to explore the historic layout of the neighbourhood and continue through its streets and small squares. The urban layout itself is one of the main surviving features of the former Jewish Quarter, preserving much of its historic structure and some of its traditional place names.

A street for understanding Jewish Tortosa

Walking along Vilanova Street reveals the relationship between the streets, small squares and historic walls that once defined this part of Tortosa. Therefore, its interest lies not in a single monument, but in the historic urban landscape as a whole.

Finally, Vilanova Street is one of the best places to understand the structure of the New Jewish Quarter. Its straight layout, unusual width and natural light make it a distinctive part of Tortosa’s Jewish heritage.