Ca La Garsa (The Garsa House), Tarragona
The Garsa House is an architectural gem situated within the archaeological area of the provincial forum in Tarragona. This historical building, predominantly constructed using reused Roman bricks, unveils remnants of a distinctive structure characterized by two rooms adorned with diaphragmatic arches. The architectural ensemble also includes a portico that gracefully opens onto the adjacent square, while a vanguard extends its presence into the former Jewry square.
The remarkable architecture of Garsa House, both aesthetically pleasing and functional, serves as the sole architectural vestige reflecting the daily life and activities of the Jewish community in Tarragona. The Jewish presence in this location persisted uninterrupted from 1238 to 1492, making the building a poignant testament to the city's diverse cultural tapestry.
Although much of the original building has been lost to the ravages of time and development, the medieval arches and fragments of the late Roman wall endure, protected as a cultural asset of local interest. The remains provide a captivating glimpse into the architectural sophistication of the past and the intricate interplay of arches that once formed a rectangular room at ground floor level.
Three diaphragmatic arches, pointed and parallel to the facade of Angels Square, showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Adjacent to these, two smaller perpendicular arcades add to the architectural finesse. A portico structure with yet another pointed arch precedes the main building, with an upper-level arch mirroring the dimensions of those below. The remnants also reveal traces of a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Angels, lost during the course of modern demolitions, possibly dating back to the 18th century.
In Talavera Street, neighboring the Garsa House, two preserved pointed arches stand as echoes of the architectural elegance that once defined the area. The building's composition includes a combination of ashlar and brick, attesting to the craftsmanship of its creators.
The remarkable architecture of Garsa House, both aesthetically pleasing and functional, serves as the sole architectural vestige reflecting the daily life and activities of the Jewish community in Tarragona. The Jewish presence in this location persisted uninterrupted from 1238 to 1492, making the building a poignant testament to the city's diverse cultural tapestry.
Although much of the original building has been lost to the ravages of time and development, the medieval arches and fragments of the late Roman wall endure, protected as a cultural asset of local interest. The remains provide a captivating glimpse into the architectural sophistication of the past and the intricate interplay of arches that once formed a rectangular room at ground floor level.
Three diaphragmatic arches, pointed and parallel to the facade of Angels Square, showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Adjacent to these, two smaller perpendicular arcades add to the architectural finesse. A portico structure with yet another pointed arch precedes the main building, with an upper-level arch mirroring the dimensions of those below. The remnants also reveal traces of a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Angels, lost during the course of modern demolitions, possibly dating back to the 18th century.
In Talavera Street, neighboring the Garsa House, two preserved pointed arches stand as echoes of the architectural elegance that once defined the area. The building's composition includes a combination of ashlar and brick, attesting to the craftsmanship of its creators.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tarragona. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Ca La Garsa (The Garsa House) on Map
Sight Name: Ca La Garsa (The Garsa House)
Sight Location: Tarragona, Spain (See walking tours in Tarragona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tarragona, Spain (See walking tours in Tarragona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tarragona, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Tarragona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tarragona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Tarragona Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled in the southern part of Catalonia, Spain, Tarragona is a coastal city boasting an abundance of ancient Roman ruins, rolling mountains, and magnificent beaches.
Shrouded in myth and mystery, Tarragona carries a name whose origins remain debated—linked to figures like Tarraho or Tearcon the Ethiopian, a seventh-century BC pharaoh. Its true founding date is also obscured in time.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Shrouded in myth and mystery, Tarragona carries a name whose origins remain debated—linked to figures like Tarraho or Tearcon the Ethiopian, a seventh-century BC pharaoh. Its true founding date is also obscured in time.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Roman Ruins Walking Tour
The city of Tarraco, the capital of the Hispania Tarraconensis province, held significant prominence within the vast Roman Empire. The remnants of those days, concentrated in the heart of Tarragona, are the pivotal historical sites that contribute to its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Indeed, the city's acclaim largely stems from its Roman ruins, notably the 2nd-century AD Roman... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Indeed, the city's acclaim largely stems from its Roman ruins, notably the 2nd-century AD Roman... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles