In the neighborhood of the Jewish quarter is the Cordoba Synagogue. A medieval building perfectly preserved, being the only one in Andalusia and third in Spain for its state.
Contenidos
A Jewish temple built in the fourteenth century that is declared as an Asset of Cultural Interest and National Monument.
History of the Synagogue
The history of the Cordoba Synagogue goes back to the years 1314 and 1315, when it was built to be a Jewish period. After the definitive expulsion of the Jews in 1492, the building becomes a hospital. In the year 1588 the old Synagogue becomes a hermitage.
The most recent history of the monument brings us to 1884, when some Hebrew inscriptions are discovered. At that moment the building begins to be valued and the restoration works that have come down to our days begin.
Structure of the building
The Synagogue is composed of several well differentiated parts. The entrance gives access to a courtyard of just over 25 square meters. From the patio you enter the building through a lobby, where you can see a wooden ceiling. The lobby gives access through a wooden staircase to the women’s area, we also know there was a small pool for ablutions.
Finally we go to the prayer room, where we can see a high ceiling with crafts. It is a room of about 40 square meters, with different plasterwork and Hebrew inscriptions on each of its walls.
The women’s gallery is located on the entrance hall and has three large arches that connect to the prayer room.
Curiosities
The dimensions of this Synagogue, compared with others of the same style, are rather small. This has led to think that its construction was conditioned by the Christians who ruled the city.
The Cordoba Synagogue has a high level of conservation despite centuries of history and the wide variety of uses that has been given. Therefore, you can still see many of the details of the building of the time in which it was built.In the Hebrew texts that are still preserved you can read “I am built as a tower of the Messiah …“, “we bend the knee before the Lord …“, “Lord with joy, enter into his presence …“
Visiting schedule
The Synagogue has two different schedules depending on the time of year.
From September 16 to June 15 the hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. Sundays and holidays open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Every Monday is closed, except for Mondays that coincide with holiday.
From June 16 to September 15, the schedule is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except on Mondays, which is closed whenever it is not a holiday.
The price of the entrance is symbolic. Residents in the European Union do not pay entry and others only pay € 0.30