While rambling through the streets of Cordoba we came across this historic Synagogue in the city’s historic Jewish neighborhood. It was an unexpected finding, making it all the more enjoyable to visit.
The Cordoba Synagogue is rather small but is said to be one of the best preserved Medieval synagogues in Spain. It was built between 1314 and 1315 A.D. and was in constant use until the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492.
There is no admission fee and you get to see the main hall, a rectangular room decorated with plant motifs and Hebrew inscriptions. A separate woman’s gallery still stands, but is not open to the public.
After the Jews left, the building was used as a hospital, and an infant’s school. It was declared a National Monument at the end of the 19th century, when the building was “rediscovered”. It is no longer used for worship, but is an important historic landmark.
