Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
65. Synagogue of El Tránsito, Toledo
This synagogue was founded by the wealthy banker
Samuel Ha-Levy
in the 14th Century,
thanks to his goodrelations with
King Pedro I
,whowas grateful forthe help he had received
in the recent wars.
The building mixes different architectonical styles. The great reading hall is a gothic con-
struction, decorated with rich and detailed Islamic plasters that have been very well pre-
served. At floor level, we can also see an Almohadic triple arch, designed to store the sacred
scriptures. The ceiling is covered by an interesting pattern of wood beams. The synagogue
also had a hall used as religious academy (which todays serves as a museum) and a court-
yard that was used for ritual baths.
Though after the
expulsion of the Jews from Spain
in 1492, the synagogue became a Christi-
an church, it retained many of its features through the centuries. Today, besides a fascinating
example of Jewish medieval architecture, it's a museum devoted to
Sephardic Jewish cul-
ture.
“Sephardi” was the word that designated Spanish Jews, that even today are considered
on of the branches of this people.
Image Credit: The inside of the synagogue, with the Almohadic arches. Image by
Cruccone.
