Visit to Cordoba Synagogue
Among the many places to visit in Córdoba, we found the Córdoba Synagogue brimming with historic charm. This historic synagogue is an architectural masterpiece, blending different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Mudéjar (Islamic-inspired design). I will share the Cordoba Synagogue history in brief, visit hours, tickets and dress code. You will also find the synagogue images interesting for the details.
Travel writer: Indrani Ghose.
Updated: September 2024.
Continuing our stroll through the tourist attractions of Cordoba after our visit to Mezquita and Historic centre of Córdoba we reached the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba. And there the synagogue stood strong and sturdy, waiting for all visitors to see in its charming ancient aura.
Synagogue de Cordoba
Did you know that this is one of the only three originals remaining in Spain? The other two original medieval synagogues in Spain are located in Toledo. They are:
Santa María la Blanca in Toledo
El Tránsito Synagogue in Toledo
I was struck by its modest size. The atmosphere felt grand steeped in history. The intricate plasterwork on the walls, with delicate floral and geometric patterns carved into the stone, reminiscent of Moorish design, looked so beautiful.
The monument seemed like a very simple structure. You can enter it directly from the street, there is the hallway and from there into the prayer room. A staircase leads to room which must have been once a women’s gallery.
The walls were adorned with Hebrew inscriptions that seemed to whisper ancient prayers. I found myself tracing the delicate stucco work with my eyes, marvelling at the craftsmanship. The high ceiling gave the synagogue an airy feel, despite its compact layout. The arches, with their sharp lines, added an elegance that belied the building’s simplicity.
Unlike the architectural details that we just witnessed inside Mezquita, the Cordoba Synagogue has no grand columns or elaborate decorations—but the subtle beauty lay in the details. Every corner seemed to hold a piece of history. Just close your eyes to feel the centuries-old echoes of prayers and voices that once filled the synagogue.
Entrance to Sinagoga de Córdoba
History of the Córdoba Synagogue
Construction: Built between the years 1314 to 1315, during a time when Córdoba had a thriving Jewish community, this synagogue was one of many in the city and the only one to survive the wrath of time.
During the reign of Abderramán III, Córdoba was a centre of Jewish intellectual life, and the synagogue likely played a significant role in this cultural period. It may have been used as a private synagogue for a wealthy individual, part of a yeshivah or study hall, or a converted space used by a trade guild.
After the Jewish expulsion from Spain in 1492, the synagogue was seized and converted into the Hospital of Santo Quiteria, a facility for treating rabies patients. Then in 1588 the building was acquired by the shoemakers’ guild, which used it as a community center and chapel, changing its patron to Saints Crispin and Crispian, the patron saints of shoemakers.
In 1884, a priest had discovered the plasterwork on the building’s walls was actually covering up the Synagogue of Cordoba built in 1305. In 1885 The synagogue was officially declared a National Monument, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
In the recent history the synagogue has seen several Restoration efforts.
- 1929: Restoration under architect Félix Hernández, focusing on preserving its Mudéjar elements.
- 1977–1985: A significant restoration to mark the 850th anniversary of Maimonides.
- 2018: The most recent major restoration effort, ensuring the preservation of this unique structure.
Architectural Details of the Córdoba Synagogue
Mudéjar Architecture: The synagogue is an outstanding example of Mudéjar style, which fuses Islamic and Jewish design traditions. This can be seen in its geometric and floral motifs.
Intricate Plasterwork: The walls of Sinagoga de Córdoba are adorned with detailed stucco carvings, featuring intricate designs typical of the Mudéjar tradition.
Hebrew Inscriptions: The walls include elegant Hebrew inscriptions, which add to the building’s spiritual and historical resonance.
Modest Size: Despite its small scale, the synagogue carries a sense of grandeur through its high ceiling and elaborate decorative elements, creating an intimate yet reverent atmosphere.
Arches and Stucco Decoration: The building features characteristic Islamic-style arches, and the stucco work on the walls displays delicate craftsmanship with geometric and floral patterns that reflect the architectural influences of the time.
Cordoba Synagogue Tourist Information
Opening hours of Cordoba Synagogue: Tuesday to Saturday-9 AM to 3 PM. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Holidays: 1st and 6th January and 25th December.
Entry tickets to Synagogue in Cordoba: General admission is free for all.
Cordoba Synagogue dress code: There is no strict dress code specifically for the Córdoba Synagogue, as it is more of a historic site and museum than an active place of worship. However, adhering to some general guidelines shows respect for the cultural and religious history of the site:
Avoid revealing clothing: Shorts, tank tops, and short skirts should be avoided.
Cover shoulders and knees: It is advisable to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, especially for women.
Comfortable shoes: The site can involve some walking, so wearing comfortable footwear is a good idea.
Location: located near the Historic centre of Córdoba, behind the Red Cross Hospital, in the middle of the Jewish Quarter, northeast of the Mezquita Catedral.
Geographic coordinates: 37°52′47″N 4°47′0″W / 37.87972°N 4.78333°W
Tips to Visit
- Reach early to avoid long queues.
- Not much wait time on weekdays.
- Small place, hence the queue moves faster.
- No access to women’s gallery upstairs
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nice picture and the last three are indeed very beautiful and colorful 🙂
Beautiful blue pots !
interesting,i have never been to one before.
Beautiful architecture that is so very well presented by you! 🙂
The first pic is so haunting Indrani and the rest are bubbling with life.
The details on the synagogue are so intricate. Beautiful. The hanging planters are very pretty and I love the photo with the shadows.
Amazing Architecture.. A nice Post!
Splendid photography..!Perhaps ours is the only country where Jews lived peacefully on the earth. Of course I may be wrong..!
What a wonderful building, definitely worth the effort to find.
Nice post. Loved the hanging garden.
Did you visit Al Humbra
Beautiful 🙂 Loved those plants 🙂
I too will like to get lost in such scenic alleys!
Indrana, don't know why it has taken me so long to join your Google friend followers – just added myself to the group. Love your posts. Hope you'll follow TravelnWrite as well! Have a great week~
lovely images!
Love the pots on the walls!!!
Hello Indrani, what a lovely place to visit. I love seeing all the hanging plants on the walls. The blue pots really stand out and look pretty. Wonderful collection of photos, thanks for sharing. Have a happy week!
Love the old brickwork with the flowers adorning it.
Those intricate works look beautiful. Nice captures.
what a beautiful tour Indrani ji !! These patios are very charming and I love the colorful flowers on the walls.specially their design and hanging system in buckets. love it and try to execute the same thing if possible. Lovely snaps!
Amazing! Lovely!
Wonderful photos
Lovely architecture.Love the refreshing patios.
What a great synagogue and such nice blue pots allover…
Greetings from Germany
Quite an elaborate work, must be surreal feeling to visit such historic monuments. I really like the cobalt colored flower pots 🙂
Such a wonderful wall it is 🙂
Wonderful shots of the gorgeous architecture!
The patios make quite a sight!
Beautiful houses. Refreshing.
What a beautiful wall it is with bright blue pots brimming with rainbow colours ! Loved it Indrani , thanks for sharing this one .. seriously 🙂 🙂
Hi Indrani,
These patios are very charming and I love the colorful flowers on the walls.
Lovely snaps!
Have a Happy Week!
Peace 🙂
Ah, so beautiful!! I do love those colorful flowers against those old walls!! Wonderful captures as always, Indrani!! Thank you for sharing!! Hope your week is off to a great start!! Enjoy!
Wow the architecture is incredible. All the wall carvings remind me of the Indian palaces I've seen.
How pretty are those gardens hanging on the wall, And the intricate designs inside are breathtaking. Have a great day, Indrani. Greetings Jo