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Sunday, 30 July 2023

Spain Day 19c - Saint Maria la Blanca Synagogue

 It is odd having a Catholic Saint attached to the word synagogue in a Moorish style place, but that is the history of Spain. Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca is situated in the Jewish quarter of Toledo and was the main place of worship for Toledo's Jewish population. Built in 1180 by Islamic workers, in the  Almohad style, and constructed in Christian territory, it is a blend of the three cultures. 


The white interior and light that comes in, with the help of artificial light, makes the setting special. 



It olny remained a synogogue until 1411 when it was converted to a catholic church. Over the centuries it was also a prison, hermitage, military barracks, military warehouse, transferred to the provincial commision of Toledo, and finally a monument of history for visitors in 1930.




A nice place for a quick step through history.

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