Santa María La Blanca Synagogue

Now we find ourselves in front of one of the most unique buildings in the old Jewish quarter of Toledo: the Santa María la Blanca Synagogue. Its exterior appearance is quite simple and does not allow you to imagine what you will find when you enter. Once inside, the space changes completely. In front of you stretch five naves separated by large horseshoe arches that rest on octagonal columns. If you look up at its capitals, you will discover a delicate decoration of pine cones and scrolls. Above the arches, the borders combine geometric and vegetal shapes, creating a rhythm that is repeated throughout the entire building. There is something especially interesting in its architecture. Although we are inside a synagogue, many of its elements are reminiscent of a mosque. It is one of the great examples of art developed by Muslim artisans at the service of the Jewish community of Toledo. The synagogue was originally known as the Synagogue of Yosef ben Shoshan and was built at the beginning of the 13th century. An ancient tradition even says that it was built with earth brought from Jerusalem. But its history as a synagogue came to an end in the 15th century. In 1411, after the preaching of Vicente Ferrer, the building was converted into a Christian temple. Since then it became known as Santa María la Blanca, a name related to the image of the Virgin that presided over its altar. Stop…

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