El Transito Synagogue and Sephardic Museum, Castile-La Mancha, Spain

4jonahNJ 5:00 PM Apr 6, 2020

A legacy of Samuel ha-Levi
This synagogue, which dates back to the 14th Century was founded by Samuel ha-Levi, one of Toledo’s most prominent citizens. When I visited, I was impressed at how well maintained this stucco structure is. Though it is no longer an active synagogue, it now houses a museum which presents the history of Toledo with an emphasis on the history of the Jewish Quarter.

4CPaM68 5:00 PM May 18, 2022

Unusual and historic synagogue-turned-museum
We love touring beautiful old ornate European and North African cathedrals, synagogues, mosque, and churches. In Toledo, we were on a walking tour and the Synagogue del Tránsito was one of the sites where our guide stopped. Although there isn’t a lot to see and the building isn’t as grandiose as some cathedrals or mosque, the history of the synagogue is interesting and the building unique. Historically, for more than a thousand years, Spain was home to a large Jewish community noted for its wealth and importance. The synagogue, also known as the Synagogue of Samuel ha-Levi, was built in 1357 as an annex to the house/palace of Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia, who was Jewish. At the time, he was the regional treasurer for King Peter of Castile. Although the exterior of the synagogue is very plain, the interior of the building is unique because it was designed and built by Moors (Islamic Arabs) who included many elements of Arabic and Islamic art into the interior of the building. Although the Moors dominance around Toledo had ended in 1085, there was still a significant Muslim and Mozart (Arabic-speaking Christians) community in Toledo at the time. In 1492 the Jewish and Muslim religions were banned in Spain and the synagogue was converted into a Christian church. If you visit Toledo, make sure you stop in and tour Synagogue del Tránsito.