Day 01
Explore Toledo's Synagogues and San Juan de Los Reyes
- This experience will start from El Tránsito synagogue, founded by Samuel ben Meir Ha-Levi Abulafia around the year 1356. We will see the main hall, decorated with beautiful stucco in a Mudejar style, as well as the Torah ark. Looking up, we will spot the gallery from where women would observe the ceremonies separately from the men. Later, in 1877, it was declared a national monument and repurposed as the Sephardic Museum. We will then exit the synagogue and glimpse its relatively simple and austere exterior.
- Walking along the road, we will head towards the next synagogue, Santa Maria la Blanca. According to an inscription on one of the pillars, it dates from 1160, making it arguably one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. Like El Tránsito, it was also later converted into a church. The guide will go over the details of this transformation during the tour. In addition, the guide will explain what Mudejar architecture is and the materials used in its construction.
- After leaving the synagogue, we will head towards a 15th-century Catholic church and Franciscan monastery. You will see a contrast with the previous synagogues, both stylistically and in terms of construction. Learn about the debate surrounding the architectural style of this monastery. The church was supposed to be the burial place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, but they later changed their minds.
- We will end our experience here. Throughout the journey, the guide will share interesting anecdotes and stories from the past that will help you develop an all-encompassing perspective on Toledo.
