Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca

This is the oldest synagogue in Spain, and has the unique distinction of having been used as a mosque and a christian church throughout its timeline. Today, it is purely a museum used to represent Toledo’s proud heritage of diversity and harmony among three religious peoples across its existence.

Esta pequeña sinagoga está enfrente del Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, bordeando la judería. El nombre lo dice todo: está completamente enyesada por dentro y lo que queda después de los múltiples usos que ha tenido (barracones militares, hospicio para prostitutas) es poco más que la estructura original y una buena explicación arquitectónica en un panel que tienen al fondo.
Esta rodeada por un pequeño jardín y una tienda de recuerdos, y al fondo a la izquierda tiene una ínfima sala de exposiciones donde este fin de semana tenían una sobre el hermanamiento del pueblo cristiano y el judío, regentada por una monja majísima que contaba, a modo de cuentos, complicadas historias hebreas a los niños que por allí se dejaban ver.

Founded in 1203, the Sinagoga de Santa Maria La Blanca in Toledo is nearly two centuries older than the more elaborate (and interesting) Tránsito Synagogue nearby. It has also been referred to as the Synagogue of «St. Mary the White». It was designed and decorated by Mudejar architects (defined as Moors working on Christian soil on non-​Islamic buildings). The Islamic influence is readily apparent in the lovely horseshoe arches and other features.
In the early 15^th century, the synagogue was stormed by a Christian mob and converted into a Church. In subsequent centuries it was used variously as a carpenter’s workshop, store, barracks, horse stables, and refuge for former prostitutes.
Today, the Sinagoga de Santa Maria La Blanca is an evocative space and beautiful in its simplicity. Gayle and I wandered about and it was all very impressive architecturally. However, the Art Exhibit on the walls was a bit of a distraction, as was the good Sister supervising the building operation. There’s also a nice gift shop (which is better than the one at the Tránsito Synagogue) in a separate building on the front side of the grounds.