Córdoba Synagogue
A beautifully preserved medieval synagogue in Córdoba, showcasing intricate Mudejar stucco work and Hebrew inscriptions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for peace
Córdoba Synagogue
Best Time
Beat the crowds for peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved medieval synagogue in Córdoba, showcasing intricate Mudejar stucco work and Hebrew inscriptions.
"An extraordinary combination of styles and cultures, definitely worth a visit!"
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this historical gem without any cost. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers exploring Córdoba.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The synagogue is accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can experience its history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mudejar Stucco Work
Main Hall
Admire the intricate Mudejar-style stucco reliefs and plant motifs adorning the walls, a testament to medieval artistry.
Hebrew Inscriptions
Frieze above stucco
Discover ancient Hebrew lettering, including verses from Psalms, offering a glimpse into the synagogue's spiritual past.
Courtyard Ambiance
Entrance Courtyard
Experience a moment of tranquility in the charming courtyard, a peaceful prelude to the synagogue's interior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Free Entry & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I visited Cordoba's synagogue a few months ago
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this historical gem without any cost. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers exploring Córdoba.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The synagogue is accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can experience its history.
One day/night in Cordoba! What to NOT miss??
Cordoba Spain.
⏳ Small but Mighty
It's a small space, so expect it to get crowded. Visit during off-peak hours for a better experience.
📜 Piece of History
Learn about its survival through expulsion and inquisition; a significant Jewish heritage site.
What guided tour would you recommend for Cordoba's Mezquita Catedral?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this historical gem without any cost. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers exploring Córdoba.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The synagogue is accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can experience its history.
⏳ Small but Mighty
It's a small space, so expect it to get crowded. Visit during off-peak hours for a better experience.
📜 Piece of History
Learn about its survival through expulsion and inquisition; a significant Jewish heritage site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awed by the Córdoba Synagogue's unique architecture and historical significance, often calling it an extraordinary combination of styles and cultures. Its status as the only surviving medieval synagogue in Andalusia is a major draw. However, some find the small space can become uncomfortably crowded, diminishing the enjoyment of its intricate details.
"I have never seen anything like it in my life. The architecture is amazing, an extraordinary combination of styles and cultures. Incredible atmosphere, definitely worth a visit"
Тетяна Сажієнко
"The only synagogue that survived the expulsion and Inquisition in Andalucía. Built during the Jewish Golden Age under the Umayyad caliphate, some say this could have been a private synagogue due to its small size.
It is accessible to wheelchair users. Entrance is free"
Andrés Bidegain
"All the info about the synagogue you can find online - one of the three best preserved Medieval synagogues in the whole of Spain. Synagogue was build in 1315, and I visited it on Passover eve, day when back in history, more than 880 years ago was born here in Cordoba Maimonides (Rambam), Sephardic Rabbi and philosopher - the most important Torah scholar of the Middle Ages. Very special place in time.
Synagogue is a square room with high walls covered with decorative plaster Mudejar-style plant motifs and Hebrew verses mostly from the Psalms, most of them were deciphered. On the right side of the The hekhal (ark), where the Torah scrolls were kept, is a Hebrew inscription that states that this place has been refurbished by Yitzhak Mahab son of the wealthy Ephraim in the Hebrew year 5075 (1315 C.E.).
Piece of Jewish history in Cordoba - definitely worth to visit, even if you are not Jewish"
Tomi Valny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Córdoba Synagogue is located in the heart of the Judería (Jewish Quarter). It's easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the city center. Many visitors arrive after exploring the nearby Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral. Public transport options include local buses that stop near the Jewish Quarter.
Yes, the Jewish Quarter is a charming maze of narrow streets, and the synagogue is a well-marked landmark within it. Follow signs for 'Sinagoga' once you are in the Judería.
Absolutely! Many travelers stop in Córdoba for a few hours between Seville and Granada, and the synagogue is a key highlight of such a visit. A 5-hour stop allows ample time to see it and other nearby attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entrance to the Córdoba Synagogue is completely free. This makes it a very accessible attraction for all visitors.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be affected by holidays. It's best to check the official tourism website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
There is no admission fee; the Córdoba Synagogue offers free entry to all visitors.
Since entry is free and it's a small site, advance booking isn't necessary or available. Just arrive during opening hours.
Typically, yes, the synagogue is open on weekends, but it's always wise to confirm current hours, especially around religious holidays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Take your time to admire the Mudejar stucco work and Hebrew inscriptions. Given its small size, it can get crowded, so try to visit during quieter times for a more contemplative experience.
A visit to the synagogue itself usually takes about 15-30 minutes, as it's a single, relatively small room. However, you might spend longer if you're exploring the surrounding Jewish Quarter.
While children can visit, the historical and architectural details might be more appreciated by adults. It's a quiet space, so keeping noise levels down is important.
It's one of the three best-preserved medieval synagogues in Spain, built in 1315. It miraculously survived the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 and the subsequent Inquisition.
Official guided tours specifically for the synagogue are not common. However, many general tours of the Jewish Quarter include a stop and explanation of the synagogue's history.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Córdoba Synagogue, but it's always respectful to check for any posted signs or ask staff. Avoid using flash, as it can be disruptive.
Focus on capturing the intricate Mudejar stucco details and the Hebrew inscriptions on the walls. The courtyard also offers a charming photographic opportunity.
It can be challenging due to the small size and potential crowds. Visiting during off-peak hours will significantly improve your chances of getting clearer shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for families, consider combining it with a broader exploration of the Judería. The narrow streets and hidden courtyards can be an adventure in themselves. Visiting the nearby Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral offers a more visually grand experience that might capture children's attention more readily. Remember that entry to the synagogue is free, making it an easy addition to your itinerary without added cost.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the charming Judería on foot, which also costs nothing. Look for affordable tapas bars in the surrounding area for a delicious and inexpensive meal. The synagogue's accessibility and lack of admission fee make it a perfect highlight for any cost-conscious itinerary in Córdoba.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Survivor of History: The Córdoba Synagogue
The synagogue's architecture reflects the Mudejar style, a unique blend of Christian and Islamic artistic influences prevalent in medieval Spain. The interior features a square hall adorned with exquisite stucco work, showcasing delicate plant motifs and geometric patterns. Above these decorative friezes, you can find ancient Hebrew inscriptions, including verses from the Psalms, which add a layer of spiritual depth to the visual artistry.
Some scholars suggest that due to its relatively small size, the Córdoba Synagogue may have originally served as a private place of worship rather than a large public congregation. Regardless of its original purpose, it offers visitors a profound connection to the past, allowing them to stand in a space that has witnessed centuries of history and prayer.
Exploring the Judería: Beyond the Synagogue
Beyond the synagogue itself, the Judería is home to other significant historical sites. The Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a short walk away and an absolute must-see for its stunning architecture and historical layers. You can also wander through the Calleja de las Flores (Alley of the Flowers), famous for its hanging flower pots and picturesque views, especially in spring.
Take your time to simply get lost in the charming streets. Discover small artisan shops selling local crafts, enjoy a traditional Andalusian meal at a local tavern, and soak in the unique ambiance of this ancient quarter. The Judería offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and sensory experiences that perfectly complements a visit to the synagogue.
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