Synagogue of El Transito

The Synagogue of El Tránsito, also known as the Synagogue of Samuel ha-Levi or Halevi, is a historic synagogue, church, and Sephardic museum located in Toledo, Spain. Built as an annex to the palace of Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia, treasurer to King Peter of Castile, in 1357, the synagogue is a renowned building due to its rich stucco decoration, Mudéjar style, and women's gallery. == History of the Building == Built around 1357, the Synagogue of El Tránsito was commissioned by Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia, a notable court Jew of Castile. Located within Toledo's medieval Jewish quarter, the synagogue was connected to Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia's palatial home by a gate and was intended to be a private house of worship. It also served as a center for religious education and study, known as a yesibah or a yeshiva. The edifice has been the site of many significant events throughout its history, particularly after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. After the expulsion of Jews, the synagogue was converted into a church. During the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s, the synagogue was briefly used as military barracks. In 1910, the synagogue was opened as the Sephardic Museum, a historic building and museum dedicated to the Sephardic history in Spain. However, some scholars suggest that Peter of Castile assented to the construction of the synagogue as a token of appreciation for ha-Levi Abulafia’s service to him, the king. Peter may have also allowed it to compensate the Jews of Toledo for the destruction of anti-Jewish pogroms that occurred during his time as king.

Location: Toledo

Inception: 1357

Founder: Samuel ha-Levi

Architectural style: Mudéjar style

Website: culturaydeporte.gob.es/msefardi/home.html

Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap