Few places in the world have a history and culture as vast, profound, and fascinating as the city of Córdoba.
Among its streets and corners lie true architectural gems and pieces of our own history. A clear example is the magnificent Synagogue of Córdoba.
If you want to visit this and other emblematic and legendary places in Córdoba with your whole family, our advice is that, as soon as you get off the plane, you hire a 7 or 9-seater car at Málaga Airport.
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History of the Synagogue of Córdoba
Its location within the city of Córdoba is unbeatable — and that’s no exaggeration. The Synagogue of Córdoba is situated within the Jewish Quarter of Córdoba, part of Córdoba’s Historic Centre, right next to the old wall of the Islamic medina.
It was built in the early 14th century in a Mudéjar architectural style influenced by trends from the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. It is significant not only as a clear example of Mudéjar architecture, but also as the only remaining vestige of Hebrew religious architecture in the entire city of Córdoba.
The structure that remains of the Synagogue of Córdoba includes the entrance courtyard, which leads to the vestibule. This connects to the gallery, known as the women’s gallery, and to the oratory.
This is how the Talmud prescribes the entrance to the prayer room. This layout isolates the street from the spirit of prayerful retreat, something both important and sacred. It’s worth remembering that the Talmud not only contains customs and laws, but also references the architectural arrangement of sacred buildings.
The Synagogue of Córdoba was regularly used by the Jewish community until the expulsion of the entire population by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. From that point onward, the building’s use changed according to administrative needs, although it generally remained religious in nature.
It could be said that the Synagogue of Córdoba, having lost its function and importance, was rediscovered in 1876, at which point it began to be recognized for its historical and architectural value.
However, it wasn’t until 1885 that, through the Córdoba Monuments Commission, it was declared a National Monument. After lengthy legal battles with the bishopric of Córdoba, the building was acquired in 1916 and has undergone several restorations since its rediscovery — always with the goal of restoring it to its rightful place in Córdoba’s history.
Interior, Architecture, and Layout of the Synagogue of Córdoba
We must highlight the prayer hall, which features rich plasterwork, with elaborate decorations including four-, six-, and eight-pointed stars, as well as Hebrew inscriptions and plant-themed drawings, originally full of color — mainly red, black, and blue.
You can still see on the eastern wall the *hejal*, or vaulted space, reserved for storing the Torah scrolls. Meanwhile, the western wall features a multifoil arch marking the place where the *bimah* once stood — the pulpit from which the scriptures were read.
Finally, on the southern wall you’ll see a gallery with three balconies — the well-known women’s gallery, as previously mentioned. It’s so called because it was reserved for women’s prayer, separate from the men’s section.
Opening Hours and Entry to the Synagogue of Córdoba
This is all the information you need to visit the Synagogue of Córdoba.
Opening Hours of the Synagogue of Córdoba
Here are the current opening hours for the Synagogue of Córdoba:
- Monday: closed, except on public holidays or the eve of public holidays, when it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including public holidays
- Public holidays when the Synagogue of Córdoba is open: February 28, April 17 and 18, August 15, September 8, October 13 and 24, November 1, December 6 and 8.
- Public holidays when the Synagogue of Córdoba is closed: January 1 and 6, May 1, and December 24, 25, and 31.
Entry to the Synagogue of Córdoba
You’re in luck — one of Córdoba’s main monuments is completely free to visit. However, if your group consists of more than six people, you must book your visit in advance. You can also visit the famous Córdoba patios free of charge — most of them have open access.
How to Get to the Synagogue of Córdoba
How to Get There by Bus
If you’ve decided to come to Córdoba to visit the Synagogue of Córdoba by bus, let us make things easier for you. Upon arriving at Málaga Airport, you’ll find a bus — line A — at the “Arrivals” terminal, which connects to the Málaga Bus Station.
After taking line A and a journey of about twenty minutes, you’ll arrive at the Málaga Bus Station, where you can catch a non-stop bus directly to the center of Córdoba — the perfect place to try the best Córdoba tapas.
How to Get There by Car
Leaving Málaga Airport toward the center of Córdoba, you’ll need to take exit 401 on the A-4. Keep an eye out for the sign for Córdoba/Granada/Seville heading toward the AP-46. Follow that motorway for 20 kilometers until you reach the A-45, then continue for just over 100 kilometers until exit 0. Córdoba City Center/Madrid will lead you to your destination via the E-5/A-4.
Map of the Synagogue of Córdoba
Here’s a detailed map with everything you need to know about the Synagogue of Córdoba.
