Sinagoga, Córdoba
Synagogue in Córdoba
The Sinagoga de Córdoba is one of the most atmospheric and historically significant sites in the Judería, Córdoba's Jewish Quarter. Built in 1315, it is one of only three medieval synagogues that survived in Spain and the only one in Andalusia. Though small in size, its importance is enormous. Its intricate Mudejar plasterwork, Hebrew inscriptions, and intimate layout offer a rare window into the Jewish life that thrived here until the expulsion of 1492. Today it is one of the top attractions in Córdoba for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the city's multicultural past.
Located northeast of the Mezquita and close to Tiberias Square, the synagogue sits within the network of narrow streets that form the heart of the Judería. This neighbourhood is also home to the statue of Maimonides, the famed Sephardic philosopher born in Córdoba. In 1935-on the 800th anniversary of his birth-the square outside the synagogue was renamed in his honour, and the first public Jewish prayer in 443 years was held inside. Visiting today feels like stepping into a small but profound fragment of Sephardic memory, making it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Córdoba.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Sinagoga de Córdoba
- Things to See and Do in the Sinagoga de Córdoba
- How to Get to the Sinagoga de Córdoba
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Sinagoga de Córdoba
- Where to Stay close to the Sinagoga de Córdoba
- Is the Sinagoga de Córdoba Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Sinagoga de Córdoba
- Nearby Attractions to Sinagoga de Córdoba
History and Significance of the Sinagoga de Córdoba
The synagogue was constructed between 1314 and 1315, likely as a private family or guild synagogue, given its modest scale. Córdoba at the time had dozens of synagogues and was an intellectual centre under Abderramán III, home to scholars and students who shaped Sephardic learning.
Everything changed in 1492 when the Jews of Spain were expelled. The synagogue was seized and repurposed as the Hospital Santo Quiteria for treating rabies patients. In 1588, the shoemakers' guild acquired the building, transforming it into a small chapel dedicated to Santos Crispín and Crispiniano, their patron saints.
Declared a National Monument in 1885, the building underwent major restorations in 1929, 1985, and most recently in 2018. Each restoration revealed and preserved its extraordinary Mudejar ornamentation and Hebrew inscriptions, making the synagogue one of the things to do in Córdoba for history lovers.
Things to See and Do in the Sinagoga de Córdoba
The layout follows Talmudic tradition: worshippers entered through a small courtyard, passing into a modest hall that acted as a transitional space between the busy street and the sanctuary.
Continue into the main prayer room, a square chamber decorated with exquisite plasterwork. Look up to the women’s gallery, accessed by stairs from the entrance hall; its supporting wall features three beautiful arches carved with Hebrew psalms and vegetal motifs.
At the front of the prayer room, a semi-circular arch marks the space where the Holy Scrolls were once kept. The Hebrew inscription discovered here in 1884 dates the building to 1314-1315 and includes a plea for the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Despite its size, the synagogue's Mudejar detailing and its layered history make it one of the best places to visit in Córdoba for anyone captivated by Andalusia's multicultural heritage.
How to Get to the Sinagoga de Córdoba
Travelling by air, most visitors arrive via Seville Airport or Málaga Airport before continuing to Córdoba by train or bus. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.
If arriving by train, the synagogue can be reached by several city bus lines-2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 16, 01, and 02-or by a short taxi ride to the Judería. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car, parking is possible in Victoria Avenue or Doctor Fleming Avenue before walking into the pedestrian streets of the Jewish Quarter. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Sinagoga de Córdoba
- Best time to visit Sinagoga de Córdoba: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Usually free or very low cost.
- Opening hours: Typically mornings and afternoons; closed on Mondays.
- Official website: Check Córdoba’s heritage listings for updated hours.
- How long to spend: 20-40 minutes.
- Accessibility: Narrow spaces; the women’s gallery is accessed by stairs only.
- Facilities: Limited on-site; cafés and shops nearby in the Judería.
- Photography tip: Capture the delicate plasterwork from different angles to emphasise texture.
- Guided tours: Many Jewish Quarter tours include the synagogue.
- Nearby food options: Plenty of tapas bars and cafés around Tiberias Square and Calle Judíos.
Where to Stay close to the Sinagoga de Córdoba
Stay within the Judería for easy access to the synagogue and other historic landmarks. Consider Balcón de Córdoba for boutique comfort, or Eurostars Conquistador directly opposite the Mezquita. Another excellent nearby option is NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, close to the synagogue and major attractions.
Is the Sinagoga de Córdoba Worth Visiting?
Yes. As one of only three surviving medieval synagogues in Spain, the Sinagoga de Córdoba offers a rare and moving glimpse into the city's Jewish past. Its Mudejar designs, Hebrew inscriptions, and intimate scale make it one of the best places to visit in Córdoba for those interested in Sephardic history and Andalusian culture.
What Other Travellers Say...
Córdoba Synagogue on C. Judíos, 20 is a well‑preserved medieval Jewish place of worship with a courtyard, a stuccoed hall and a women's balcony; visitors praise its intricate Mudejar decoration and unusual blend of architectural styles, note Hebrew inscriptions and nearby references to Maimonides, and report that it's compact—possibly once private—accessible to wheelchair users, free to enter, and commonly visited as part of walking tours with informative guides.
FAQs for Visiting Sinagoga de Córdoba
Nearby Attractions to Sinagoga de Córdoba
- Judería de Córdoba - The historic Jewish Quarter surrounding the synagogue.
- Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba - Córdoba's most iconic monument.
- Plaza Maimónides - A square honouring the city's most famous Jewish philosopher.
- Zoco Municipal - A traditional market with artisan workshops.
- Museo Taurino - The Bullfighting Museum located nearby.
The Sinagoga appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Córdoba!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00h – 15:30h / Monday closed.
Closing days: 1st and 6th January and 25th December.
Free admission for EU Citizens. 0,30 € for the rest
Nearby Attractions
- Judería de Córdoba (0.0) km
Area - Casa de Sefarad (0.0) km
Museum - Statue of Maimónides (0.0) km
Statue - El Zoco (0.0) km
Market - Casa Andalusí (0.0) km
Historic Building and Museum - Museo Taurino (0.1) km
Museum - Capilla de San Bartolomé (0.1) km
Church - Plaza Maimónides (0.1) km
Square and Statue - Hospital del Cardenal Salazar (0.1) km
Historic Building - Almodóvar Gate (0.1) km
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