People

Who was this monument built for and why was he important?

This synogue was financed by Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia, who was the treasurer of the then Castilian king, Peter the First. He was extremely wealthy and respected in Castile La Mancha. Abulafia was an important member of Jewish society in Toledo. The Sinagoga de Transito was his personal prayer room.

Time period

What important man built this monument and how long did it take?

 The famous master mason Don Meir Abdeil was in charge of planning and constructing the Sinagoga de Transito. Using the very popular Mudejar styling and stone and brick, he and his crew worked to finish this massive religious facility. Because of its size and intricate detail, it to Abdeil nearly 21 years, between 1336 and 1357.

History Past/Present

What was this monument in the beginning, what did it later become,

and what were the steps taken to make it what it is today?

 The Sinagoga de Transito began as a very popular and frequented synogogue for the large Jewish population of Toledo, Spain in the 14th and early 15th centuries. In 1360, Abulafia was arrested and killed for conspiracy, and it was confiscated, but continued to be owned by Jews. After they were kicked out of Spain in 1492, this synagogue was converted to a church. It was then given to the Christian religious order Alcantara by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel. In the 16th century, a bell tower was added to serve the Christians.

In the 18th century it was made into a hermitage

When Spain was fighting Napoleon, it was used as a military barracks for Spanish soldiers.

Finally, in 1977 the synagogue became a national monument, and today is the National Museum for Judeo-Spanish Art.

Influence 

What cultures influenced its construction and what examples of these are found there?

The Muslim, Castillian Spanish and Jewish cultures all influenced the building and decoration of the Sinagoga de Transito. One of the most striking influences is that of the Muslims. Some examples of this are the wall carvings. They contain intricate geometric figures, arabesques, which are beautiful curving shapes, and complicated textiles, all very common in Muslim art and architecture. Also, the building is made of stone and brick, typical of Mudejar architecture, which comes from the Muslim world. Finally, many Quranic verses are carved into the walls. Another important influence is Castillian Spain, seen in the Castillian coat of arms engraved throughout. Finally and obviously, the Jewish culture influenced this monument. The beautiful Hebrew engravings, absence of pictures and attention to detail portray this.

Regional Importance

How does this landmark reflect this region and Spain as a whole?

This large and ornate synogogue shows the wealth and social importance Jews had in Castillian society and Spain as a whole before 1492. It also shows the mixing of cultures in architecture and art. The presence of both Muslim and Christian influence in a Jewish synogogue is a wonderful example of how Spain has a diverse and tolerant backround.