Sunday, January 29, 2012

Jewish heritage tours of Spain



Jewish heritage tours of Spain are a great way for travelers to catch a glimpse of the beauty and history that this culture provided to the country. In August, 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella ordered all of the Jews who had not converted to Catholicism out of the country. Many of these people had lived in the country for thousands of years, and they left behind many of their cultural edifices. Travelers can enjoy Jewish heritage tours of Spain and are offered a glimpse into the culture and architecture that was left behind.

Cordoba

Cordoba provides those on Jewish heritage tours of Spain a chance to see the beautiful synagogue that was built in 1314. This is the only synagogue in the entire country that was not converted into a Christian building, and it is still preserved in all of its medieval beauty. The Gate of the Jews is also in this city and is a monument to the Jewish philosopher and doctor, Maimonides. The Casa Sefarad is another item of interest on Jewish heritage tours of Spain and offers cultural activities. During the third week of June, travelers can also enjoy the International Sephardi Music Festival.

Jewish heritage tours of Spain



Seville

Seville is home to the Barrio Santa Cruz, or the Jewish Quarter. There is still a small Jewish community in this city, and they will offer tourists a chance for guided Jewish heritage tours of Spain.

Toledo

Toledo used to be the Spanish capital and provided a home to many Jewish people before their expulsion. The Transito Synagogue dates to 1357, and it is now a Sephardic Museum that includes Hebrew inscriptions as well as an antique wooden ceiling.

Segovia

This is the city where Ferdinand and Isabella signed the famous expulsion order and is another stop on Jewish heritage tours of Spain. The Corpus Christi church used to be the leading synagogue in the city, and there is a remarkable Jewish cemetery in Segovia.