Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca

The Synagogue of Saint Mary the White (Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca) in Toledo is a remarkable testament to Spain’s medieval legacy of spiritual convergence. Built in the late 12th century, it is considered the oldest standing synagogue in Europe that still retains its original structure. Although its name reflects a later Christian reconsecration, its heart and form remain deeply Jewish, reflecting the cultural brilliance of the Sephardic community that once flourished in Toledo.

Constructed under Christian rule by Islamic craftsmen for a Jewish congregation, the synagogue’s architecture reflects an exquisite blend of Mudéjar, Islamic, and Romanesque influences. White horseshoe arches, intricate columns, and serene geometric patterns create an ethereal and angelic atmosphere inside the sanctuary. Though it no longer functions as a house of worship, the space remains deeply sacred—visited by pilgrims, historians, and spiritual seekers drawn to its quiet majesty. The Synagogue of Saint Mary the White stands as a silent prayer in stone, echoing the memory of a time when different faiths shared space, reverence, and reverent silence under the same divine sky.