Synagogue of Saint Mary the White
Synagogue of Saint Mary the White
Synagogue of Saint Mary the White
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- johnmodestoModesto, California816 contributionsUnique and magnificent historic synagogueThis is a unique building as other reviewers have observed. It's old and the architectural style is unique and beautiful. Though built as a synagogue it resembles a mosque. You only need to spend 15 minutes here, the decoration and design are delightful. The garden and patio around the building are relaxing and lovely. Entrance is 4 euros, the better deal is to buy the tourist wristband for 12 euros, which allows you to visit 7 ecclesiastical attractions.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 November 2023
- RjessMMMVancouver, Washington595 contributionsSpecial SynagogueAnother wonderful Synagogue to visit in the Jewish quarter. Inexpensive to visit and relatively small. The interior architecture is to behold and makes you appreciate what those with artistic skills are able to accomplish. Was not the same level of security as the El Transito Synagogue which was interesting given the world events ongoing. Very peaceful place to visit and appreciate the time and effort to create. Would definitely return again in the future. Enjoy.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- TommoMelbourne, Australia56,949 contributionsOldest Synagogue still standing in EuropeWe visited the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca whilst in Toledo and its located in the Jewish Quarter. There is a nominal entrance fee. It is a museum and former synagogue dating back to around the late twelfth to early thirteenth century. It is considered the oldest synagogue building in Europe still standing and was converted to a Catholic church in the early 15th century. Worth visiting but the interior is not furnished so quite sparse.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 February 2024
- JackOld Bethpage, New York3,384 contributionsBeautiful synagogueThe Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is a beautiful synagogue/church in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Toledo. It is known for its stunning white and gold arches. It is one of the only old synagogues left in Spain and it is definitely worth seeing!Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 March 2024
- Raintree_ThailandBangkok, Thailand4,444 contributionsAncient synagogue building!Built in the 12th or 13th century, the Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is considered by many to be the oldest synagogue building still standing in Europe. Interestingly, the building was converted to a Christian church in the 15th century. It is now open only as a museum. It exhibits interesting architecture incorporating elements of Moorish style.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2024
- Vad A.Maryland112 contributionsWorth the visit, but too expensive for such a small siteI rated it 3 out of 5 stars: took one star off because it's empty inside, and one more star off because out of a few smaller museums in Toledo this one is, inappropriately, the most expensive (the Christian Visigoth Church charged only $2 per person and the Muslim Museo Taller del Moro was free - both also very interesting, and you can spend only 30 min, in each of them). I still give it 3 stars because inside it is quite impressive architecturally with those ecovative rows of Moorish-style columns. Too bad it is so empty that the feeling is of a construction site, not of a temple.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,981 reviews
Excellent
747
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605
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385
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142
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103
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sheepygold
london5,503 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
I have been here before but had forgotten how little there is to see. It is one room which you can see in 5 minutes max but it's not just there is very little to see but there is almost no explanation of the history. It just isn't worth the 4 Euro entrance fee when for instance the El Greco museum is an hour with masses to see for just 3 Euros.
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pernille I
Copenhagen, Denmark7,183 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
The city of Toledo offers the option of purchasing a tourist bracelet that includes visiting 7 monuments of the city for 12 EUR. Each visit costs 4 EUR, so if you stay the day it quickly pays for itself.
Obviously not all visits are as interesting but the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue certainly is, even if it is only one large room that we visit.
It closely resembles a mosque in architectural style; but the synagogue was founded by the city's Jews in 1180. An expulsion of the Jews after pogroms in 1355 and 1391 transformed the synagogue into a church and immediately scallop shells were applied to each wall and each column between the drawings. Moors and Jews. A chapel is built and small cherubs are added. This makes for a rather incongruous – but interesting – mix.
The creamy white and gold interior is stunning - and it serves to remind us that it is possible for several peoples to live calmly in one place.
Obviously not all visits are as interesting but the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue certainly is, even if it is only one large room that we visit.
It closely resembles a mosque in architectural style; but the synagogue was founded by the city's Jews in 1180. An expulsion of the Jews after pogroms in 1355 and 1391 transformed the synagogue into a church and immediately scallop shells were applied to each wall and each column between the drawings. Moors and Jews. A chapel is built and small cherubs are added. This makes for a rather incongruous – but interesting – mix.
The creamy white and gold interior is stunning - and it serves to remind us that it is possible for several peoples to live calmly in one place.
Written 12 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vad A.
Maryland112 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
I rated it 3 out of 5 stars:
took one star off because it's empty inside, and one more star off because out of a few smaller museums in Toledo this one is, inappropriately, the most expensive (the Christian Visigoth Church charged only $2 per person and the Muslim Museo Taller del Moro was free - both also very interesting, and you can spend only 30 min, in each of them).
I still give it 3 stars because inside it is quite impressive architecturally with those ecovative rows of Moorish-style columns. Too bad it is so empty that the feeling is of a construction site, not of a temple.
took one star off because it's empty inside, and one more star off because out of a few smaller museums in Toledo this one is, inappropriately, the most expensive (the Christian Visigoth Church charged only $2 per person and the Muslim Museo Taller del Moro was free - both also very interesting, and you can spend only 30 min, in each of them).
I still give it 3 stars because inside it is quite impressive architecturally with those ecovative rows of Moorish-style columns. Too bad it is so empty that the feeling is of a construction site, not of a temple.
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fernando Jose R
Teruel, Spain1,779 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Magnificent monument. The latest restorations have left it beautiful and it is a pleasure to walk among the columns and taste all the art and beauty that is treasured there... but of course, you just have to have an educated palate to distinguish a great wine from one of the tetrabrick, so you have to have a certain culture and artistic sensitivity to see this beauty, something not very common and which leads you to hear not very flattering comments about this gem.
The entrance is included in the Toledo tourist bracelet, a bracelet that I recommend purchasing to obtain a good price on the entrance to the seven monuments included in the bracelet.
The entrance is included in the Toledo tourist bracelet, a bracelet that I recommend purchasing to obtain a good price on the entrance to the seven monuments included in the bracelet.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzach
Leeds, UK72 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Look at the pictures and you’ve seen it!
€4 pp was a completely overpriced- it’s a museum with nothing in it, and no information on display or available. If you feel compelled there is a €12 joint ticket which we asked for to cover many sights but they didn’t sell it there.
€4 pp was a completely overpriced- it’s a museum with nothing in it, and no information on display or available. If you feel compelled there is a €12 joint ticket which we asked for to cover many sights but they didn’t sell it there.
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malgorzata
12,083 contributions
Jun 2021
The synagogue is located in the Jewish quarter of Toledo. Very architecturally beautiful interior. The synagogue was built at the turn of the 12th / 13th century in the Mudejar style. In 1405, the faithful from the nearby parish of Santiago de Arrabal seized the synagogue and converted it into the Church of Santa María la Blanca. The name came from the white color of the walls. The building is not very large, very well-kept, with moderation in its ornamentation, and enchants with its simplicity. It doesn't take long to see it, but it's definitely worth seeing.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
Geneva, Switzerland1,197 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Beautiful building in the former Jewish quarter of Toledo.
Entry ticket included in the « Tourist bracelet », including 7 attractions and sold for EUR 10. Single entry tickets to synagogue can of course be bought individually.
Built in the Mudéjar style, then converted into a church. Marvelous pillars standing out against the white walls. Very peaceful atmosphere.
Entry ticket included in the « Tourist bracelet », including 7 attractions and sold for EUR 10. Single entry tickets to synagogue can of course be bought individually.
Built in the Mudéjar style, then converted into a church. Marvelous pillars standing out against the white walls. Very peaceful atmosphere.
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnmodesto
Modesto, CA816 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is a unique building as other reviewers have observed. It's old and the architectural style is unique and beautiful. Though built as a synagogue it resembles a mosque. You only need to spend 15 minutes here, the decoration and design are delightful. The garden and patio around the building are relaxing and lovely. Entrance is 4 euros, the better deal is to buy the tourist wristband for 12 euros, which allows you to visit 7 ecclesiastical attractions.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RjessMMM
Vancouver, WA595 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Another wonderful Synagogue to visit in the Jewish quarter. Inexpensive to visit and relatively small. The interior architecture is to behold and makes you appreciate what those with artistic skills are able to accomplish. Was not the same level of security as the El Transito Synagogue which was interesting given the world events ongoing. Very peaceful place to visit and appreciate the time and effort to create. Would definitely return again in the future. Enjoy.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,444 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Built in the 12th or 13th century, the Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is considered by many to be the oldest synagogue building still standing in Europe. Interestingly, the building was converted to a Christian church in the 15th century. It is now open only as a museum. It exhibits interesting architecture incorporating elements of Moorish style.
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For those that rated this a poor or terrible, is it because of lack of information, the price, or not as pretty as some of the other places visited?
Written 17 March 2016
It is still an interesting building, it has history going for it.
Written 18 March 2016
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