Santa María la Blanca Synagogue

Originally known as the Ibn Shushan Synagogue, the Jewish Quarter landmark was converted into a church in the 15th century during a time of rising religious intolerance, which ended with the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. Now a museum, the synagogue retains Islamic design elements and remains known by the name it was given when reconsecrated as a church—which translates as Saint Mary the White.

The synagogue is one of nine monuments covered by Toledo’s ‘tourist bracelet’, which also grants you entry to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Cristo de la Luz Mosque, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, Salvador Church, Jesuits Church, San Juan de los Reyes Monastery, and the Doncellas Nobles School. Many half-day or full-day guided tours include the synagogue as a stop on their itineraries, with some departing from Madrid.

• The Synagogue is very small and can fill up quickly at peak times. Try to go early—before tour guides arrive—so you can admire the opulent interior without the crowds.
• You can buy you admission ticket at the entrance. The ticket office closes 10 minutes before closing time, so make sure you arrive with plenty of time.
• Toledo once had anywhere from 10 to 12 synagogues, only Santa Maria la Blanca and the Synagogue of El Tránsito remain in Toledo. Consider visiting the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue as part of a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of Toledo’s Sephardic Jewish and Muslim history.

The Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue is centrally located in Toledo’s historic Jewish Quarter. If arriving by public bus, the former synagogue is located only a five-minute taxi ride away from the Estación de Autobuses de Toledo. Many tours of Toledo departing from Madrid include a stop at the Santa Maria la Blanca if you prefer to visit with a guide or group.

The Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue is open every day of the year, Monday through Sunday, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The museum keeps limited hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, so be sure to check up-to-date opening times ahead of your arrival. The synagogue also stays open for an extra hour during the summer months.

Also located in Toledo’s historic Jewish neighborhood, this sprawling 15th-century monastery contains a church, two levels of cloisters, and a lush garden. It was commissioned by Isabella and Ferdinand, the Spanish royals known collectively as the Catholic Monarchs, as a testament to the church’s power and influence. The monastery is one of the city’s most acclaimed landmarks and is visitable as one of the nine historical monuments included in Toledo’s tourist bracelet.