Main Synagogue Of Barcelona

What was once the centre of Jewish life during the 13th century might go completely unnoticed today, nestled amongst the tiny streets that make up the Call or Jewish Quarter. The Main Synagogue of Barcelona is not only the oldest in Spain but in all of Europe. Nowadays, only its subterranean level is open to visitors. What is most interesting is that despite the temple’s importance, it was discovered almost by accident.

The attacks suffered by the Call and the dismantling of Jewish culture in Barcelona brought about the synagogue’s growing decline. Eventually it was largely forgotten, becoming first a dry-cleaner and then a warehouse for electrical supplies.

For years the space lay unnoticed until, towards the end of the 20th century, a study undertaken by the Call Association of Barcelona discovered that the place had been a Jewish temple. Steps were taken to ensure its restoration. Sometime later, excavations revealed the remains of Roman walls underneath the synagogue floor. The ruins date back to the reign of the Emperor Caracalla around the 2nd century. Nowadays, the ruins are protected by a glass surface, which allows visitors to walk around above them.

The temple’s main facade faces southeast towards Jerusalem. It has two large glass windows. Between them stands a wrought iron candelabra with seven arms (also called a menorah). Next to it is the scroll which contains scriptures from the holy book, the Torah.