Description of the attraction
The old synagogue in Barcelona is one of the oldest, perhaps even the oldest, not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. The synagogue is located almost in the very center of the city, in the Jewish quarter. Unfortunately, little has survived from the original ancient building, except for the base, but this does not detract from the sacredness of the place where it is located. The synagogue building has been restored and, thanks to the efforts of historians, it has been used primarily as a museum since 2002. Therefore, visitors to the old synagogue can not only admire its interior, but also listen to an excursion in which they will tell about the historical facts of the Jewish people living on the territory of modern Barcelona, as well as how this synagogue was discovered.
Of particular value, not only for Jews, but also for all connoisseurs of history and ancient culture, is the Torah scroll kept here.
This building is actually an echo of history, as its foundations date back to Roman times. Part of the structures and the facade of the building was built in the 13th century. The upper part of the building was completed in the 17th century. As it should be, the facade of this ancient synagogue faces towards Jerusalem, where the Jerusalem Temple was located. Each visitor to the synagogue, passing through its doors, bows his head, thus honoring the memory of the destroyed Jewish community.
Today the synagogue is not used for daily prayers. In addition to providing guided tours, it also hosts meetings and celebrations of the local Jewish community.
