View Large Map

Transito Synagogue and Sephardic Museum of Toledo

The Synagogue of Tránsito is also known as Synagogue of Samuel ha Leví and since 1964 it has housed the Sephardic Museum, which aims to preserve the legacy of Spanish-Jewish and Sephardic culture.

The Synagogue was built by Samuel Levy between 1356 and 1357 at a time when it was prohibited to build such temples. Pedro I of Castile agreed to it in  appreciation for the loyalty of Toledos Jews and their cooperation during the liberation of Toledo by his bastard brothers, the Trastámaras.

In 1492 with the expulsion of Jews from Spain, the synagogue was no longer a religious centre and was taken over by the  Order of the Knights of Calatrava and became a hospital. The prayer room was converted into a Christian church was known as  the Iglesia de San Benito. From the sixteenth century it was used exclusively as a church. During the Napoleonic Wars it housed  military barracks until it was declared a National Monument in 1877. Following the establishment in 1964 of the Sephardic Museum, the synagogue became a part of that museum.

Inside the building is the great prayer room. It is covered by an imposing man made conifer, which is one of the most outstanding examples of the amazing woodwork from the Spanish Middle Ages.

Opening Hours Synagogue of Transito and Sephardic Museum:

Official opening hours Synagogue of Transito and Sephardic Museum

Ticket price Synagogue of Transito and Sephardic Museum:

Official ticket price Synagogue of Transito and Sephardic Museum

Official website Sephardic Museum

All times and ticket prices are approximate. To confirm times and fares see the official sites