Santa María la Blanca was originally built around 1180 as a synagogue by Jewish craftsmen under Christian rule. Its construction reflects a period of relative coexistence in medieval Toledo, where Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities cohabited.
Located within Toledo’s old Jewish Quarter, Santa María la Blanca is unlike any other monument in the city. With its horseshoe arches, whitewashed walls, and beautiful symmetry, this former synagogue is worth adding to your Toledo itinerary. Built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest surviving synagogues in Europe though today, it functions as a museum rather than a religious space.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know for your visit, from its layered history to what you can expect to see inside.
One of the most distinctive features is the series of elegant horseshoe-shaped arches that run through the space. These are a key feature of Moorish design and create a flowing, open interior that feels more like a hall than a traditional synagogue or church.
The 24 octagonal pillars topped with floral capitals create a clean, uniform rhythm inside. Their white finish reflects natural light, giving the space a calm and open feel.
Look closer and you’ll see fine examples of Mudéjar decoration like plasterwork patterns and motifs that were influenced by Islamic art. These touches blend with the Romanesque and Gothic features added later.
Santa María la Blanca is one of the best-preserved examples of Mudéjar architecture in Spain, a style that emerged under Christian rule but borrowed heavily from Islamic art and design. The horseshoe arches, use of brick and plaster, and geometric ornamentation are all typical of this tradition.
What makes it more unique is the building’s original function as a synagogue. Unlike later synagogues that drew influence from Gothic or Renaissance design, this one mirrors the aesthetics of Islamic mosques from Al-Andalus. It’s one of the few spaces in Europe that gives you a visual sense of how deeply connected these cultures were.
Most visitors spend about 20 to 30 minutes exploring the site. The layout is simple and open, making it an easy and peaceful stop during a walking tour of Toledo’s Jewish Quarter.
Yes, entry to Santa María la Blanca is included with the Toledo Tourist Bracelet, which offers access to several key monuments across the city for a single price.
The building is a rare example of Mudéjar architecture built for Jewish worship. It blends Islamic design with Romanesque structure, reflecting the multicultural history of Toledo in the Middle Ages.
Absolutely. Many full-day tours from Madrid to Toledo include Santa María la Blanca as a stop. It's close to other landmarks like the Church of Santo Tomé and Synagogue of El Tránsito, making it easy to see several sites in one route.
