Saturday, June 8, 2013

Synagogue of El Transito

 This postcard is from 1935 and shows the interior of the Synagogue of El Transito in Toledo, Spain. It was founded by Samuel ha-Levi Abulafia, Treasurer to Peter of Castile in 1356, and it was thought that King Peter probably gave his assent to the building of the synagogue to compensate the Jews of Toledo for destruction that had occurred in 1348, during anti-Jewish riots that accompanied the arrival of the Black Death in Toledo. The founder eventually fell on bad terms with the king and was executed in 1360. The synagogue was converted to a church after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. The building, which is in a good state of conservation for its age, is currently a museum.

So there's your history lesson. It looks amazing. It was also used as military headquarters during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1877 the building became a national monument.

Love learning new things about history!  I have searched and searched for any information about this stamp, but I have come up empty. I have a friend from Sweden who told me that Spain is the go to warm place to visit in the summer. Since this was sent in July, I will assume our travelers were seeking some sun for their summer foray.