Sinagoga Major de Barcelona

Absolutely worth visiting. A heartwarming example of commitment and unity. The synagogue was founded in the 3rd century AD. In the 15th century, it ceased to function due to persecution of Jews. In 2002, a man named Miguel laffa found out that the synagogue was to be turned into a pub. Thanks to his efforts, the synagogue was restored. Now only the men's section is open. The women's section has not yet been found - apparently, it is on the territory of one of the modern restaurants. Nevertheless, the search continues. The synagogue still houses a Sefer Torah (Torah scroll) from the 16th century. It's still kosher. This is a small basement area. Despite this, it exudes antiquity and grandeur. This project works thanks to the efforts of the Jewish community of Barcelona and donations from all over the world, so I am glad that I was able to visit it.

Wonderful experience but the guy working the desk couldn’t get out of there fast enough. The posted hours are not accurate. They say the last entry is 15 minutes before close- but actually, he closes the whole place 15 minutes before posted time. We arrived about 20 minutes before close. He gave us 5 minutes to look around.

Small and hidden synagogue, one of the oldest ones in Europe! Worth a visit, it contains two chambers only. Very kind staff inside.

Incredible experience!!! To be in a synagogue over 1000 years old... You can see the foundation from Roman times. The story of how it was uncovered is amazing. Make sure you follow a map because the entrance is so unassuming that you're liable to walk by the synagogue and never realize it's there.

I didn’t have an opportunity to get in but the signs in the street were interesting. The yellow emblem is not related though.

Very interesting tour of this second oldest synagogue in Europe tucked away in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. A must see! Elena who was our docent was extremely knowledgeable about the history of this important synagogue that is lovingly and thoughtfully restored.

Located in the Jewish quarter within the Gothic quarter of the city, the Major Synagogue of Barcelona was the most emblematic point of the Jews in Barcelona, although today it is not a place of worship, its cultural objective is the evolution of the Jewish presence, its customs, the heritage and the relationship with the Catalan people. This synagogue was hidden for a long time after the Jews were expelled in 1492 and was recently rediscovered. A very small place full of history for a synagogue that dates back a 1000 years. The guide and explanations were very good and it is worth a visit to learn more about the community.

Very small Synagogue (I know it's called Major, but it's tiny). Thats because jews weren't allowed to build big synagogues in order not to overshadow christian churches. I almost missed it, so be on the look. Ticket price is just 4 EUR, but I wish I left more to support this place. They have some interesting religious artifacts, including tora scripts, menorah, etc.

Arcaeologists proved the structure of the building was built in the 3rd or 4th century. The building was significantly expanded during the 13th century. Medieval Barcelona is known to have had several synagogues, and the main synagogue was certainly in the immediate area. King James I visited the synagogue in 1263 at the conclusion of the Barcelona Disputation. The Jews of Barcelona were massacred in 1391. The building was used for many purposes and its original use was forgotten. Over the centuries, additional stories were added to the building. In 1987, researchers identified this as the location of the Sinagoga Major. Research was based on a reconstruction of the route followed by a 13th century tax collector that ended at the Sinagoga Major.

A small synagogue located in the heart of Barcelona. It's hard to find but well worth visiting here. Lots of history, especially with Sephardic Jews in Spain. Much different than other synagogues I have attended.

it took us a couple of times to find the tiny, almost underground doorway leading to the synagogue but it was worth it. a powerful visit to a place where Jews worshipped one thousand years ago, but not in at least 600 years.