Old Jewish Quarter

Old Jewish Quarters, Cordoba, Spain

In addition to the Mesquita – the Cathedral Mosque - Yes, yes, I haven't yet posted anything on it. Remember patience is a virtue and all that. I'll do it soon, I promise! - we also walked through the old Jewish Quarter (the Juderia) and visited one of the most ancient synagogues in Spain which dates from 1315. 

The “Jewish Quarter” is not a ghetto – a name originating out of Venice, Italy which required Jews to return to the part of the city (the ghetto) where they were segregated during certain hours of the day. In Cordoba the Jews were not restricted.  This area is simply known as the neighbourhood where the Jews lived and is not referred to as a ghetto.

Jews living in Spain and Portugal -- known as Sephardics -- had been living in Toledo and Cordoba for 1,500 years having migrated there from Judea after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. This all changed in 1492 when their quarters were decimated and they were expelled from Spain. That year, as Christopher Columbus was off discovering the New World and Christian armies were booting the last Moors out of Spain, King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella decided to rid Spain of its Jews. Neighbouring Portugal followed suit a few years later. 

Maimonides, a famous Jewish philosopher and author of the Mishneh Torah, was born in Cordoba in 1125. A statue to his honour stands in Tiberiadus Square in the Juderia. 

Old Cordoba city walls
Surrounding the large Old town are the Roman walls with additional entrances or city gates. This gate is the Puerta de Almodóvar. 

I loved the glorious water channels that ran beside them. 

I am a sucker for water features of any sort.

I know you're probably getting tired of me saying this, but don't forget to click on the photos to see them best!