Dating to as early as the 3rd century, the synagogue has been described as the oldest in Spain and one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. No congregation prays regularly at the Ancient Synagogue, however it is used for festive occasions, such as B'nei Mitzvah and weddings.
Archaeological investigations show that the original structure of the building was built in the third or fourth century; whether this structure was the synagogue cannot be said with certainty. The building was significantly expanded during the 13th century. The Jews of Barcelona were massacred in The building was then used for many purposes and its original use was forgotten.
Over the centuries, additional stories were added to the building. His research was based on a reconstruction of the route followed by a thirteenth-century tax collector that ended at the Sinagoga Major.
Iaffa noted that the structure had been built in compliance with religious requirements that the building should face Jerusalem and that it should have two windows. The Sinagoga Major was opened to the public in , and it drew 20, visitors during In , two Canadians became the first couple to be married at the Sinagoga Major in more than years.
Contents move to sidebar hide. Article Talk. Read Edit View history. Tools Tools. Download as PDF Printable version. In other projects. Wikimedia Commons Wikidata item. Ancient synagogue in Barcelona, Spain. Carrer Marlet, in the old Jewish quarter of Barcelona. The Sinagoga Major is on the left. Synagogue 3rdβ14th centuries Profane use 15thβ20th centuries Synagogue since Jewish museum since Location of the synagogue in Barcelona.
