A recent discovery in the Andalusian city of Utrera initially baffled antiquities researchers. No wonder, because at first they could not understand what they managed to find.
The remains found led to the conclusion that the archaeologists see the 14th-century building as a rare medieval synagogue that survived after the expulsion of the Spanish Jews in 1492. This was confirmed by the analysis of the walls and floors. Presumably a prayer room.
Remarkably, only four such synagogues have survived. Two are in Toledo, one is in Segovia and one is in Cordoba.
And, as soon as this building was not used. Within its walls, there was a church, a hospital, an orphanage, and even a disco pub. Written evidence from a local priest indicates that foreigners and Jews lived here.
The building was purchased in 2016. But the local city council had many questions regarding the price. She was too overpriced. Although there were no official documents that it was a synagogue.
The expulsion of Jews often took place against the background of violent pogroms, and development in the 20th century destroyed much of the medieval city of Utrera.
Researchers hope to discover a hill called a bima and a bath used for rituals.
