Guide to La Juderia — the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba

If you are spending a day or two in the Andalusian city of Cordoba you simply cannot miss the Jewish quarter, known locally as La Judería. It’s winding streets and tapas tavernas will greet you and the history there will have you hooked. La Judería was declared a world heritage site in 1994. If you have a limited amount of time in Cordoba do not worry — you can see this area in as little as just half an hour. Don’t miss the Maimoinedes statue and the 14th Century Synagogue.

How to get to the Jewish Quarter Cordoba (La Judería)

The Jewish quarter in Cordoba is easy to find from the Mezquita (the famous Mosque-Cathedral which can be used as a point of navigation in Cordoba). From the North East corner of the Mezquita, head down Calle Juderia and you know that you are on the right path to the Jewish quarter. Here is a map highlighting how to get there and the main sites of La Judería.

History of the Jewish Quarter in Cordoba

The Jewish Quarter in Cordoba, also known as the Juderia, has a rich and complex history dating back to the Roman period. The Jews have a long history in Spain, dating back to the Visigothic period (6th-8th centuries), and they were particularly prominent in Cordoba during the Islamic period (8th-15th centuries).

During the Islamic period, Cordoba was a center of learning and culture, and the Jewish community played an important role in the city’s intellectual and commercial life. The Jewish Quarter was located in the heart of the city, near the Great Mosque (now known as the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba), and was home to a number of synagogues, shops, and homes.

However, in 1391, anti-Semitic riots swept across Spain, and the Jewish Quarter in Cordoba was not spared. Many Jews were killed or forced to convert to Christianity, and their homes and synagogues were destroyed. Despite this, the Jewish community in Cordoba continued to exist, although it was greatly diminished in size.