The settlement of "El Castil De Los Judíos" (Molina de Aragón, Guadalajara)

Abstract

This paper presents the analysis of the building identified as a synagogue in the Hispanic-Jewish settlement of "El Castil de los Judíos" in Molina de Aragon (Guadalajara, Spain).In the first plane, an examination of both its architectural layout and its internal decorations is undertaken, which leads to a preliminary volumetric reconstruction. In addition, the relationship this space might maintain with a large adjacent building is evaluated, suggesting the possible existence of an urban complex of religious meaning composed of several structures with different physiognomy and functionality.Many of these aspects should be considered hypothetical because the fragmentary remains do not allow for categorical statements. However, the similarity of some elements recorded in the synagogues of Molina and Lorca could indicate a more or less standardized internal layout, which in the case of other medieval synagogues —such as El Transito and Santa Maria la Blanca in Toledo or that of Córdoba— would have disappeared after their conversion into Christian churches.