Water Synagogue, in Úbeda

The Water Synagogue (Sinagoga del Agua) is a medieval synagogue hidden beneath a house at Calle Roque Rojas, 2, on the corner with Las Parras, in Úbeda. It was found by chance by the businessman Fernando Crespo while he was converting a former hairdresser's into tourist apartments. The first studies date it to before the 14th century; it was restored between 2007 and 2010 and has been open to visitors since. It is a private space, shown only with a guide and in small groups.

Six spaces beneath the house

The visit covers six spaces. The most special is the mikveh, the ritual bath, reached down the original medieval staircase, steep and uneven. There are also the women's gallery and the Inquisitor's room, with its courtyard, cellar and ovens, which may have been part of a medieval rabbi's house.

Half an hour with a guide

The visit lasts about thirty minutes and leaves roughly every three quarters of an hour, with more tours in high season, every day in the morning and the afternoon. It is given in Spanish; there are leaflets in English, French, German, Italian and in braille, and guides in other languages can be requested. It costs €6; €4.50 for ages 7 to 12 and for groups of more than fifteen people. It is included in Artificis's guided tour of Úbeda and in the Úbeda and Baeza tourist pass.

You book through Artificis, linked from its website. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand; after that, or if you arrive late or do not turn up, there is no refund. For other languages or tours outside the usual hours, call 953 75 81 50 or 655 55 33 40.

Medieval stairs

Almost all the rooms are reached by stairs, and the way down to the mikveh is narrow and steep: the visit is difficult for people with reduced mobility. Pets are not allowed. Large groups must book in advance, because some of the spaces are small.

In the centre of Úbeda

The synagogue is in the historic centre, like the Plaza Vázquez de Molina and the Sacra Capilla del Salvador. For a meal afterwards, look at Cantina La Estación.