Islamic influence

Toledo (Castilla la Mancha), Spain

This synagogue was designed and decorated by Mudejar architects (Muslims who submitted to the rule of Christianity) in times when Jews, Muslims and Christians peacefully co-existed.  The Islamic influence stands out making it look more like a mosque than a synagogue.  The cross in the background was added in the 15th century when times went turbulent.  The synagogue was taken over in the Christian Reconquista and converted into a church.