University of Toledo - Blockhouse Yearbook (Toledo, OH)

Page 29 text:

,-ji.. v 'i , ff 1 tx f'l'lu'i SXV1i1'lUiLllL' 'Ill 'I-ransitof' Toledo, Spain Iaiini Interior Sxiiaeueiie 'Santa Maria Ia llI.uiita. lol1.'tl...Sp.nu Santa Maria la Blanca. lt is perhaps of more architectural value than this, but inferior in ornamentation, riches and luxury. However, the beams of the ceiling of El Transito are of much interest. These beams are said to be made of Cedars of Lebanon brought from Asia with a tremendous transportation Cost, at the expense of the founder. Ke, K

Page 28 text:

regutinnSlini1icr Iimiumin AlL'NKl?'lTT'Cl11DlC, Toledo, Ohio Santa Maria la Blanca, Toledo, Spain N the eastern section of the City the jews had a large colony and their famous Synagogue, Santa Maria la Blanca. Later, this Synagogue was trans- formed into a mosque, and then taken and conscf crated by the Christians. Since there is little in architecture which is purely Hebrew, the Synagogue is of Arabic architecture. Built about the Xl cena tury, they took the ancient basilicas as model to build the interior of the Synagogue. There is little of interest about the exterior, with the exception of the patio where one finds the pools for the abluf tion ceremony used by the early worshipers. Contemplating the magnificent naves of its interior and thc twentyfcight arches, which, in form of a horse shoe, rest on thirtyftwo columns with mosaic and capitals, one has the impression as Gautier said, of finding oneself really in the Orient. Someone else remarked that the interior of this Synagogue is more beautiful and more delicate than the Roman edifices. EI Transito HIS is another synagogue which is a sample of the Opulence of the Israelites in Toledo and of the luxury of the XIV Century. This Synagogue, built by a jew, Samuel Levi, Treasurer of King Don Pedro the Cruel, does not resemble in any way

Page 30 text:

Hospitals and Crphanages, Toledo, Spain HERE are several hospitals and orphanages in Toledo, among them the Hospital of Tavera, Hospital of Santa Clara, Hospital of San juan Bautista, and Hospital of Santa Cruz, which really are museums of architectural art worth seeing. As mentioned on page 20, there is a complete museum ol pharmacy of the XVI century in the Hospital of San juan Bauf tista. The Hospital of Santa Clara, founded by a Cardinal, is the most finished sample of the transition from the Cothic epoch to the Renaissance. The entrance, the patio and the stairway are splendid. These gentlemen, thanks to their enormous wealth, filled with marvels of art these ediliccs dedicated to alleviate suffering. ig ks'-wi Patio of Hospital nl 'l'averi Toledo, Spain The Hospital of Tavera is notable for its double patio, formed by arches, somewhat similar to those of the Alcazar. All these Hospitals have their own church, and the outstanding feature of the church of the Hospital Tavera is the tomb of its founder, the last work of the famous sculptor Berruguete, who died there upon the completion of this masterpiece.