The archaeological investigations led by Alfonso Fanjul have confirmed the existence of a medieval synagogue in the Pueblo Viejo of Belchite, with findings that represent the first preserved remains of a medieval prayer platform in Europe. The work, conducted during the fourth edition of the international archaeological campus, has provided definitive evidence following the indications obtained in 2024.
The archaeologists have located the ‘tevá’ and the ‘bimah’ (prayer platform), essential elements in any medieval synagogue, built with rammed earth, bars, and iron handrails. These remains have been exceptionally preserved under the rubble of the building.
The most significant discovery is a painted mural representing the central part of the ‘menorah’ (seven-branched candelabrum), identical to the one found in the synagogue of Híjar. Additionally, an extensive 14th-century plasterwork has been documented, confirming the building’s religious use during that period.
Documentary Evidence
The thousands of charred barley remains found correspond with the only existing documentary reference, which indicates that the synagogue was later converted into a barn. The fire that destroyed the building in modern times allowed the preservation of these elements.
The archaeological campus, promoted by the Belchite City Council through the Pueblo Viejo Foundation and the Spanish Association of Military Archaeology, included 27 students from the United States, Canada, England, and the Netherlands.
Aragonese Architectural Connection
Alfonso Fanjul emphasizes that the architectural and decorative parallelism with the synagogue of Híjar suggests the existence of a medieval Aragonese architectural school for Hebrew places of worship.
The regional government’s minister of Education, Culture, and Sports, Tomasa Hernández, has highlighted the extraordinary nature of the discovery. The mayor of Belchite, Carmelo Pérez, has indicated that this discovery would make Belchite the sixth medieval synagogue open to visitors in Spain, which would allow access to the Network of Jewish Quarters of Spain.
Twenty Archaeological Evidences
The study includes a total of 20 pieces of evidence confirming the synagogal use of the building, including its eastward orientation, dominant location in the Jewish quarter, three-nave structure, exterior buttresses identical to those in Híjar, dimensions typical of medieval Spanish synagogues, and the existence of a structure for the ‘mikvé’ (Jewish ritual bath) at the rear.
