Casa de Sefarad (House of Sefarad), Cordoba

Tucked in the narrow alleyways of Cordoba's Jewish Quarter is an old 14th-century house called the House of Sefarad (Sepharad is the Hebrew name for Spain). At one time, it connected to the neighboring Synagogue via an underground tunnel. Today, the building serves as a Jewish heritage museum filled with exhibits documenting Jewish history and culture in Spain. The House of Sefarad (Casa de Sefarad) is also known as the "House of Memory."

Inside the museum, you'll find displays offering an eclectic array of historical clothing, jewelry, ceramics, artwork, religious relics, and artifacts. The museum is comprised of several rooms that surround a central courtyard. Each room focuses on a theme, including domestic life, music, religious customs, festivals, and language.

One of the rooms is dedicated to five dominant women of the historical kingdom Al-Andalus (the Muslim-ruled area of Spain). Another room of the museum focuses on the persecution of the Jewish people during the Spanish Inquisition, featuring documents and other artifacts. There is also a space dedicated to the life of Maimonides, a Sephardic Jewish philosopher born in Cordoba.

Don't miss spending a little time in the beautiful central courtyard. There are arcaded porches, balconies, and vine-covered colonnaded walkways along the sides. The pebble mosaic floor of the patio features a striking design with a Star of David in the center. Sometimes music is performed in the courtyard.