Palacio de los Olvidados (Palace of the Forgotten), Granada

The Palace of the Forgotten (Palacio de los Olvidados) in Granada serves as a museum dedicated to exploring the somber themes of the Spanish Inquisition, Jewish history, and the broader heritage of Granada and Andalusia. Situated in the historic Albaicín neighborhood—a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Alhambra and Generalife—this museum is housed in the Casa-Palacio de Santa Inés, a meticulously restored 16th-century building that has been designated a heritage site of cultural interest.

The facade of the building features an enigmatic coat of arms, believed to have belonged to a converted Jew, which displays heraldic symbols asserting the owner's "purity of blood." This historical edifice opened its doors as a museum in 2014 and spans over 7534 square feet (700 square meters) of exhibition space across its grand halls. The museum's terraces also offer striking views of the Alhambra and the Albaicín, enhancing the visitor experience.

The Palace of the Forgotten boasts two permanent exhibitions. The first, "Inquisition: Ancient Instruments of Torture," vividly presents the brutal tools and methods used during the Inquisition. The second, "Interactive Flamenco," offers a dynamic exploration of this iconic Andalusian cultural expression. Both exhibitions reflect the dual themes of cultural richness and historical persecution that characterize the museum's collection.

Key exhibits also include items from the Crespo López Family collection, featuring artifacts related to converted Jews, religious symbols, and various objects used in Jewish liturgical and ritual festivities. Special attention is given to prominent figures in Sephardic culture, such as Samuel ibn Naghrillah, Moses ibn Ezra, and Judah ibn Tibbon.

By intertwining elements of persecution with those of Sephardic culture, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the intertwined lives of Jews in Granada during the Inquisition, highlighting both the oppressive shadow and the cultural achievements of that era. The juxtaposition of gallows and torture instruments with astrophysical tools and sundials underlines the complex legacy of Jewish history in Spain, emphasizing the resilience and contributions of the Jewish community amidst adversity.