The Heritage of Three Faiths in Spain

Spain is an excellent venue for religious and educational leaders who want to foster ongoing religious education and interfaith understanding among members of their congregations and those of neighboring faith communities. Before the expulsion of the Muslims and Jews in the late 1400s, the Iberian peninsula had enjoyed periods of time when Christians, Muslims and Jews lived side-by-side and, in some instances, were enriched by positive interfaith and intercultural sharing of art, architecture, theology, language and science.

Here visitors can learn about the heritage, beliefs and practices of other faith traditions in a context that invites wonder, awe and respect. Spain is a friendly land and is eager to welcome visitors of various traditions who want to learn more about their history, to uncover examples of how these communities had once fostered mutual respect, and to think critically about how easy it is to slide into a state of mistrust, fear and misunderstanding.

Program Objectives

Discover the History of Sephardic Judaism

This program includes an overview of the history and life of Jews in Spain through the end of the 15th century. Visits will be made to historic Jewish neighborhoods and synagogues (in Toledo and Cordoba) the Sephardic museum in Toledo, and the Barrio Santa Cruz in Seville. These places enable visitors to contextualize Jewish life in places where Islamic and Catholic cultures dominated.

Explore Islamic Civilization in Andalusia

The program outlines the ascent and decline of Islamic civilization in Spain. Visits will be made to some of the greatest Islamic monuments in the world - such as the Alhambra Palace and the Mezquita. The program compares and contrasts the theological vision underlying Islamic and Christian culture, art and architecture.

Trace the History and Milestones of Christianity in Spain

While the history and influence of Jewish and Muslim communities in Spain persists, the country is undoubtedly rooted in a proud and passionate Catholic heritage. Spain is an excellent venue for studying important epochs in the history of Christianity, for exploring Christian art and architecture, and for understanding many of the perspectives and traditions that shaped Latin American history and its religious impetus.

Schematic Outline of Program Visits

Illume works with religious and educational leaders to design programs around specific objectives of their congregations and/or organizations. A program exploring the heritage of three faiths in Spain ideally includes visits to Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, and Sevilla. Toledo includes important Jewish sites, Granada and Cordoba include important Islamic sites, and all of the cities include important historical Christian sites. All of these destinations include opportunities to consider the intersection of these traditions.