Historic Orthodox synagogue in Gibraltar, first post-expulsion Iberian synagogue.
The Great Synagogue of Gibraltar, also called Kahal Kadosh Sha'ar HaShamayim, is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue at 47–49 Engineer Lane in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory. Founded in 1724 by Isaac Nieto of London, it was the first synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula to operate after the expulsions from Spain and Portugal.
The Great Synagogue of Gibraltar, also known as Kahal Kadosh Sha'ar HaShamayim, is an Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory of the United Kingdom. It stands at 47–49 Engineer Lane. The congregation Sha'ar HaShamayim was founded in 1724 by Isaac Nieto from London, who became its first rabbi. The synagogue was inaugurated that year on a plot of land granted to the Jews by the then Governor of Gibraltar, Richard Kane. It was the first synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula to operate following the expulsions of Jews from Spain in 1492 and from Portugal in 1497. It is described as the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Gibraltar and Gibraltar’s principal synagogue. In several sources it is also identified as the oldest synagogue in use on the Iberian Peninsula. The building has been rebuilt several times. A larger synagogue was rebuilt on the same site in 1768 after destruction in a storm, and a subsequent building was destroyed during Spanish attacks in 1781. The present synagogue building largely dates from 1812 and was completed in the Regency architectural style, sharing features with the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam and the Bevis Marks Synagogue in London.
