[April 21, Sevilla]
Spain's relationship with her Jewish citizens has not always a been a celebration of multi-culturalism. Jews at times have felt unwelcome: it is estimated that after the Reconquista 1/3 of Spain's Jews were killed, 1/3 fled the country, and 1/3 converted to Christianity under duress. And the Inquisition was initiated to deal with these latter conversos who were foolish enough to compete too successfully with their good Christian neighbors.
We need not overly rehearse this unpleasantness; every nation, including our own, has a few dirty clothes in the history hamper with respect to minorities. But it is ironic that today Spain profits substantially from its Jewish heritage. One of the most picturesque (and lucrative) tourist areas is the old Jewish barrio, renamed the Barrio Santa Cruz.
A warren of tiny "kissing" lanes (conveniently narrow for fraternizing with the neighbors),
elegant townhouses,
hiding cool, luxuriant patios,
and inviting public plazas dripping with flowers and azulejos.
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