Necrópolis Judía

Lucena’s Jewish necropolis is one of the most important in Spain. Three hundred and seventy-four tombs were uncovered, which had adapted to the land’s topography. The burial ritual used was that of inhumation in a single or double pit, sometimes with a niche or side cavern covered with flat stones or Roman tiles.The remains indicate a late medieval period between the years 1000 and 1050, which coincide with Jewish Lucena’s time of zenith.

This 11th century cemetery was discovered when building the Ronda Sur stretch of road in the town, between the Calvario and the road that goes to the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Araceli.One hundred and sixteen tombs were preserved to an optimal condition, thanks to the recovery works carried out on the necropolis.Even a gravestone with Hebrew characters was unearthed, thought to be from between the 8th and 9th centuries, given the type of lettering, as analysed Jordi Casonotas, Doctor in Semitic Philology.