Named for the author of the "Shulchan Aruch", the original structure was destroyed twice by earthquakes (1759 and 1837). A stone above the entrance commemorates its more recent reconstruction. Local lore tells of the "Magid" who appeared to Rabbi Joseph Caro in the basement of the synagogue, and inspire him in writing his immense work. Stories of miracles concerning the cellar abound, and there are accounts from the 16th century of mysterious sounds that emanated from there at night.
