Budapest is a city rich in Jewish history and has a large and well established Jewish community with one of the largest jewish populations in Eastern Europe. This is highlighted by the magnificent Central Synagogue or as some call it the Great Synagogue which is the largest synagogue in Europe, the second largest functional synagogue and the fifth largest in the world. The Synagogue is located on Dohany street which is located in the heart of Budapest in district 7 and is considered the centre of Neolog Judaism.
The Synagogue has a very rich history and was built in 1854 by Ludwig Forster, it stands almost 44 meters tall, 75 meters long and 27 meters wide and is a prominent part of the many historic buildings which make Budapest such a unique city. The Synagogue is an example of the resilience of the jewish community as its original predecessor was destroyed in 1939 by the Arrow Cross Party which were sympathizers to the Nazi party. Furthermore, the Synagogue was used as a base for German radio and as a stable during World War II. Inside the Synagogue it is mandatory to wear a kipah or yarmulke, which is provided. Once you enter the synagogue you will be instantly amazed by its vast interior which is highlighted by two balconies, an organ and an ark which contains 25 torah scrolls which were taken from other synagogues destroyed during the Holocaust.
The Dohany Street Synagogue is the centre piece of a Jewish complex and is surrounded by the Jewish Museum, the graveyard, the Holocaust memorial and the Heroes’ Temple. The Heroes’ Temple is used as a memorial for Hungarian Jews that lost their lives in World War II and is also used for religious services on weekdays.The Jewish Museum is full of historic jewish artifacts, has a Holocaust room dedicated to millions of people that lost their lives in the Holocaust and also holds collection of religious relics of the Pest Hevrah Kaddishah (Jewish Burial Society), ritual objects of Shabbat and the High Holidays.
Images about the Synagogue in Budapest
Other sights around the Synagogue
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Andrássy út
- Jewish Quarter
- Astoria
Tours covering the Synagogue
- Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
- Half Day Sightseeing Tour in Budapest
- Budapest City Walking Tour
- Budapest Photography Walking Tour
- Bike Tour in Budapest
- Budapest Segway Tour
Further Information
Address: 1074 Budapest, Dohány u. 2.
Tel.: +36 (1) 462-0477
Opening hours:
November – February: Sunday to Thursday 10.00 – 16.00, Saturday closed
March – October: Sunday to Thursday 10.00 – 18.00, Saturday closed
For further information please visit the official website.
View Larger Map
No Comments