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The Great Jewish Synagogue in Budapest

The Great Synagogue of Budapest – A Walk Through Jewish History

Home » DESTINATIONS » Europe » Hungary » The Great Synagogue of Budapest – A Walk Through Jewish History

Last Modified: June 12, 2024 //  by Anda //  32 Comments

The Great Synagogue in Budapest is not your typical Jewish temple. If you ever visited a synagogue before you probably noticed they are quite simple and austere places of prayer. But not this one!

Located on the Pest side of Budapest, in the Jewish Quarter, the Great Synagogue stands tall and majestic. This is the largest Jewish temple in Europe and the second largest one in the world.

Table of Contents

  • The History of the Great Synagogue in Budapest
  • What to Expect Inside the Jewish Synagogue of Budapest
    • The Great Synagogue Complex
  • Tips for Visiting the Jewish Synagogue in Budapest

The History of the Great Synagogue in Budapest

The second half of the 19th century was a period of prosperity for the Jewish community of Hungary. As a result, the Jews founded many institutions during this period, including the Great Synagogue in Budapest. 

The building was designed by Ludwig Förster, a German architect who believed that there was no distinctively Jewish architecture. As a result, he chose “architectural forms that have been used by the Israelite people.” The construction ended in 1859.

Synagogue interior
Interior of the Jewish Synagogue

At the time, the Great Synagogue in Budapest was quite an architectural achievement. With its golden dome and its lavish interior, the synagogue was the pride of the Jewish community in Budapest. 

Sine Jews have always been entrepreneurial merchants, many of them were very affluent people. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that there is so much opulence in this synagogue

The Great Synagogue in Budapest
The Great Jewish Synagogue in Budapest

During World War II, the Germans used the synagogue as a radio communication center. As many other structures in Budapest, the synagogue suffered a lot of damage during the bombings of 1944. The building remained in a state of total disrepair until the 1990s, when a full-scale restoration began.

What to Expect Inside the Jewish Synagogue of Budapest

The Great Synagogue in Budapest has a central nave resembling that of a cathedral. The nave has Moorish decorations with a mixture of Byzantine and Gothic elements.

The interior walls have oriental motifs in shades of pink. There are beautiful frescoes and ornaments, many chandeliers, lamp-brackets, a beautiful pulpit and even an organ.

In line with the ancient Jewish tradition, at the east wall of the Synagogue stands the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark contains the Torah scrolls (the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible).

During the World War II a couple of Catholic monks hid the scrolls, thus saving them from the Germans. The scrolls were returned to the Jewish community.

Inscription on the building façade
The Façade of the Great Jewish Synagogue in Budapest

On top of the synagogues you can see the stone tablets with the ten commandments. Above the main entrance gate there is an inscription in Hebrew. The inscription reads: “And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25,8).

Today the synagogue’s community is more inclined toward integration into the Hungarian society. As such, they practice a less traditional form of Judaism which allows women to sit in the same room as men. In the same new spirit, they allow organ music during the ceremonies. 

The Great Synagogue Complex

The synagogue complex consists of the Great Synagogue, the Heroes’ Temple, the Cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum.

Hero's temple
The Heroes’ Temple of the Jewish Synagogue in Budapest

The Heroes’ Temple was added to the complex in 1931. The Temple is a memorial to the Hungarian Jews who lost their lives during World War I. The temple can seat about 250 people and serves as the meeting place for religious services during winter time.

Sanctuary of the Heroes Temple at the Synagogue
The Sanctuary of the Heroes’ Temple (Jewish Synagogue in Budapest)

In the backyard of the Synagogue there is a small Jewish Cemetery. This may come as a surprise, as it’s not customary to have a cemetery next to a synagogue. However, this burial place was the result of a historical circumstance.

The Synagogue Graveyard
Great Synagogue’s Graveyard

During the winter of 1944-45 over 2,000 people died in the Jewish ghetto. Since they couldn’t find any other place to bury them, the community created a mass grave in the back of the Synagogue.

The Synagogue backyard
Great Synagogue courtyard

The Holocaust Jewish Memorial sits in the rear courtyard, behind the Synagogue and the Heroes’ Temple. It resembles a willow tree on whose leaves are the names of the 400,000 Hungarian Jews who died by the hands of the Nazis in WWII.

The Holocaust Jewish Memorial
The Holocaust Jewish Memorial at the Great Synagogue in Budapest

The Jewish Museum is adjacent to the synagogue. The museum features Jewish traditions, costumes, as well a detailed history of Hungarian Jews.

READ NEXT: How to Spend a Magical Holiday in Budapest in Winter

Tips for Visiting the Jewish Synagogue in Budapest

You can visit the Great Synagogue in Budapest every day of the week except for Saturdays, during their prayer services. Guided tours in several languages are available between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

The tours are very informative and even entertaining, therefore I highly reccoment booking one if you plan to visit the synagogue complex. You’ll hear amusing stories and get valuable insights into the Jewish community in Budapest.

Street view of the building
Street view of the Synagogue

Inside the synagogue men have to wear a small skullcap called kipah or yarmulke (handed out at the entrance). Women have to have their shoulders covered.

The Great Synagogue in Budapest is primarily a house of prayer and worship, but it occasionally hosts cultural events and music programs. Visiting it is a must of you have at least 3 days in Budapest.

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Category: DESTINATIONS, Europe, HungaryTag: Budapest, Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bryna - Dotted Line Travels

    August 1, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    The Great Synagogue looks so beautiful both inside and out. And the willow tree memorial is a beautiful way to remember those who lost their lives because of the Holocaust.

    Reply
  2. Rhonda Albom

    July 30, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    The Great Synagogue in Budapest looks absolutely stunning. I like the mix of architectural styles including the towers that could easily be thought of as minarets. I like that the complex includes educational and memorial parts to explain the past and recent history of the Jewish people.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      July 30, 2018 at 10:13 pm

      If you are ever in Budapest, you should go visit it, Rhonda.

      Reply
  3. California Globetrotter

    July 30, 2018 at 8:42 am

    Wow what a beautiful synogague!! I didn’t know about this one on our first visit!! Will definitely have to check it out! Love the history and the intricate patterns!

    Reply
  4. Dorothy

    July 30, 2018 at 5:14 am

    As I read your post, I wondered how the Great Synagogue in Budapest survived World War II. I’m glad that they were able to restore it to its original magnificence and honor the Hungarian Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis.

    Reply
  5. Elaine Masters

    July 29, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    Visiting this Synagogue was a highlight of my Budapest trip. So much sorrow and beauty. I’m very impressed by the tours in many languages and the touching stories. May the world never forget or repeat the atrocities.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      July 29, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      You are so right, Elaine!

      Reply
  6. Cynthia | Adventuring Woman

    July 28, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    How incredibly beautiful and unusual. Budapest is high on my list of places I really want to go, and I will be sure to visit this synagogue when I do. I appreciate the historical background on the Jewish community in Budapest. It’s shocking that 400,000 Hungarian Jews were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The synagogue itself is a meaningful memorial.

    Reply
  7. Mary {The World Is A Book}

    July 28, 2018 at 9:49 am

    What a beautiful building inside and out. This is definitely a very ornate one and I love the details. I’d love to visit Budapest one day soon and this would be on my must see list. The Holocaust Jewish Memorial is so special and what a great and unique tribute.

    Reply
  8. Rob

    July 28, 2018 at 8:31 am

    We are always moved by the beautiful architecture, art, and detail in religious buildings of all types. The Great Synagogue in Budapest is no exception, and so unique in its Moorish style and decidedly Catholic elements. That makes it seem inviting and all-encompassing to us. Perhaps that inspires the congregation to be more integrating and modern. The complex looks so peaceful and pretty, and the interiors are just stunning. Thanks for putting the complex on our radar, Anda!

    Reply
  9. Donna Janke

    July 28, 2018 at 8:23 am

    The Budapest Great Synagogue is stunning. If I get to Budapest I will definitely take the tour to see it and hear about its history.

    Reply
  10. Sara

    July 28, 2018 at 6:01 am

    Wow, this is a lovely synogouge! I’br only seen the outside and the Tree of Rememberance. I’d love to do the guided tour though.

    Reply
  11. Esther

    July 27, 2018 at 11:10 pm

    I simply love that building and have visited it every time I went to Budapest!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      July 27, 2018 at 11:23 pm

      I like it too, Esther. It’s such a beautifully ornate place of worship.

      Reply
  12. Jessica Norah

    July 27, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    Wow, really beautiful interior! It is great that the ticket also gets you into other sites as well.

    Reply
  13. Emese

    July 27, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    Beautiful! And so much history… I never visited this Synagogue. I’ll have to make it a point to get there next time I visit Budapest. Thanks for the tour, Anda.

    Reply
  14. Anisa

    July 27, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    Beautiful. I wanted to see the Synagogue when I was in Budapest, but just didn’t have time. Hopefully, I can see it next time I’m there.

    Reply
  15. Kristy

    June 17, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    The Synagogue is beautiful! I cannot pick the right word to describe it while looking at the pictures here, I think it will be more awesome if I can see it for real. I hope I can also go there someday but for the mean time I will jot it down on my bucket list of must go places.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 18, 2015 at 9:32 pm

      I hope you’ll visit the Great Synagogue in Budapest someday, Kristy.

      Reply
  16. Anda Galffy

    June 15, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Thank you Vlad. By all means, go visit it on your next trip to Budapest. You won’t regret it.

    Reply
  17. Suze The Luxury Columnist

    June 15, 2015 at 9:43 am

    I never visited the Great Synagogue in Budapest, I was there briefly to run a half marathon (of which enough said!) but I would love to return. The synagogue in Rome where I was recently looked very impressive too

    Reply
  18. Jolanta aka Casual Traveler

    June 14, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    What a beautiful and ornately decorated place! Thank you for sharing all those gorgeous photos. It’s so good that the synagogue was restored to its former glory. That’s quite a landmark.

    Reply
  19. Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats

    June 14, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Wow, that first photo is really stunning! I have not been in very few Jewish synagogues and didn’t realize they could be so ornate.

    Reply
  20. Victoria @celebratetheweekend

    June 14, 2015 at 11:17 am

    I think my first comment disappeared. Thank you for this enlightening post, Anda. I do wonder why the temple is Moorish in style..and whether there are other similar ones in Europe.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 15, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      The synagogue was built in Moorish style because Jews didn’t have a personal architectural style at the time. The architect who built the synagogue tried to use a style that would be characteristic for Asia Minor and the Moorish style was the closest. I don’t know if there are other similar one in Europe, but I know for sure the one in New York is built in the same style.

      Reply
  21. Rhonda Albom

    June 13, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    Wow. Just wow. This is the most beautiful and intricate synagogue I have ever seen. I was only in Budapest once, back in the 80s, so it would have been before the restoration and I have no memory of going here. I remember it being a beautiful city, but now I want to go back, just to see this temple. . I would imaging seeing all the names on that Holocaust Memorial would be really emotional. Thanks for the photo tour and the details

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 15, 2015 at 5:15 pm

      There is one built in the same style in New York, Rhonda. If you ever make it there you’ll be surprised how similar they are.

      Reply
  22. Melodie K.

    June 13, 2015 at 12:05 am

    In a city as beautiful as Budapest, a synagogue as grand and ornate as this one fits right in. The Holocaust Jewish Memorial seems stark by contrast, yet it is probably where I’d go first. (How is it the great cities so often host great tragedy?) And then the Jewish Museum. Thanks for the info, Anda ~ I’ll make it a point to visit the Jewish Synagogue complex whenever I get to Budapest.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 15, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you, Melodie. I hope you’ll get to visit Budapest.

      Reply
  23. Ruth

    June 12, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    What an impressive building! I have never seen a synagogue so beautiful (the ones I have visited are very simple). Interesting how the place has elements of other religious but still manages to be unique.

    Reply
  24. Lydia C. Lee

    June 12, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    It’s stunning – very Moorish too, in design (I hope that’s ok to say that? Please delete if offensive…)

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 12, 2015 at 5:27 pm

      It’s not offensive at all, Lydia. That is actually the style of the synagogue. It’s sort of strange though, I agree…

      Reply

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