The Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue, in Budapest

The Great Synagogue of Budapest is the largest of Europe and the second in the world, just after that of Jerusalem, a strong symbol of the Jewish community of the city. The Budapest audio-guided tour stops here, with respect and gravity, to evoke this monument laden with memory, with its unique Moorish architecture, deeply linked to the tragic history of the community during the Nazi occupation.

The largest synagogue of Europe

With its fifty-three metres long and twenty-six wide, the Great Synagogue of Budapest commands respect. It is the largest of Europe and the second in the world, just behind that of Jerusalem. This emblematic religious building is not content to mark the horizon of the city: it embodies a strong symbol, in particular for the Jewish quarter, formerly transformed into a ghetto during the Second World War. Built in the nineteenth century by an architect of Catholic faith, this place of worship is deeply linked to the tragic history of the Jewish community during the Nazi occupation, that it is fitting to evoke with gravity and contemplation. Requisitioned as an internment camp, then transformed into a radio base and even, it is said, into a stable by the Nazis, the synagogue still carries the stigmata of this painful past. In its garden rest the victims of the ghetto, and a memorial in the shape of a tree of life, each leaf of which bears the name of a disappeared, honours their memory. A monument laden with memory, it is also distinguished by its unique architecture: the alternation of red and yellow bricks and its façades of Moorish inspiration, richly decorated and flanked by two towers, give it an unforgettable appearance. Inside, to be discovered with respect, the immense nave impresses by its ornaments and its great organ. A monumental synagogue and a place of memory, the Great Synagogue is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect and gravity, the largest synagogue of Europe and the second in the world after that of Jerusalem, built in the nineteenth century in a unique Moorish style with the alternation of red and yellow bricks; deeply linked to the tragic history of the Jewish community under the Nazi occupation, it shelters in its garden a memorial in the shape of a tree of life. The Great Synagogue is a place of memory of Budapest. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Great Synagogue lies in the Jewish quarter of Pest, in the heart of Budapest, reachable on foot or by metro. A place of worship and memory, it can be visited with respect and contemplation; entry and guided tours are paying and follow the conditions in force, which vary. It is best to enquire before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Great Synagogue of Budapest a place of memory?

Because it is deeply linked to the tragic history of the Jewish community during the Nazi occupation: requisitioned as an internment camp and damaged by the war, it still carries the stigmata of this period, and its garden shelters the tombs of the victims of the ghetto as well as a memorial in the shape of a tree of life honouring their memory. It is also the largest synagogue of Europe.

Where is the Great Synagogue in Budapest?

In the Jewish quarter of Pest, in the heart of Budapest, in Hungary.