Budapest has always been an international Jewish cultural hub. Before World War II more than 20% of Budapest’s population was Jewish. The Great Synagogue is located in Dohány Street in the 7th district of Budapest, also called Jewish quarter which radiates Budapest to the maximum: small streets with trendy bars next to decrepit tenements and posh restaurants.
The Great Synagogue was built between 1854 and 1859 in Moorish Revival style with Byzantine and Gothic elements by a Viennese architect called Ludwig Förster. With its three thousand seats it is Europe’s largest synagogue and the second largest in the world.
Architecture of the Great Synagogue
The original building was heavily damaged during the siege of Budapest in World War II. After the war, only the most essential reconstruction works were performed, and the building was in a very bad condition during the years of Communism. It was fully renovated between 1991 and 1996, largely funded by world famous Americans Tony Curtis and Estée Lauder, who are of Hungarian-Jewish descent.
The Western facade has arched windows with stone-carved ornaments and bricks, which bear the heraldic colors of Budapest: blue, yellow and red. Next to the main entrance there are two polygonal towers, each 43 meters high, topped by copper onion domes with golden decorations.
The interior of the Great Synagogue was designed by Frigyes Feszl. Its wall surfaces adorned with colored and golden geometric shapes is vast and ornate. There are two balconies and, unusually, an organ. The 5,000 tube organ was built in 1859; Ferenc Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns are probably the most famous musicians that played on this remarkable instrument.
The synagogue’s ark contains 25 Torah scrolls taken from other synagogues destroyed during the Holocaust.
The Great Synagogue complex
- Synagogue;
- Jewish Museum holds the Jewish Religious and Historical Collection;
- Heroes’ Temple serves as a memorial to Hungarian Jews who lost their lives during World War I;
- Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park holds the Memorial of the Hungarian Jewish Martyrs – at least 400,000 Hungarian Jews were murdered by the Nazis; and
- Jewish Cemetery (the patio garden surrounded by a portico).
The Great Synagogue is one of the most beautiful and most visited buildings in Budapest, as well as the most important religious center of the local Jewish community.
Where to stay near the Great Synagogue
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Budapest M-Square
Leonardo Boutique Hotel Budapest is located in the heart of downtown on Madách Square. This stylish and completely renovated 4-star hotel is just a quick walk from the Great Synagoge and St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest Eye and Hungarian State Opera House on Andrássy Avenue; a few minutes away from the vibrant city center, the bustling night life of the capital. This prime location fits perfectly for business trips or for holidays in Budapest.
Arcadia Hotel Budapest
Arcadia Hotel is located in a splendid historic building which was built in the early 20th century, the interior was designed by the latest fashion, according to newest trends. This 4-star hotel is situated directly in the neighborhood of the Great Synagogue, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Deák Ferenc Square, the most important public transportation hub of Budapest.
ROOMbach Hotel Budapest Center
Roombach Hotel Budapest Center is a 3-star hotel in the fresh and bustling part of Budapest that offers infinitive entertainment and wide selection of cultural and gastronomic excitement. The hotel opened its doors in 2014 and has a very special and eye-catching design. The neighborhood of the hotel is full of cafés, bars, restaurants and stores. The famous Gozsdu Courtyard with its excellent restaurants and bars, as well as the Király and Kazinczy Streets with the best ruin pubs are all there, just around the corner.
Mango Aparthotel
Apartments of Mango Aparthotel in city centre Budapest are the best choice for leisure travellers, all the main tourist sites are within walking distance. These apartments are spacious, nicely furbished and the kitchen is fully equipped. You can feel yourself at home far away from your home.
Have a nice stay in Budapest!
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