We are used to admiring the beauty of Orthodox or Catholic religious buildings. For example, St. Basil's Cathedral or Notre Dame de Paris, which annually receive millions of tourists, enslaving them with their grandeur and beauty. Against their background, synagogues remain somewhat deprived of attention, although for the most part they are the main attractions of the cities where they are built. Today you will learn about the seven most beautiful synagogues in the world, which are in no way inferior to their religious "competitors".
7 very beautiful synagogues from around the world:
1
Jerusalem Synagogue (Prague, Czech Republic)
The Jerusalem synagogue was built in the Czech capital. The second name is Jubilee. It is located between two cream and banana-colored buildings, and immediately attracts the attention of pedestrians strolling along Jerusalem Street. The red-gold striped facade is emphasized by colorful inserts, for example, the turquoise window frames and the Star of David, located under the roof from the front of the building. The synagogue was designed in 1906 by Wilhelm Styassna in the style of Moorish architecture with a splash of Art Nouveau (wrought iron lamps and grapes). Styassny called it Anniversary in honor of the anniversary of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I.
This synagogue is one of the main places in Prague. It accepts believers every day throughout the year, except Saturday, as well as Jewish religious holidays from April to October.
2
Subotica Synagogue (Subotica, Serbia)
The Serbian city of Subotica is located near the Serbian-Hungarian border and is famous for the monuments of Hungarian architecture built in the Art Nouveau style. Located in Yakabai Square, Comor, the Subotica Synagogue is the work of two architects, whose names are named after the square. Marcellus Comor and Deschaux Jakab designed it at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. It was intended as a place of worship for neologists, one of the two Jewish communities prevailing in Hungary, to which Subotica belonged at that time. In the 90s of the XX century, it was designated as a cultural monument of special significance.
The facade of the building is made of brick and ceramics, over which stands a strikingly beautiful dome. But the most interesting is waiting for visitors inside. It is impossible to describe the beauty of its interior, designed in bright orange and floral motifs, it must be seen with your own eyes!
3
Great Synagogue (Budapest, Hungary)
Located in the Hungarian capital, also known as the synagogue on Dohan Street. It is known for being the largest European synagogue, and also occupies the second largest place in the world. The main hall of a religious building can accept up to 3 thousand believers. It is located in the Jewish quarter in the old Pest district, where most of the capital's attractions are located. During World War II, the border of the Jewish ghetto created by the Nazis passed along Dohan Street. The area has witnessed tragic events, and today the religious complex includes a Jewish cemetery, a memorial park, the Temple of Heroes and a museum. Everyone can come and pay tribute to the Hungarian Jews killed during the world wars. The building is illuminated by numerous spotlights that are attached to the vaulted ceiling and illuminate the bright frescoes surrounding the Torah's Ark.
The great synagogue of Budapest was built in the 50s of the XIX century. The building project was handled by an architect from Vienna, Ludwig Förster, later Budapest craftsmen Josef Hild and Friedies Fesl came to his aid. Together, they managed to complete the construction of a masterpiece of architecture, which today attracts thousands of tourists every day.
By the way, this and other beautiful sights of Budapest on our site most-beauty.ru you will find in this article.
4
Uzhgorod synagogue (Uzhhorod, Ukraine)
This synagogue in western Ukraine was built at the beginning of the 20th century, when Transcarpathia was still under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The building is based on the neo-Moorish style that was fashionable at that time, echoing Byzantine architecture. The project was developed by Ferenc Sabolch and Dula Papp.
Today, this building has somewhat lost its original appearance, since after the Second World War there was practically nothing left of the Jewish community in the city. The Soviet government ordered the Philharmonic to be placed inside. Moreover, the building from one-story turned into two-story, which did not change its acoustics for the better. For several decades, concerts were held in the synagogue with the participation of the Transcarpathian Folk Choir. In recent years, the Jewish community of western Ukraine and Hungary has been trying to get the Ukrainian government to return the synagogue under its control.
5
New Synagogue (Berlin, Germany)
It was built in the main city of Germany in 1866. At the time of construction, it was the largest German synagogue. She was used to accommodate the ever-growing number of immigrants from Eastern Europe. The discovery was personally blessed by Otto von Bismarck, who served as Minister-Chairman of Prussia.
Unfortunately, at the time of the end of World War II, the Berlin synagogue was almost destroyed. She suffered the most during the Jewish pogroms, called the Night of Broken Windows, when the building was set on fire and the Torah scrolls were desecrated. However, this is one of the few synagogues in Germany that generally withstood the pogrom. Despite the fact that the New Synagogue is a “stripped down” reconstruction of the original building, it remains a symbol of the Jewish heritage of Berlin, striking passers-by with a bright reflection of the golden dome.
6
Great Synagogue of Florence (Florence, Italy)
This bewitching synagogue is an impressive exposition of high arches, copper domes and a smooth marble facade. Like many similar buildings presented on our list on most-beauty.ru, the Great Synagogue of Florence was built in the Moorish style. At the same time, it includes "interspersed" Islamic and Italian architecture with complex mosaics and frescoes.
The synagogue in Florence can be called the Great, not only because of its appearance. At the time of construction, it symbolized freedom, it was founded after the liberation of the Jewish community of Italy from the post-Napoleonic occupation. Since 1882 it has become a haven for a large Florentine Jewish population. The building was seriously renovated and reconstructed after the devastation of World War II and the flood caused by the exit from the banks of the Arno River. Guided tours of the Grand Synagogue in Florence are held daily except Saturday, during a time free from religious services.
Do not miss, on our site most-beauty.ru there is an interesting article about the most beautiful places in Italy.
7
Szeged Synagogue (Szeged, Hungary)
The facade of the Szeged synagogue will attract your attention when you pass by, but only by going inside you can feel the greatness of this sacred place. Under the impressive domes, you can see elaborate carved prints, stained-glass windows and drawings that show the beauty of the Renaissance and Baroque styles. It was built in 1902 in the Hungarian city of Szeged, located in the south of the country. At that time, the Szeged Jewish community was experiencing its heyday and had a serious impact on the life of the city.
The synagogue is too beautiful to miss if you are traveling in this area of Hungary. She deserves to make a small detour and enjoy the architectural grandeur. Visiting the Szeged synagogue is allowed on any day of the week, except Saturday, from April to October.
Finally
In the photo: Samara Choral Synagogue. Posted by Sergei Prasolov.
So our list of beautiful synagogues of the world has come to an end. The editors of most-beauty are expecting interesting comments from you on this subject. Perhaps you know other equally beautiful synagogues?