The Dohány Street Synagogue, also called the Great Synagogue, is a famous landmark in Budapest. It’s the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world. This beautiful building is more than a place for prayer – it represents the Jewish community’s history, culture and strength, especially during difficult times like the Holocaust.
Since the Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE, synagogues have been at the heart of Jewish life. They became places for prayer, learning and gathering. The word “synagogue” comes from Greek, meaning “house of assembly,” which reflects their purpose. Across centuries and continents, synagogues have adapted to the needs and traditions of Jewish communities while remaining deeply rooted in spiritual practice and learning.
A unique architectural masterpiece
The Dohány Street Synagogue was built in 1859, during a time when Jewish life in Hungary was changing. The community embraced a modern approach to Judaism called the Neolog movement, which adapted traditions to fit modern times.
The synagogue’s design is a mix of styles, with Moorish Revival architecture as its main influence. German architect Ludwig Förster created the original plans, but Hungarian architects Ignác Wechselmann and Frigyes Feszl also played important roles. Together, they made the synagogue a stunning example of 19th-century design.
Key features of the synagogue
- Size: The building is 53.1 meters long, 26.5 meters wide and 26 meters tall, and can hold over 3,000 people.
- Style: Its design blends Romantic, Byzantine and Moorish elements, with colorful decorations and domes.
- Holy Ark: The ark holds Torah scrolls and is beautifully decorated with Jewish symbols like the Star of David and the Menorah.
- Orientation: Like many synagogues, it faces east toward Jerusalem.
The synagogue also reflects the Neolog movement’s ideas, balancing tradition with modernity. For example:
- Seating: While men and women were still separated, they worshipped in the same space, with men seated on the ground floor and women on balconies.
- The organ: The synagogue has an organ, which is unusual in Jewish worship spaces, symbolizing the Neolog movement’s openness to adopting elements from Christian church architecture.
The organ itself has a storied history. First installed in the 19th century, it was rebuilt multiple times, most recently during the synagogue’s 1991–1996 restoration. The current organ, designed by Professor Gábor Lehotka, incorporates 4,500 pipes and is renowned for its exquisite sound quality.
For centuries, synagogues have been centers of learning. At Dohány Street, education remains a key focus. Adults can attend programs that encourage lifelong study of the Torah, reflecting the Jewish belief in the importance of both prayer and learning.
The Holocaust and the synagogue’s role
During World War II, the synagogue became part of the Budapest Ghetto. Around 70,000 Jews were confined to this area in 1944, facing starvation and violence. The synagogue’s garden became a burial site for many victims, which was unusual for Jewish traditions.
Today, the garden is a memorial, with features like:
- The Tree of Life: A sculpture of a weeping willow with leaves engraved with the names of Holocaust victims.
- Mass Graves: The resting place for over 2,800 people who died during the Holocaust.
- Resistance Memorials: Monuments honoring Jewish resistance figures, including Hanna Szenes and Rezső Kasztner, alongside tributes to those who saved lives, such as Raoul Wallenberg.
The synagogue is also known for its amazing acoustics. It hosts concerts and events, attracting visitors from around the world. Nearby, the Hungarian Jewish Museum offers a glimpse into Jewish life through exhibits of artifacts, documents and ceremonial items.
Between 1991 and 1996, the synagogue was restored, thanks to support from donors like Estée Lauder. In 2009 the Hungarian National Bank celebrated its 150th anniversary with a commemorative coin.
Visiting the Dohány Street Synagogue
When visiting, keep the following in mind:
- Dress Code: Men must wear a head covering; sleeveless clothing is not allowed.
- Etiquette: Visitors are expected to respect Jewish traditions, and security checks are required upon entry.
- Tickets: Admission includes access to the synagogue, garden and museum.
The Dohány Street Synagogue is more than just a building – it’s a powerful symbol of Jewish history, culture and resilience. Visiting offers a chance to experience its beauty and learn about the triumphs and challenges of the Jewish community in Budapest.
- Address: 1074 Budapest, Dohány u. 2.
- Official website: jewishtourhungary.com
- Opening hours
- Ticket sale
- Accessibility: metro lines M2, M3, M4, M1; buses 133E, 7, 74, 8E, 9; trolley bus 74
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