Sofia's central synagogue is one of the city's most beautiful monuments and one of only two active Jewish shrines in Bulgaria.

The synagogue in Sofia is the largest in southeastern Europe and one of the largest on the entire continent. According to the number of people who can fit in the synagogue, it is the 6th largest in Europe.

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Synagogue in Moorish style

This beautiful and well-maintained building was completed in 1909. Its architect Friedrich Grünanger gave it an ornate Moorish-style architecture, both on the facade and in the interior.

The size of the synagogue corresponded to the number of Jews living in Sofia at that time. During the 20th century, however, the vast majority of Jews gradually emigrated from Bulgaria to Israel, and today the synagogue is attended by an average of 50 to 60 worshippers.

Synagogue

Admission and opening hours

Although it may not look like it at first glance, the synagogue is also open to the general public and tourists.

In fact, there are strict security measures in place. You must first ring the doorbell and state the reason for your visit (tourism). After that, you will be subjected to a thorough security search, where you will be taken through a security frame and shown the complete contents of all your backpacks or bags.

The synagogue is open daily except Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It remains closed on Saturdays.

Admission is charged at the rate of 5 bgn and can only be paid in cash.