The Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue

The largest Jewish temple in Europe, built in the Moorish style with a typical copper dome, is one of the most striking and important buildings in Budapest. It can accommodate 3,000 worshippers, making it the second largest synagogue in the world (after the synagogue in New York).

This conservative (not Orthodox) synagogue was built in 1859 to a design by Viennese architect Ludwig Förster and has elements of both Romanesque and Moorish architecture.

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The over 26-metre-wide façade in the sunken Dohány Street creates a monumental impression in the cramped surroundings, which is further enhanced by the turn into Wesselényi, where the synagogue continues its length of over 53 metres.

Closely attached to the synagogue is the Museum of Hungarian Jews.

Admission and opening hours

The synagogue is beautiful from the outside, but you will definitely be captivated by its ornate and, for visitors who have never been to a synagogue before, very unusual interior.

Tours of the synagogue are available daily except Saturday from 10:00-15:00, when the last entry is, but you can stay inside until 16:00. On Fridays, it is only open until 14:00. Detailed opening hours, including holidays when it is closed, can be found on the synagogue's official website: jewishtourhungary.com/en/opening.

Tickets can be purchased at the door and online, and it is not necessary to choose a specific time to visit. The prices are as follows:

  • 10 800 huf - Adults
  • 8 600 huf - student with ISIC card
  • 4 000 huf - children 6-12 years old

Location and transport

The synagogue is located on Dohány utca street right in the centre of Budapest. Other major sights can be reached within a 20-minute walk, but public transport is also available:

  • Astoria station - metro M2; trams 47, 48, 49; buses 5, 7, 8E, 9, 100E, 108E, 110, 110E, 112, 133E; trolleybus 72M
  • Károly körút stop - trolleybus 74

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