Dohány Street Synagogue

Dohány Street Synagogue

The Dohány Street Synagogue is located in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Built between 1854 and 1859, it is the largest synagogue in the Eurasian continent and the second-largest in the world after the Temple Emanu-El in New York's Fifth Avenue.

The traditional design of synagogues is based on the Temple in Jerusalem, but as no visual references of the original temple remain, synagogues around the world vary greatly in architectural style, heavily influenced by local cultures and other religions. A typical synagogue includes an "Ark" (Aron Kodesh) that houses the Torah scrolls; a raised platform (Bimah) used for reading the Torah; an eternal flame in the form of a seven-branched menorah, a symbol of Judaism said to be inspired by Moses seeing an olive tree burning on Mount Sinai; and a pulpit (Amud) facing the Ark, from which the rabbi leads prayers. Like mosques, synagogues do not allow idols or images. Some rabbis suggest that synagogues should have only 12 windows, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel led by Moses out of Egypt, and expressing hope for the unity of all Jewish people. However, due to architectural needs, not all synagogues adopt this design.

The Dohány Street Synagogue was designed and built by a renowned 19th-century Viennese architect. The entire structure is 75 meters long and 27 meters wide, constructed in Byzantine-Moorish style, with decorative elements mainly inspired by models from North America and medieval Islamic Spain. During World War II, the synagogue was severely damaged by the Nazis. It was not until 1991 that restoration began, and the work was completed in 1998, when the synagogue was reopened to the public.

Dohány Street Synagogue

Must-visit reason: The largest synagogue in Eurasia

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Hungary[Hungary]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Pest County [Pest County]

City where the attraction is located: Budapest [Budapest]