Synagogue Groningen
Groningen
The Synagogue Groningen, built in 1906, is a prominent Jewish religious and cultural building located at Folkingestraat 60 in Groningen, Netherlands. Designed by architects Tjeerd Kuipers and Ytzen van der Veen, the synagogue showcases a distinctive Neo-Moorish architectural style with Oriental horseshoe and keyhole arches, reflecting influences from the New Synagogue in Berlin and the Semper Synagogue in Dresden. The building features a basilica-like layout with a nave, transept, apse, and two side aisles supporting a wooden barrel vault ceiling. Its exterior is marked by two round dome towers, often compared to mosque minarets, and a colorful stained-glass rose window with a Star of David. The interior is richly decorated with olive-green and bright red brickwork, Frisian majolica tile paneling, and Greek ornaments, divided into male and female sections with galleries above. Originally replacing a smaller 1756 synagogue on the same site, it served the Jewish community until 1942, when it was closed by Nazi occupiers during World War II. The building was later repurposed and then sold in 1952 due to the decimation of the Jewish population. Since 1981, the synagogue has been restored for religious services and cultural use, including a permanent exhibition opened in 2021 that explores Jewish culture and the history of Groningen's Jewish communities. The synagogue remains a symbol of Jewish emancipation and heritage in the city, attracting visitors for tours, exhibitions, and educational programs.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to book guided tours in advance to fully appreciate the synagogue's architecture and exhibitions. The best time to visit is during regular opening hours, avoiding winter months when hours may be limited. Discounts or group rates may be available. The permanent exhibition provides bilingual Dutch and English texts for international visitors.
Interesting facts
- •The synagogue is the last and most exuberant example of Neo-Moorish style in the Netherlands.
- •Its design was inspired by the New Synagogue in Berlin and the Semper Synagogue in Dresden, visited by architect Tjeerd Kuipers.
- •The building features two distinctive round dome towers often compared to mosque minarets.
- •The interior includes a wooden barrel vault ceiling composed of decorated wooden slats.
- •Two of the four original ritual baths (mikvahs) from the adjacent Rabbinate house dating from 1890 are still visible.
- •The synagogue can seat over 600 people, with separate sections for men and women.
- •During World War II, valuable Torah scrolls and liturgical objects were hidden in a bank vault to protect them from Nazi confiscation.
History
The Synagogue Groningen was constructed in 1906 to replace an earlier 1756 synagogue that had become too small and dilapidated.
It reflected the Jewish emancipation and growing community in Groningen during the 19th century.
The building was closed by Nazi authorities in 1942 during World War II and used for storage.
Following the Holocaust, in which over 93% of Groningen's Jewish population perished, the community was drastically reduced.
Due to maintenance costs and a smaller congregation, the synagogue was sold in 1952.
It was restored and rededicated for worship in 1981 and now also serves as a museum and cultural center.
Place Guide
Main Sanctuary1906
The central prayer hall features a wooden barrel vault ceiling supported by side aisles, with a richly decorated interior including olive-green and bright red brick walls, Frisian majolica tiles, and Greek ornaments. The space is divided into a men's section below and a women's gallery above, separated by a railing. The apse houses the Holy Ark and the bima, the platform for Torah reading.
Exterior Facade and Towers1906
The west-facing main facade features a central portal flanked by two side portals with balconies and balustrades. Behind these are square towers that taper upward into octagonal shapes topped with bulbous domes and open lanterns. The rose window with a Star of David adds colorful light to the interior.
Rabbinate House and Ritual Baths1890
Adjacent to the synagogue on the Nieuwstad side is the older Rabbinate house built in 1890, which includes four ritual baths (mikvahs), two of which are accessible for viewing. These baths were essential for traditional Jewish purification practices.
Contact
Phone: 050 312 3151