Szeged Synagogue
Csongrád
The Szeged Synagogue, also known as the Great or New Synagogue, is a prominent Neolog Jewish synagogue in Szeged, Hungary. Completed in 1902 and designed by architect Lipót Baumhorn, it is celebrated for its eclectic architectural style combining Art Nouveau, Moorish Revival, Gothic Revival, Roman, and Baroque elements. The synagogue features a striking 48.5-meter tall dome with interior decorations by artist Miksa Róth, including stained glass windows that depict important events in Jewish history and faith. The Torah Ark is crafted from sittimwood, symbolically referencing the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Solomon. It is Hungary's second largest synagogue after Budapest's Dohány Street Synagogue and ranks as the fourth largest worldwide. Beyond religious services, the building serves as a concert hall and cultural venue, valued for its excellent acoustics and seating capacity of 1,340. The synagogue stands as a key historic and architectural landmark in Szeged, reflecting the city's diverse cultural heritage and the Jewish community's significant presence.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check event schedules in advance as the synagogue hosts concerts and cultural events. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when guided tours and concerts are more frequent. Tickets for events may require advance booking. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. The synagogue's central location makes it easily accessible by public transport.
Interesting facts
- •The Szeged Synagogue is the second largest in Hungary and the fourth largest in the world.
- •Its dome reaches a height of 48.5 meters (159 feet).
- •The stained glass windows and dome interior were created by renowned artist Miksa Róth.
- •The Torah Ark is made from sittimwood from the Nile, referencing the Temple of Solomon.
- •The synagogue contains a Hungarian-language inscription inspired by Rabbi Immanuel Löw: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
- •The building was renovated in 2017 with a significant investment to preserve its heritage and improve acoustics.
History
The Jewish community in Szeged was officially established in 1791, with their first synagogue built between 1800 and 1803.
By the late 19th century, the community had outgrown its previous synagogue, prompting the construction of the New Synagogue from 1900 to 1902.
Designed by Lipót Baumhorn, this building is considered his most significant and beautiful work, incorporating numerous architectural styles to express the diversity and assimilation of the Jewish people.
The synagogue was renovated in 2017 with substantial investment to preserve its structure and enhance its function as a cultural venue.
Place Guide
Main Dome1902
The synagogue's dome stands 48.5 meters tall and features intricate interior decorations symbolizing the world, including Hebrew inscriptions representing Torah, work, and love of humanity. The dome's stained glass windows, created by Miksa Róth, depict symbolic flowers and the Star of David surrounded by sun rays.
Torah Ark (Tebah)1902
Crafted from sittimwood sourced from the banks of the Nile, the Torah Ark alludes to the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Solomon. Its hinges are shaped like the Hyssop plant, used in ancient Temple services.
Stained Glass Windows1902
All stained glass windows were designed by Miksa Róth and depict significant events from Jewish religion and history, including the construction of the synagogue itself and the 1879 Great Flood of Szeged.
Contact
Phone: 06 20 586 4415
