Szeged Synagogue, Szeged, Hungary

The Szeged Synagogue (Szegedi zsinagóga) was built in 1902 and designed by the Jewish Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn (1860–1932), whose work is considered to contain the finest examples of the unique fin de siècle Hungarian blending of Art Nouveau and Historicist styles sometimes known as Magyar style. It served Szeged's large Neolog community.

The building's interior, with its 48.5 meters tall domed ceiling, draws on multiple historical styles to produce its overall Art Nouveau/Moorish Revival style. The rib-like wall above the organ has Gothic origins, while the columns supporting the galleries are Roman.

The interior of the great dome, and all of the building's stained glass, are the work of the artist Miksa Róth.

The design of the Torah Ark alludes to the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Solomon by using sittimwood from the banks of Nile, the wood called for in the building of the Temple of Solomon in 1 Kings. The hinges are in the shape of the Hyssop plant, a plant used in the ancient Temple service.

The Szeged Synagogue is the second largest in Hungary after the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest, and the 4th largest in the world.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Hungary

Address

Jósika utca 10, Szeged, Hungary

See all sites in Szeged

Details

Founded: 1902
Category: Religious sites in Hungary

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Votive Church (0,7 km)
Dömötör Tower (0,7 km)

User Reviews

BARTOSZ Radojewski (2 years ago)
It's a special feeling to enter this monument and stroll through. Majestic and monumental synagogue that reflects the wealth and splendor of old, nonexistent Jewish past of Hungary. Astonishing place!

Simona Ilavská (2 years ago)
Beautiful synagogue. There's 5€ entrance and it was worth it. The interior is just wow - the ceiling is breathtaking.. there's a small exhibit of paintings from holocaust in the back and it's very hard to look at... Aaand it didn't stop some girls of taking selfies in there...

Amanda Stephenson (2 years ago)
Looks amazing from the outside! Sadly we tried to visit on a Monday when it was shut! Advice: check opening times! Shut on Saturdays and Mondays.

Miles Macdonald (2 years ago)
Magnificent building and interior. Unlike the Catholic Votive Church it's not free to visit, but it's certainly worth the small entry fee. Designed by the Jewish Hungarian architect "Lipot Baumhorn" it combines a blend of styles Art Nouveau/Gothic/Moorish Revival. The beautiful dome ceiling with it's stained glass panelling is the work of the artist Miksa Roth. The synagogue is the 2nd largest in Hungary after the one in Budapest and 4th largest in the World.

Paul Heller (2 years ago)
One of the biggest and more beautiful synagogues in the world, this is one of the most important sights to see when visiting Szeged. It's about 10 minutes from the main city center. Unfortunately it was closed when we visited, but just seeing the outside is worth it.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

Szeged Synagogue