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:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1902
Category: Religious sites in Hungary

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

BARTOSZ Radojewski (8 months 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 (9 months 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 (10 months 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 (11 months 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 (12 months 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.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.