Sofia Synagogue, Sofia, Bulgaria

The Sofia Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Southeastern Europe, one of two functioning in Bulgaria (with the other one in Plovdiv) and the third-largest in Europe.

Constructed for the needs of the Bulgarian capital Sofia's mainly Sephardic Jewish community after a project by the Austrian architect Friedrich Grünanger, it resembles the old Moorish Leopoldstädter Tempel in Vienna and was officially opened in 1909 in the presence of King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. The first preparations for the synagogue's construction date to 1903, while the construction itself had begun on 13 November 1905. The construction of a grand new synagogue was part of the reorganization efforts of the Bulgarian Jewish community under Lemberg-born Chief Rabbi Marcus Ehrenpreis and local leaders Ezra Tadjer and Avram Davidjon Levy. Prior to the construction of the new synagogue, the lot in central Sofia had been occupied by an older synagogue.

One of the architectural monuments of Sofia, the synagogue, located in the very centre of the city near the Central Market Hall, can accommodate 1,300 worshippers. The Sofia Synagogue's main chandelier weighs 1.7 tons and is the largest in the country.

Despite the building's size, the services are normally only attended by some 50 to 60 worshippers due to the aliyah of most of Bulgaria's Jews to Israel and the secularity of the local Jewish population.

The architectural style is essentially Moorish Revival, with elements of the Vienna Secession and, in the facade, Venetian architecture. The main premise has a diameter of 20 m and is 31 m high. It is topped by an octagonal dome. The interior is richly decorated, featuring columns of Carrara marble and multicoloured Venetian mosaics, as well as decorative woodcarving. The entire building takes up 659 m². The biggest chandelier in the Balkans is there and the rumor said it is made from gold from Ancient Palestine.

Since 8 May 1992 the Sofia Synagogue also houses the Jewish Museum of History, which includes the Jewish Communities in Bulgaria, the Holocaust and the Rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria expositions. A souvenir shop is also in operation.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Bulgaria

User Reviews

Rowan Nas (5 months ago)
THIS PLACE IS MANAGED BY RACISTS!!! The security guard denied entry to my partner simply because of his place of birth and said it to him very openly, and the person on the contact line said there’s nothing she can do, and didn’t even apologise. Please DO NOT visit here and support institutional racism!

Amanda I (5 months ago)
Nice synagogue but a huge amount of security to enter. Having just visited the cathedral and the mosque, both of which welcomed me, it was odd and so different with the security of an airport here. Everyone I spoke with told me that religions live harmoniously in Bulgaria. I don't know if that's accurate so can't really comment. It just seemed sad.

Willy Dinata (11 months ago)
The synagogue is the largest in Southeastern Europe, one of two functioning in Bulgaria, and the third-largest in Europe. The architecture is striking, and the interior is equally impressive with its ornate details and peaceful ambiance.

Meir Porat (15 months ago)
One of the most beautiful synagogues I have ever been to. Well looked after and a must visit, not only for Jewish people but anyone who appreciates good architecture. The museum is now closed and entry cost 5 Lev. Not far from the centre of town. The guy who works there is friendly and can give some good information.

Mohammed Asadi (2 years ago)
Nice old synagogue! This one is quite an important synagogue. More than 100 years old with nice and beautiful decoration and architecture. Entrance is only 5 lev. There is quite a security check at the entrance similar to airports. At the time when we visited it was empty only us (Friday noontime). Quite impressive building from inside as well.

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