Dubrovnik Synagogue, Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Old Synagogue in Dubrovnik is the oldest Sefardic synagogue still in use today in the world and the second oldest synagogue in Europe. It is said to have been established in 1352, but gained legal status in the city in 1408. Owned by the local Jewish community, the main floor still functions as a place of worship for Holy days and special occasions, but is now mainly a city museum which hosts numerous Jewish ritual items and centuries-old artifacts.

Located in one of the many tiny streets of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, it is connected to a neighboring building which has long been owned by the Tolentino family, who have been caretakers of the synagogue for centuries. The internal layout is different from other European synagogues and has gone numerous refurbishments throughout the centuries, and has a mixture of designs from different eras. The building has sustained damage several times, with the great earthquake in 1667, World War II, and the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s. The damage has since been repaired as closely as possible to its original design.

References:

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Religious sites in Croatia

User Reviews

Adrienne Yaron (8 months ago)
Fascinating exhibit of the history of the Jewish Community in Dubrovnik over the centuries. Beautiful little synagogue. Worth a visit! Little judaica shop next door has a nice selection too

Eric Mischel (8 months ago)
Interesting and important landmark but the cost of entry was pretty steep given there isn't much to see and nobody to guide or explain much.

Arie Duque (9 months ago)
Great visit. Very powerful experience. Also, the women at the entry were charismatic and fun.

John Sterling (9 months ago)
Beautifully maintained tiny synagogue. Easy to find in a side street. The history alone was with the visit.

Maria Martinez Martinez (9 months ago)
I cannot believe I paid 10 euros to see that. It is literally a room smaller than my kitchen and it takes you 10 seconds to see. If I knew this, I wouldn't have visited even for free. Ridiculously overpriced for what it is.

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