Visiting The Beautiful Dohány Synagogue: An Essential Guide
Discover the beauty and history of the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest with our comprehensive guide.
Learn about the synagogue's stunning architecture, its role in Jewish history, and practical information for visiting this iconic Budapest landmark.
The centre point of Jewish culture and modern Jewish history in Hungary is the Dohány Street Synagogue (the Great Synagogue - book your guided tour here).
Inaugurated in 1859, Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe, and the second-largest in the world and is located right in the heart of the bustling Jewish Quarter. Its size, however, does not detract from its beauty - it’s quite simply one of the most beautiful structures in all of Budapest, and easily our favourite in all of Budapest (and that’s saying a LOT).
Featuring a breathtaking array of ornate architectural details, elegant brickwork and magnificent stained glass windows, the synagogue is a feast for your eyes (and camera). The outstanding domed towers hint at the building’s Moorish/Oriental design inspirations and are the most emblematic part of the building.
The interior is mysterious, combining Moorish elements, including, the splendid organ, impressive Torah ark, gilded detailing and colourful geometrical paintings.
However, while the architecture is stunning, it’s the building’s (and Budapest’s) past that is most intriguing. An important sight for Jewish public life since its inauguration, the Synagogue and surrounding district were at the heart of brutal WW2 atrocities.
The synagogue now serves as a memorial to the lives (and families) lost in Budapest and beyond and as a beacon of solidarity and hope.
A visit here is an essential thing to do in Budapest. This detailed Dohany Street Synagogue guide aims to help you make the most of your experience, including historical details, what to see and experience and essential tips to know before visiting.
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DOHÁNY ST SYNAGOGUE SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Jewish District, Budapest
OPENING HOURS | Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Friday:10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Sunday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
ENTRY FEES | 5,000 HUF per adult
BOOK | Skip the line entry here
THE HISTORY OF BUDAPEST’S GREAT SYNAGOGUE
Not just a pretty building (although it is really pretty), Dohany Street Synagogue
Built in the mid-19th century, The Dohány Street Synagogue was designed by the renowned Viennese architect Ludwig Förster and quickly became the heart of Jewish life and worship in Budapest after its inauguration.
The synagogue's history is deeply intertwined with the complex and often tumultuous history of Budapest's Jewish community. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Budapest was a thriving hub of Jewish culture, with vibrant Jewish neighbourhoods and institutions throughout the city.
Unfortunately, the Synagogue and surrounding district were at the heart of brutal WW2 atrocities.
Hungary joined the Axis in late 1940 in exchange for returned lands lost in the Treaty of Trianon, yet by 1943 the country was keen to side with the Allies, all too aware of the brutal Nazi Germany atrocities.
In March 1944, Germany invaded Hungary, and the Nazis, aided by the Hungarian Fascists, began to deport Jews and Gypsies to the death camps of Auschwitz.
The community suffered greatly during this period, with tens of thousands of Jews deported from Hungary to concentration camps in Poland.
Despite these tragic losses, somehow the Dohány Street Synagogue endured and has since become an emblem of Jewish resilience and perseverance in the city. It underwent a major renovation in the 1990s and is now a vibrant centre of Jewish life in the city, regularly hosting worship services, cultural events, and educational programs.
You can read more about the history of Jews in Budapest here.
A WALK THROUGH THE DOHANY ST SYNAGOGUE
The synagogue complex consists of the Great Synagogue, the Heroes’ Temple, the Cemetery, the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum. We’ve visited the Synagogue many times during our time spent living in Budapest, and each time it has left us in awe.
We suggest taking your time, and slowly walking through each part of the complex, taking in the following:
THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE
The Great Synagogue is an astonishing architectural masterpiece, and in our humble opinion, one of the most marvellous buildings in Europe.
Upon entering the Synagogue, prepared to be blown away by the Moorish Revival style, characterised by the use of horseshoe arches, mesmerising stained-glass windows, intricate tile work, and decorative motifs inspired by Islamic art and architecture.
The Torah ark at the front of the sanctuary is an ornate and impressive structure made of marble featuring intricate carvings and decorative elements. The ark houses several Torah scrolls that are read during worship services.
Apart from its awe-inspiring Torah ark, the Great Synagogue also features other notable architectural details. The sanctuary is adorned with vibrant frescoes and stained-glass windows that create an inviting and warm atmosphere for worshippers and visitors alike. The synagogue's exterior is equally impressive with towering domes and intricate tile work.
The Great Synagogue also houses a stunning historic organ built in 1859 by the renowned German organ builder, Friedrich Ladegast.
The organ comprises over 5,000 pipes and is one of the most impressive organs in Europe. You can enjoy the organ's mesmerising music during special concerts and events held at the synagogue throughout the year.
You can walk through the synagogue in about 15 - 30 minutes, depending on how deeply you admire the intricate details.
THE HEROES’ TEMPLE
The Heroes' Temple is a solemn tribute to the memory of Hungarian Jews who lost their lives fighting in World War I.
Although smaller, this equally impressive building is located within the synagogue complex and features architecture reminiscent of a Byzantine basilica, complete with tall arches and intricate mosaics adorning its walls. We suggest taking a look up at the roof, which is a work of art in itself.
Inside the temple, you can pay your respects to these fallen heroes.
THE CEMETERY
The Cemetery, located next to the synagogue, is another simple yet poignant reminder of the lives lost during the Holocaust.
As you walk through the cemetery, you can't help but feel a deep sense of sadness and loss, with the endless gravestones testament to the thousands of lives that were cut short during one of the darkest periods of human history.
The cemetery itself is not that large, and it takes around 5 - 10 minutes to walk through.
THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
The Holocaust Memorial is a powerful tribute to the victims of one of the darkest periods in human history.
The memorial, located at the rear of the synagogue complex, features several sculptures and installations that serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
Our favourite and the most striking sculpture is the Tree of Life, a weeping willow with the names of some of the lost engraved upon its leaves.
The memorial is a confronting reminder of the enormity of the tragedy and the profound impact it had on the Jewish community in Hungary and beyond.
THE JEWISH MUSEUM
The Jewish museum boasts an impressive collection of Judaica, historical documents, and photographs, with a particular emphasis on the history of Hungarian Jews.
You can explore exhibits on the Jewish way of life, the history of the synagogue, and the impact of the Holocaust on the Jewish community in Budapest.
The museum also features an extensive library and archives, with resources that are available for researchers and scholars.
If you’re keen to learn more about the Synagogue, we suggest joining this popular guided tour of the complex and visiting the various memorials that exist throughout the site, including the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, the Tree of Life sculpture, and the Martyrs' Cemetery. It’s 100% worth it.
BOOK | This popular guided tour of the complex
BUDAPEST GREAT SYNAGOGUE ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS DOHANY ST SYNAGOGUE AND HOW TO GET THERE
The Dohány Street Synagogue is situated in the 7th district (The Jewish Quarter) of Budapest, Hungary (find the location here).
To reach the Dohány Street Synagogue, we suggest walking and/or catching public transportation.
The closest metro station is Astoria, which serves the M2 (red) metro line. Additionally, various bus lines & tram lines are located just a short distance away.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Dohány Street Synagogue is situated in the heart of Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter and is easily accessible from many nearby attractions and landmarks.
READ | Our complete guide to Budapest’s Jewish Quarter
DOHANY ST SYNAGOGUE TICKETS & OPENING HOURS
The admission fee to enter The Dohány Street Synagogue is 5,000 HUF per adult, which grants access to the main sanctuary, the Jewish Museum, and the Holocaust Memorial Room.
BOOK | Skip the line and book your ticket in advance here
For those who want a more immersive experience, we recommend this popular guided tour of the Great Synagogue, which provides an extensive overview of the Synagogue, and its deep history.
The Dohány Street Synagogue is open daily, except on Jewish holidays and the Sabbath.
Opening hours include:
Monday-Thursday |10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
NOTE | The synagogue is inaccessible on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Passover. Always check the up-to-date opening hours before visiting.
DOHANY ST SYNAGOGUE FAQS
ARE THERE GUIDED TOURS OF THE DOHÁNY STREET SYNAGOGUE?
Absolutely, guided tours of the synagogue are available for an additional fee, which you can book in advance here.
You can choose from a range of tour options, including general tours of the synagogue and Jewish Museum, as well as more specialized tours focused on topics such as Jewish history and culture.
BOOK | This popular guided tour of the complex
CAN VISITORS ATTEND WORSHIP SERVICES AT THE DOHÁNY STREET SYNAGOGUE?
Visitors to Budapest are welcome to attend worship services at the synagogue. However, it's important to note that visitors should dress modestly and observe the synagogue's rules and traditions during services - ie. don’t be an idiot.
IS THE DOHÁNY STREET SYNAGOGUE ACCESSIBLE FOR VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES?
The synagogue is accessible to visitors with disabilities. There are ramps and elevators available, as well as accessible restrooms. We suggest visitors with specific needs contact the synagogue in advance to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
OUR BUDAPEST POCKET GUIDE
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