Dohány utcai Zsinagóga

Linda Jarvis a month ago

I had an excellent tour. The local guide grew up in Budapest's Jewish community. She was very knowledgeable. The current exhibit was well arranged, and absolutely fascinating.

Susan Samuels a month ago

The Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest is the largest synagogue in mainland Europe and one of the largest in the world. It is remarkable for several reasons, including the cemetery in its courtyard. During the winter of 1944–45, more than 2,000 people who died in the Budapest Ghetto—many from starvation and exposure to cold—were buried there in mass graves. Some graves identify the victims by name, while many remain unknown. The interior may remind visitors of a Christian church because of its spacious nave-like layout, galleries, and large pipe organ. However, it is a synagogue designed in a distinctive Moorish Revival style. The building’s two prominent towers are often mistaken for bell towers, but they do not contain bells. The organ is an important and unusual feature for a synagogue and has been played by notable musicians, including Franz Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns.

Maria Ngo 4 months ago

The synagogue has a very unique architectural style and layout. The interior decor blends Jewish, Islamic, Romantic, and historic revival styles. The layout borrows its form from cathedrals e.g. rectangular shape, pulpits, bemah placed at the front, pipe organ, stained glass windows and a nave with two aisles. It was inaugurated in 1859 and caused quite a sensation. There is a cemetery in the courtyard, a sculpture called "tree of life" and a stained glass feature installation which is dramatic and colourful. There is also a tribute to Raoul Wallanber in the rear of the property. A small museum and photo exhibit of the 1944-45 ghettos period can be seen in two different areas. The museum entry is to the left after security check point and the photos exhibition in a room just before you enter the rear courtyard. There are English (and several other languages) tour guides starting from the pews inside the synagogue. It's a free tour. You just have to wait in the language section of your choice identified with an American flag for English speakers. I have not seen anything like this before and I thought it was worth visiting.

Bin B 5 months ago

The Synagogue is an incredible building, with an amazing but heartbreaking story to tell. The tours guides are very good, engaging and explain the brutal history well. My issue is that it doesn't justify the 35 Euro per person entry fee. The museum part if the Synagogue was also disappointing as many artifacts had no supporting information to support the items displayed. Yes, it's worth the visit, but needs improving to warrant the entrance fee

Michael Scherer 5 months ago

No matter what your background is, you should go and visit. You do need to buy tickets (dont remember the price) at the door and be prepared to go through security. The staff are very polite You cant bring in any food. There are walking tours but we were running short on time so we didn't get to. experience it.

Claire Bayly 6 months ago

We visited the synagogue the day after their Hungary's national holiday. We waited for a tour which was very worthwhile. Our tour guide was interesting and passionate about the history, both about the building and the Jewish way of life. We also went into the museum and the second synagogue. Both were impressive! Would recommend going along.

Anup Aurangabadkar 6 months ago

Visiting the Dohány Street Synagogue was one of the most meaningful experiences during our time in Budapest. Also known as the Great Synagogue, it is one of the largest synagogues in the world, and the scale of the building is truly impressive the moment you see it. The beautiful Moorish-style architecture, striking twin towers, and intricate details make it stand out as one of the most remarkable landmarks in the city. The interiors are just as stunning. The vast prayer hall, ornate decorations, and detailed design reflect the immense cultural and historical importance of this place. As you walk through the complex, it quickly becomes clear that the visit is about much more than admiring architecture. The synagogue, museum, and surrounding memorial areas together tell powerful and moving stories about the Jewish community and its history in Hungary. I would highly recommend planning your visit either early in the morning or later in the evening. The synagogue is a very popular attraction and tends to get quite busy during the day. Visiting during quieter hours makes it easier to move around and take the time to read and understand the exhibits. Also, make sure to keep at least

Adam Dudley 6 months ago

What an amazing place, just the scale leaves you in awe, the style and beauty just add to the experience. We were guided around here, and other parts of the Jewish Quarter by Benjamin, a Jewish native of Budapest, who was friendly and very knowledgeable. Totally worth the time to see.