Astonishingly beautiful synagogue in Budapest Hungary
The appearance of the Great Synagogue in Budapest Hungary
The Great Synagogue Budapest is striking for its architectural style, which blends Moorish revival elements with traditional Gothic and Byzantine features. It is characterized by its two large, ornate Moorish-style towers with golden globes at the top. The facade is decorated with intricately patterned brickwork and arched windows, contributing to its imposing and majestic appearance. The interior is equally impressive, with a beautifully decorated central nave, stained glass windows, and a large, ornate ark that houses the Torah scrolls.
History of the Great Synagogue Budapest
The synagogue was built between 1854 and 1859 and was designed by Ludwig Förster, a German-born architect who sought to create a structure that mirrored the aesthetic of North African Islamic architecture and the Alhambra. The choice of the Moorish revival style was intended to signify the distant geographic and cultural origins of the Jewish people. Förster’s design was part of a broader 19th-century European trend of synagogues adopting exotic architectural styles to express the historical journey and diverse heritage of the Jewish diaspora. Additionally, the use of Moorish elements, particularly the intricate arches and ornamental details, not only highlighted the aesthetic beauty but also fostered a sense of solemnity and spiritual depth appropriate for a place of worship.
Significance and Features
The Great Synagogue Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe and the second-largest in the world, capable of seating around 3,000 people.
The synagogue complex includes the Holocaust Memorial, also known as the Emanuel Tree, a weeping willow sculpture with leaves bearing the names of Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust. This memorial was funded by the Emanuel Foundation, with Tony Curtis, an American actor of Hungarian descent, being a notable contributor.
Since the Great Synagogue is located on Dohány Street, which marked the boundary of the Budapest Ghetto during World War II, adding to its historical significance.
The synagogue is not only a place of worship but also serves as a cultural and historical symbol for the Jewish community in Hungary. It plays a key role in educating the public about Jewish heritage and the impacts of the Holocaust.
In Budapest, besides the Great Synagogue, there are other sacral architectural masterpieces. We show you one more of the many very popular and beautiful synagogues.
Kazinczy Street Synagogue
The Kazinczy Street Synagogue in Budapest is a significant Orthodox Jewish sacral place, known for its Art Nouveau style. Built between 1912 and 1913 by the architects Löffler Brothers, this synagogue stands out with its decorative facade and beautiful stained-glass windows, which are particularly noted for their vivid colors and intricate designs. It serves as the heart of Orthodox Jewish life in Budapest, offering religious services, educational programs, and community events. The synagogue not only survived World War II relatively intact but also continued to function during the Communist era when many religious institutions faced restrictions. Today, it’s part of a larger complex that includes a community center, a kosher restaurant, and a bakery, making it a lively hub for the local Jewish community. The Kazinczy Street Synagogue is also famous for hosting the annual Jewish Cultural Festival, which attracts visitors from all over Hungary and beyond.
Budapest is a city of beautiful buildings and architectural masterpieces! For example, many people know Budapest as the city of bridges – and for good reason.
Bridges of Budapest – miracles frozen in eternity
The capital is renowned for its picturesque bridges that span the Danube River, connecting the two parts of the city, Buda and Pest. There are currently eight major bridges in Budapest, each with its own unique history and architectural style.
Bridges of Budapest: Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd)
The Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that was inaugurated in 1849, making it the first permanent stone bridge connecting Buda and Pest. It is renowned for its classic chain-link structure and massive iron chains, symbolizing Budapest’s unification. The bridge is famous for its majestic stone lion statues at both ends, which were added in 1852. It has become an iconic symbol of Budapest and is especially picturesque at night when it is beautifully illuminated.
Margaret Bridge (Margit híd)
Margaret Bridge is a unique truss bridge that was completed in 1876 and includes a distinctive break in the middle to provide access to Margaret Island. This bridge is famous not only for its functional design but also for its elegant appearance, featuring decorative arches and lamp posts. It underwent a significant reconstruction after being damaged in World War II and was fully restored by 1948. Margaret Bridge offers one of the best panoramic views of the Danube and the cityscape of Budapest.
Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd)
Elisabeth Bridge, a sleek cable-stayed bridge completed in 1964, replaced the original bridge that was destroyed in World War II. It is named after Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, affectionately known as Sisi. The bridge is known for its minimalist white design, which stands out against the Budapest skyline. It’s also famous for providing one of the most direct routes connecting the city center with the more residential districts of Buda.
Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd)
Among the bridges of Budapest, the Liberty Bridge was completed in 1896, is an Art Nouveau style structure that was originally named after Franz Joseph I, the Austro-Hungarian Emperor. It is renowned for its green color, decorative elements including the Hungarian coat of arms, and the mythological bronze turul birds perched on its spires. This bridge is a popular spot for pedestrians and has become a favored place for locals to relax and enjoy river views, especially during summer closures to vehicle traffic. Liberty Bridge connects the Great Market Hall with the famous Gellért Thermal Bath, enhancing its popularity among tourists and locals alike.
Petőfi Bridge (Petőfi híd)
Petőfi Bridge, a functionalist style bridge completed in 1937, was rebuilt in 1952 after being destroyed in World War II. Named after the renowned Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi, it links the middle southern part of Budapest, facilitating traffic between Buda and Pest. The bridge is characterized by its straightforward, practical design focused on utility. It’s known for being one of the busiest traffic bridges in Budapest, serving as a vital artery for daily commuters.
Árpád Bridge (Árpád híd)
Árpád Bridge, completed in 1950, is the longest bridge in Budapest, extending over 2 kilometers including the access roads. It connects northern Buda with Pest across the Danube and was designed in a functionalist style, focusing on the needs of post-war reconstruction. The bridge is named after Árpád, the leader who led the Magyar tribes into Hungary. It is known for its important role in facilitating suburban expansion and handling heavy traffic.
Rákóczi Bridge (formerly known as Lágymányosi híd)
Rákóczi Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge completed in 1995, is known for its modern design featuring pylons forming an “A” shape. Originally called Lágymányosi híd, it was renamed in 2011 to honor Francis II Rákóczi, a national hero of Hungary. This bridge was part of an urban development project for the southern parts of Budapest, enhancing connectivity and supporting local growth. It is famous for its aesthetic appeal and as a vital link near the National Theater and the Palace of Arts.
Megyeri Bridge (Megyeri híd)
Megyeri Bridge, opened in 2008, is part of the M0 ring road around Budapest and is a cable-stayed bridge with multiple spans, including the longest in Hungary. This bridge helps divert heavy traffic from inner city areas, contributing significantly to regional traffic flow. It connects several districts across the Danube, facilitating access to various parts of the city and surrounding regions. The bridge is notable for its engineering feat and is a critical infrastructure component for Budapest’s transportation network.
As you can see, the bridges of Budapest are not just functional structures, but rather beautiful, awe-inspiring sights that are simply a joy to walk across and admire the city and the babbling Danube from them.
