Merthyr Synagogue

Merthyr Synagogue is a four-story stone building featuring Gothic Revival architecture in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. It displays hexagonal turrets, pointed roofs, and a high gable crowned with decorative stone finials at its peak.

The Merthyr Tydfil Hebrew Congregation built this synagogue in 1877 to replace their original 1855 building. The new structure was needed to accommodate the growing Jewish population in this industrial town.

This place served as the center of Jewish life in Wales until the 1980s, reflecting how Jewish families shaped the industrial development of the region. Today, visitors can still sense this community's presence through the building's design and character.

The building stands at the junction of Church Street and Bryntirion Road, within walking distance from the town center. Its location makes it easy to visit while exploring the downtown area on foot.

The building displays a Welsh dragon on its gable, possibly the only synagogue in the world with this national emblem. This rare combination reflects how Jewish identity merged with local Welsh culture.

Location: Merthyr Tydfil

Location: Town

Inception: March 1876

Official opening: June 1877

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Elevation above the sea: 196.5 m

GPS coordinates: 51.74690,-3.37447

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00