Templo Libertad, Synagogue in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Templo Libertad is a synagogue at 769 Libertad Street in Buenos Aires, near the Teatro Colón. Its eclectic historicist facade combines Romanesque Revival and Byzantine influences, modeled on 19th-century German synagogues. The front features concentric semicircular arches with a Star of David, a priestly blessing above the entrance, the Tablets of the Law, and twelve medallions for the Tribes of Israel. Inside, three tall naves with marble columns seat 700, and an apse with stained glass lights the Torah.

The Jewish congregation was established in 1862 and built this synagogue in 1897 to serve its growing community. Major renovations in the 1930s transformed the building into the form we see today.

The congregation, founded in 1862, is the oldest in Argentina; its name, Templo Libertad, comes from Libertad Street, where the synagogue stands at number 769. The building also houses a Jewish history museum, and the Walcker organ is used for weekly concerts in collaboration with the Teatro Colón.

The temple is located in the downtown area and welcomes visitors with guided tour options available. Checking ahead about service times helps you plan your visit to see the interior at its best.

The Walcker symphonic organ, Opus 2339, was made in Ludwigsburg in 1931 for this synagogue and is one of only three Walcker organs built for synagogues before 1933 that survive worldwide. It was silent for 15 years, then restored by Argentine technicians in 2016–2017 with new pipes from Germany and reopened on 8 June 2017 with Chancellor Angela Merkel present.