Hobart Synagogue, Religious building in Hobart, Australia.
Hobart Synagogue is a religious building on Argyle Street with an unusual Egyptian-style architecture distinguished by trapezoidal windows and lotus-topped columns. The interior preserves the original layout with defined seating areas that have characterized the building since its creation.
Built in 1845 by architect James Thomson, the building arose from the garden of formerly convicted Judah Solomon to serve the growing Jewish population. This founding came at a time when Tasmania attracted significant Jewish immigration.
The interior shows how men and women historically occupied separate sections during services, a practice that shaped the layout of the space from its earliest days. This division remains visible today and reveals much about the traditions that guided the community.
The building sits centrally in Hobart and is easily recognizable from the street, with its distinctive architectural features making it stand out. Visitors should expect narrow stairs and the feel of earlier centuries, as the interior has remained faithful to its original state.
The building is the oldest synagogue structure in all of Australia and stands as one of the few remaining examples of Egyptian Revival architecture built for religious purposes worldwide. This rare combination makes it a remarkable testament to both Australian and Jewish architectural history.
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