Great Synagogue, Jewish temple in Sydney, Australia
Description
The Great Synagogue in Sydney combines Gothic, Romanesque, Byzantine, and Moorish architectural elements into a distinctive house of worship in the city center. The interior holds space for thousands of visitors and displays detailed craftsmanship in plaster, wood, and stone throughout.
History
Construction finished in 1878 under architect Thomas Roe and marked the first major house of worship for Australia's Jewish community. The project reflected the community's desire to establish a permanent place in the city.
Culture
The congregation gathers here for regular worship while opening the doors to interfaith events that bring together people from different backgrounds. This practice makes the building a meeting place that extends beyond the Jewish community.
Practical
The building sits centrally between Elizabeth Street and Castlereagh Street with views toward Hyde Park. Visitors should check in advance whether tours or open visits are available, as regular services take place throughout the week.
Did you know?
The five towers of the building symbolize the five books of the Torah and can be spotted from many points across the city. This design choice often goes unnoticed by visitors but makes the structure a visual landmark that extends far beyond its immediate surroundings.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (New South Wales).
Sydney Tower
269 m
Queen Victoria Building
247 m
Australian Museum
374 m
Sydney Town Hall
327 m
Hyde Park
159 m
St Andrew's Cathedral
322 m
State Theatre
264 m
ANZAC Memorial
371 m
Archibald Fountain
285 m
Citigroup Centre
177 m
Statue of Queen Victoria
245 m
Sydney Town Hall Grand Organ
326 m
Captain James Cook Statue, Hyde Park, Sydney
281 m
Greenland Centre Sydney
151 m
Hyde Park Obelisk
233 m
SkyFeast
245 m
Hong Kong House
294 m
Yininmadyemi - Thou didst let fall
294 m
Banco Road Court
371 m
Sydney Water Head Office
304 m
Century Tower
355 m
Pitt Street Uniting Church
172 m
Trust Building
375 m
107-109 Bathurst Street, Sydney
365 m
Clarence Street Police Station
368 m
Anzac Memorial
369 m
Sydney Supreme Court House
344 m
Garrick Theatre, Sydney
285 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes