Old Synagogue

The Old Synagogue is a Romanesque and Gothic place of worship in Erfurt, Thuringia, with four surviving outer walls and striking medieval windows. The building now houses a museum and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The building was founded in 1094, making it the oldest surviving synagogue structure in Central Europe with its original roof. It endured wars and destruction before eventually being reopened to the public as a museum.

The name reflects the medieval Jewish community that once lived and worshiped here. The surviving spaces show how these people practiced their faith and the craftsmanship they invested in their building.

Access is through guided tours of varying lengths that provide good understanding of the place. Visitors should prepare for uneven floors and narrow stairs, as the medieval building is not fully accessible for mobility issues.

During archaeological excavations in 1998, a hidden treasure of more than 3,000 silver coins and medieval jewelry was discovered here. This find reveals how residents protected their valuables from danger.

Location: Erfurt

Inception: 1094

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Part of: Jewish-Medieval Heritage of Erfurt

Website: http://juedisches-leben.erfurt.de/jl/de/mittelalter/alte_synagoge

GPS coordinates: 50.97860,11.02930

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03