Synagogue of Biarritz, Religious building in Biarritz, France.
The Synagogue of Biarritz is a Jewish house of worship in the coastal city and features Romano-Byzantine architecture with stone balustrades on its exterior. Inside, the benches run perpendicular to the space, and the main prayer area is anchored by a Héchal at the back.
The building opened on September 7, 1904, and was the final major Jewish place of worship built in southwestern France during that era. The interior furnishings came from an earlier synagogue in Peyrehorade that was sold in 1899, creating a link to older Jewish spaces in the region.
The interior showcases Arabic-inspired design elements, particularly in the rear section with its distinctive portico, while the front wall displays the Tablets of the Law with passages from Leviticus. These details reflect the artistic choices the local Jewish community made when creating their place of worship.
The building is accessible during the warmer months with heightened activity, especially in summer when regular services take place. The best time to visit is Friday evening or Saturday, when the community gathers for worship.
The benches are arranged perpendicular to the space, a feature less common in synagogues that creates a distinctive prayer experience. This unusual layout shapes how visitors perceive and move through the room.
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