Synagogue in Metz, Synagogue in central Metz, France.

The Synagogue in Metz is a Romanesque Revival house of worship on rue du rabbin Élie Bloch. Its light beige facade has yellow-ochre stone trim, three arched doorways with blue doors, and rows of round-arched windows; a round window above the central door bears Hebrew lettering. Inside, the nave is flanked by side aisles with women's galleries above, and the Torah ark stands raised behind three steps.

The present synagogue was inaugurated on 30 August 1850, replacing a first prayer house built on the same spot in 1609 (or 1619) and a second one added alongside in 1716 with a Talmudic school. The Consistory decided on the new building in 1839, when the Jewish population of Metz numbered about 2,400. It was listed as a monument historique on 6 December 1984.

The bimah, where the cantors stand, sits mid-nave rather than at the front as in German Reform synagogues, and is raised two steps and enclosed by a wrought-iron grille. The Ark, set in the rear wall, has four columns, a carved vault and a red velvet parokhet embroidered with gold. The space is lit by 400 gas jets on brass candelabra and Byzantine-style chandeliers.

The location is situated downtown and easy to reach on foot, with clear signage for visitors. It is wise to check visiting hours beforehand, as access can vary depending on religious services and observances.

On 25 September 1657 Louis XIV, aged 19, visited the synagogue accompanied by his younger brother, the Duke of Anjou; the source records him as the first French sovereign to enter a synagogue. In 1782 the Count of Provence, the future Louis XVIII, came in turn and praised Rabbi Aryeh Leib Gunzberg's learning.