Synagogue of Nancy, Historical synagogue in Nancy, France
The Synagogue of Nancy stands at 17 Boulevard Joffre behind a 1935 facade by Alfred Thomas, wider than the building itself. Its pale stone front bears the French inscription "TU AIMERAS TON PROCHAIN COMME TOI-MEME" and a rose window of twelve circular panes around a central circle. Below are three arched windows with dark metal grilles.
The house of prayer was founded in 1788 and counts among the earliest religious structures of its kind in Europe. Major architectural changes occurred in the middle of the 19th century and again in the 1930s, which modernized the building's appearance significantly.
The synagogue's name refers to the Jewish community of Nancy, officially recognised by a ducal ordinance in 1721 that allowed four families to settle in the city. The community founded textile mills, shoe and embroidery manufactures and the department stores of rue Saint-Jean. A Jewish quarter stood near the synagogue, on the site of today's Saint-Sébastien shopping centre, between rue du Grand-Rabbin-Haguenauer and rue des Ponts.
The building requires certain security measures for safety reasons, so it is advisable to contact the administration before planning a visit. Reaching out in advance allows you to arrange necessary access and ensure a smooth experience.
The facade on Boulevard Joffre, added by architect Alfred Thomas in 1935, is wider and taller than the building behind it, giving the synagogue a grander look than its actual size. The round gable is topped by the Tablets of the Law.
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