Synagogue in Kőszeg, 19th-century synagogue in Kőszeg, Hungary
The synagogue in Kőszeg is a 19th-century building featuring Neo-Gothic architecture with two crenellated towers and a cylindrical main section topped by a flat dome decorated with Baroque paintings. The complex includes a ritual bath, a school for religious education, and a rabbi's residence, serving all aspects of Jewish religious life.
Construction was funded by Baron Philip Schey, the first Jew elevated to Hungarian nobility in 1859, and took place between 1856 and 1859. After extensive renovations completed in 2022, it now serves as a cultural center and venue for religious services.
The synagogue served as the heart of Jewish life in Kőszeg, functioning as a place for worship and learning for the local community. Today visitors can experience the spaces that reflect how Jewish traditions were practiced here.
Visit during regular opening hours when guided tours and cultural events are typically offered. It helps to check ahead about religious services on your intended day, as these may affect access to certain areas.
Inside, an ornately wrought iron grille separates the Torah shrine from the reading platform, creating distinct zones within the prayer hall. This crafted element reveals the care taken in designing the sacred space.
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