Hurva Synagogue, Jewish synagogue in Old City, Jerusalem
Hurva Synagogue is a Jewish house of worship in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, recognizable by its dome that rises 24 meters (79 feet) above the ground. The building follows a Byzantine Revival style with tall columns, arched windows and a spacious interior that can accommodate several hundred people.
A first prayer house was built here in 1700 and destroyed in 1721, after which the site remained in ruins for over a century. A new building was dedicated in 1864 and stood until 1948, when it fell during fighting and was only rebuilt in 2010.
The name refers to a former ruin that once stood at this location and today serves as a center for worship and religious festivals. Men and women use separate sections during prayer times, a practice visitors can observe during their visit.
Guided tours provide access to the main halls and the basement area, where visitors can see archaeological remains of ancient ritual baths. The entrance is located on the western side and can be reached by stairs or an elevator, making the visit possible for people with limited mobility.
A large stone arch on the northern side remained standing through every destruction and was deliberately incorporated into the new structure during each reconstruction. Visitors today can see the old stone layers directly next to the newer additions, making the long history visible at a glance.
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