Ari sfaradi Synagogue, 14th-century synagogue in Safed, Israel

The Ari sfaradi Synagogue is a small stone building in Safed, founded in the 14th century and rebuilt after the 1837 earthquake. Inside, a blue decoration scheme recalls the Sephardic belief in the sanctity of the color blue. The Ark is on the southern wall facing Jerusalem, with the bimah in the center. A mikveh beside the synagogue is traditionally linked to Rabbi Isaac Luria.

The structure was originally founded in the 14th century and later became known by the name of the celebrated Sephardic scholar who lived in the area during the 16th century. Safed was a center of Jewish religious and mystical learning at that time.

The synagogue reflects the long history of the Sephardic community in Safed, where visitors can walk through courtyards and sense the connection between the building and the scholars who studied there.

The synagogue stands on ha-Ari Street, above the old cemetery, and is closed to tourists on Shabbat. It serves as a prayer and study venue for Hasidim and Sephardic Jews, with regular services and classes, so visits fit around worship times. The Breslev Hasidim built their own complex beside it in the 1990s.

A small alcove on the eastern side is linked to stories of a great scholar who is said to have studied deep teachings there. This spot draws visitors interested in learning more about the mystical traditions of the region.