Great Synagogue of Florence, Moorish Revival synagogue in Florence, Italy
The Great Synagogue of Florence is a synagogue in Moorish Revival style featuring exterior walls of white travertine and pink limestone. A large copper dome crowns the structure, accompanied by two symmetrical side towers.
Construction began in 1870 after David Levi donated his estate for the project, occurring during a period of Jewish emancipation in Tuscany. The building was completed during an era when Jewish communities gained greater visibility and civil rights in Italy.
The prayer hall displays walls decorated with geometric patterns and arabesques in gold, designed by painter Giovanni Panti using Moorish motifs. These ornamental details create a sense of mathematical harmony throughout the interior.
Entry is through a central gateway leading to an interior courtyard where visitors can view the entire structure. Morning or early afternoon visits offer the best light for seeing the details of the facade and dome.
During World War II, German forces attempted to destroy the building with explosives in 1944, but Italian resistance fighters managed to defuse most of the devices. This episode reveals how local people worked to preserve the building during a dangerous period.
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