Cetate Synagogue, Neolog synagogue in Timișoara, Romania
Cetate Synagogue is a synagogue in Timisoara built with two octagonal towers topped by bulbous cupolas and a brick facade decorated with glazed ceramic tiles. The building contains a grand prayer hall with seating for around 744 people, designed to accommodate the local Jewish congregation.
Construction took place between 1863 and 1865 under architect Carl Schumann, and the building gained prominence when Emperor Franz Joseph I visited in 1872. This imperial visit symbolized the established status of the Jewish community within the city at that time.
The synagogue integrates Moorish Revival and Romanesque Revival elements, reflecting the architectural preferences of the Neolog Jewish congregation in the 19th century.
The building now serves both as a place of worship and as a concert hall following restoration work completed in recent years. Visitors should check ahead to learn whether a religious service is taking place or if the Timisoara Philharmonic has scheduled a performance.
Inside the building stands a Wegenstein organ built in 1899 by master organ maker Carl Leopold Wegenstein, still played during concerts today. This particular instrument ranks among the few surviving examples of this craftsman's work and continues to be integral to the musical life of the space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
