The Jewish Temple is one of Sofia's most picturesque architectural structures. It was built for the community of Sephardic Jews by architect F. Grunager in the early XX century. The architectural style of the building is a mix of Moorish traditions and Viennese modernity. Simply entering the synagogue will not work, but there is an opportunity to visit a small museum dedicated to the history of Bulgarian Jews.
Address:
Exarch Joseph Street 16, Sofia
Phone:
+359 2 983 1273
Comment
12.09.23
Luca
‼️ BRIEFLY ⭐⭐ One of the few places we had to pay to visit being also a religious place (5€pp). To be honest it is empty inside and I wouldn't recommend it.
❗I haven't liked it much particularly because it looks like they have a lot fr.. Read more »eedom of letting you in or not based on personal preferences.
❗KEEP IN MIND: you have a security checkpoint at the entrance so leave bags at home. Always bring with you IDs and passports as they will ask you for it.
11.09.23
Shay
A beautiful syngogue felt safe inside and as a Jewish person this says a lot in an openly jewish space
21.07.23
Toader
The interior of Sofia Synagogue was indeed beautiful, but my overall experience was disappointing. I was surprised to find an entrance fee at a place of worship, something I've never encountered before. The staff's unfriendly attitude made .. Read more »me feel unwelcome, and the strict security checks made me feel like a criminal rather than a curious visitor eager to explore the building. Given these negative aspects, I wouldn't consider revisiting the synagogue in the future.
19.06.23
Willy
The synagogue is the largest in Southeastern Europe, one of two functioning in Bulgaria, and the third-largest in Europe. The architecture is striking, and the interior is equally impressive with its ornate details and peaceful ambiance.
26.05.23
Cameron
A profoundly beautiful synagogue.
We were welcomed warmly into this fine establishment (although security is required). The entrance fee is 5 Lev per person, but well worth the price.
24.01.23
Meir
One of the most beautiful synagogues I have ever been to.
Well looked after and a must visit, not only for Jewish people but anyone who appreciates good architecture.
The museum is now closed and entry cost 5 Lev. Not far from the centre of town. The.. Read more » guy who works there is friendly and can give some good information.
09.12.22
Federica
It's a very nice synagogue. The opening hours are completely random though and they can decide not let you in even during opening hours . The price is 5lev. You need to ring the bell to enter and they'll check your backpack/purse
30.10.22
Guy
The history of this place is more than words can say.....during WWII the place had 2 bombs hit it and they did not explode....the place they hit is still visible
13.09.22
Fern
Very beautiful, well maintained synagogue, the largest Sephardic temple in Europe. Press the buzzer for entry and be prepared to have your passport and bags checked, although the security guards are very respectful and polite. It is a shame that the .. Read more »museum was closed when I visited, but otherwise it is a great site to see in Sofia.
26.06.22
Fredrick
Wow. Just an amazing place. You don't often see synagogues like this still in existence.
13.06.22
Mohammed
Nice old synagogue! This one is quite an important synagogue. More than 100 years old with nice and beautiful decoration and architecture. Entrance is only 5 lev. There is quite a security check at the entrance similar to airports. At the time when w.. Read more »e visited it was empty only us (Friday noontime). Quite impressive building from inside as well.
03.06.22
Alexander
Nice building but access just for money?
All Christian churches ans also the mosque had free entry.
02.06.22
Shlomit
The person at the gate didn't let my husband in because he had back bag. The same time he let other people with the same size back bag in. He was just horrible person. If the mangment of this place does not care about the visitors feelings, it d.. Read more »oesn't worse visit the sinagog.and i say it with no pleasure because i am from Israel.
22.05.22
Avihay
מקום מרשים מאוד, הכניסה עולה כסף.
Jews lived in Sofia as early as the 14th century, and their number increased considerably with the expulsion of the Jews of Spain (1492) and the migration of Portuguese Jews from the Iberian Peninsula to the territor.. Read more »ies of the Ottoman Empire, who welcomed them. The Central Synagogue of Sofia is the largest Sephardic synagogue in Europe - and the only one in Sofia city. Its construction was completed in 1909 and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleonora participated at its inauguration ceremony, a sign of the great respect for the Jewish community.
This synagogue was designed by the Austrian architect Grunanger, inspired by the synagogue in Vienna. The building is very impressive with ornaments, mosaics, stone carvings and mostly murals. It has a large famous chandelier on its ceiling, which weighs about 2,200 kg.
The Jewish Historical Museum of the Bulgarian Jewish Organization "Peace" also operates there, displaying the life of the Jewish community in Sofia over the years, with an emphasis on rescuing Bulgarian Jews during the Holocaust. (Admission price - 2 levs)
21.04.22
mudit
Super historical Jewish synagogue. The safety measures are in place. Carry identication documents. Very calm and beautiful from inside.
17.03.22
ASHRAF
A Sephardic synagogue from the early 20th century with an octagonal dome, a large chandelier, and a museum on Jewish history
The architecture of the Sofia Synagogue is magnificent. The temple consists of a central domed building and a narthex. The pr.. Read more »ayer hall is in an octagonal shape. There are semicircular niches with rectangular premises between them in the four corners of the hall. The prayer room for the women is situated over the niches. The main chandelier weighs two tons and is the biggest one in Bulgaria. An altar, surrounded by a beautiful railing, stands on a platform of white marble.
The capacity of the hall is 1,170 seats. The interior is decorated by articles of the applied art. The facades are richly decorated with architectural elements, plastic ornaments and stone carvings. The floor of the synagogue is covered by Venetian mosaic.
10.02.22
Ünal
A well-preserved historic synagogue plus Europe's third largest synagogue if I'm not mistaken.
27.12.21
Аврахам
Very beautiful and a beauty that must be visited
22.10.21
Rocio
Be ready to show your identity, to show your belongings in your bag and to go under scan before entering. Full of history inside; you can see, at the women’s area, a hole in the ground provoked by a bomb. It’s a huge synagogue very close .. Read more »to the mosque; an example of coexistence.
09.10.21
Luisa
We had to show our passports, we were requisitioned and we had to pay 10 leva for entry. Staff was not very friendly and no one told us about any museum. We only got through it because we had never been to a synagogue, so I recommend only if that&rsq.. Read more »uo;s your case.
18.09.21
Atanas
Very interesting place with history.
12.09.21
Joseph
Beautiful synagogue with lots of history
09.08.21
Michal
The largest Sephardic synagogue in Europe... Worth visiting.
09.07.21
Rosalie
Most beautiful synagogue I have ever seen!
22.03.21
Brian
Synagogue in Sofia city center. located behind of st. Maria Luisa. not far from metro station Serdika.
04.11.20
Ognian
Built in 1909, it is the third largest synagogue in Europe.
04.10.20
gadi
Needs to be cool when you go there.
The people there are not in a hurry.
03.09.20
בנצי
Beautiful architecture and rare history.a must visit
24.02.20
Alejandro
“I remember, very lucky” muy majos.
02.01.20
Kyle
Guys rude in front. Decent synagogue of great size with nice aesthetic and atmosphere. Not worth the money when you've seen everything after 1 minute.
07.12.19
my-financial-wealth
Beautiful synagogue but you must pay entrance fee
12.11.19
Limor
The building is quite beautiful from the outside and worthwhile walking to. Inside is another story. It is quite nice on the inside. But considering that no church charges you to go in, the 5 lev entrance fee is embarrassingly overpriced for the 10 m.. Read more »inutes that it takes to walk around and say 'nice'. You can not go upstairs which is a shame.
07.03.19
Mark
A stunningly beautiful synagogue in the heart of Sofia's central district; just a short walk to the all the major sites, and the city center boulevard. The synagogue, the third largest in Europe, has been fully restored to its original state and.. Read more » is a must see.
4.1 / 33
