New Synagogue

Imagine a building where an Oriental fairy tale harmoniously blends with European elegance—this is exactly how the New Synagogue in the city of Szeged looks. This monumental structure, built in the early 20th century, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful temples in the world and holds the proud second place in height among the synagogues that Hungary is famous for.

New Synagogue. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Architect Leopold Baumhorn created a true masterpiece of eclecticism, masterfully mixing Hungarian Art Nouveau (Secession) with Moorish Revival, Gothic, and Roman architectural elements. The building's main pride is its massive dome, 48.5 meters high, which is visible from afar and is a key part of the city skyline.

Inside, visitors find dazzling luxury: a celestial blue dome painted like a starry sky and unique stained glass windows by the famous master Miksa Róth. The interior is decorated with white gold, silver, and precious marble, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and peace. It is not just a historical monument, but a living symbol of the region's cultural heritage.

For the latest information on events or group tours, you can use the organization's official contact details.

Once inside, the first thing you should do is look up at the dome. Its soft blue color and paintings, mimicking an endless night sky, create a wonderful sense of space. Pay attention to the 24 columns surrounding the central hall and try to spot the details of the stained glass windows—on a sunny day, they fill the hall with a kaleidoscope of colored light, making the atmosphere inside truly magical.

Be sure to find time to closely examine the central altar. It is inlaid with precious metals and stones, and its design is inspired by descriptions of ancient biblical temples. The fine carvings and Secession-style ornaments deserve a close look to discover new symbols and meanings intended by the creators.

After viewing the interior, don't rush to leave—walk around the outside of the building. This is a great opportunity for a photo session: the whimsical turrets, arches, and rich facade decoration look different depending on the light. History buffs will be interested in exploring information materials about the life of the city's Jewish community and architect Baumhorn's contribution to the look of modern-day Szeged.

Reaching this architectural masterpiece is easy, as it is within walking distance of the city's key points. If you are already walking in the center, for example, near the Votive Church, the walk to Jósika Street will take about 10–15 minutes. Look for the high dome, which stands out prominently against the city skyline.

For those who prefer public transport, trams No. 1 or No. 2 are perfect. You need to get off at the Zrínyi utca or Március 15. tér stop, after which it is only a 5–7 minute walk. City navigation in this area is very clear, and the synagogue building serves as an excellent visual landmark.

If you are planning a visit from Budapest, it is most convenient to take the train, which will get you to Szeged station in about 2 hours. From the station to the synagogue, you can quickly get there by taxi or tram, which will take no more than 10 minutes. Drivers should keep in mind that the city center is largely pedestrianized, so it's best to look for parking on the streets adjacent to Jósika u.

The history of this grand structure began in 1900 at the initiative of the local Jewish community. The main visionary and curator of the project was the scholar-rabbi Immanuel Löw, who personally participated in developing the interior symbolism. The architect was the famous Leopold Baumhorn, for whom this work became the true pinnacle of his career—he designed more than 20 synagogues across Europe in total.

The building was constructed during the height of the Fin de siècle period and was solemnly opened in 1907. It became a striking example of Hungarian Secession, where Oriental motifs, Gothic, and Roman classical elements are intricately interwoven. Every detail here is full of meaning: for example, the 24 columns supporting the dome symbolize the hours of the day, and the overall concept of the altar refers to the appearance of the First Temple in Jerusalem.

At the end of the 20th century, the building suffered significantly from the passage of time and required serious restoration. Thanks to support from special EU funds and the Hungarian state, the synagogue was fully restored, preserving its unique stained glass and paintings. Today, it is not only an important cultural monument but also remains an active religious center for Neolog Judaism, welcoming both believers and tourists from all over the world.

To leisurely explore the exterior and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the magnificent interior, 1–1.5 hours is enough for most travelers. This time is sufficient to study the fine details of the paintings, admire the play of light in the stained glass, and take memorable photographs.

If you are passionate about architecture or religious history, you might want to stay longer to read the information boards or simply sit in silence under the massive dome. A visit to the synagogue is easily combined with a walk through the neighboring streets of the city center, making it an ideal stop on a morning itinerary.

When planning your visit, please note that the synagogue is open to visitors during the day but is closed on religious holidays and Saturdays. Current opening hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
Monday and Saturday: Closed

The landmark's location in the historical part of the city allows tourists to create a rich walking itinerary. Exploring the surrounding area will help you better feel the city's atmosphere, where monumental architecture stands alongside cozy pedestrian zones and green squares.