Facts You Didn’t Know About The Largest Synagogue In Europe

Photo: sandris15002/Instagram

Dohány Street Synagogue is one truly important sight both for Hungary and for the world. But what do you know about this extraordinary building? We present to you 6 facts about Dohány Street Synagogue you will love!

1. Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe, and the second biggest one in the world.

2. It is 75m long, 27m wide and seats almost 3,000 people; 1,492 men and 1,472 women, plus the standing places. The fascinating thing is that even before the construction began, people could pre-order seats.

3. During World War II, the synagogue was used as a German Radio’s base and as a stable.

4. The Dohány Street Synagogue was the brainchild of designer Ludwing Förster.

5. Because the designers and the architects weren’t Jewish people, the synagogue looks more like a Christian Basilica, rather than a traditional synagogue.

6. The synagogue has pipe organs, which were once played by famous Hungarian composer Liszt Ferenc, and a cemetery, which is not customary.

7.  The Central Synagogue in New York City is almost a true and exact copy of the Dohány Street Synagogue.