Explore Religious Heritage Across Europe

The Old Synagogue in Alba Iulia is an Ashkenazi synagogue that was built in 1938. A former synagogue was already built in 1840. The synagogue was recently repaired in 2017. This Neo-Baroque brick building still serves as a synagogue. Alba Iulia is the oldest Jewish settlement in Transylvania, where Jewish presence was recorded in the late 16th century. In 1653, the region's code of laws required all Jews in Transylvania to live exclusively in this town. Until 1879, the rabbis of Alba Iulia were considered to be the chief rabbis of all Jews in Transylvania.

The Old Synagogue in Canterbury is an Ashkenazi synagogue built in 1847-48 by architect Hezekiah Marshall. This concrete building in the Egyptian Revival style still serves as a synagogue.

The Old Synagogue in Falmouth is an Ashkenazi synagogue completed in 1808. In use until 1879, this brick synagogue in the Regency style now serves as a dwelling.

The Old Synagogue in Tarnów is an Ashkenazi synagogue completed in 1630, modified several times and last rebuilt in 1989. Used until 1939, this Mannerist brick building now serves as a memorial.

The Old Synagogue in Traenheim is a Jewish prayer hall which was used between 1722 and 1842 in a building dating from 1582. This half-timbered building now serves as a dwelling.

The Old Synagogue in Velké Meziříčí is an Ashkenazi synagogue from the 17th century, rebuilt in 1995-96. In use until 1870, this Renaissance brick synagogue now serves as a museum.

The Old synagogue (beit midrash) in Zhioludok is an Ashkenazi synagogue built in the early 20th century. This brick synagogue has been transformed into a cultural centre.

The Old Synagogue of Pińczów is currently one of the oldest synagogues in Poland, built in the years 1594-1609 according to the plans of the architect Santi Gucci. Renovated after the war, the synagogue nevertheless served as a warehouse until 1970, when it was decided to use the building for the Ponidzie Museum.

The Old Synagogue of Erfurt is a former synagogue whose oldest remnants date back to around 1094, making it the oldest synagogue in Europe. Most of the current building was erected around 1270, but in 1349, Jews of the city were blamed for the plague and were massacred in great number. Onward, the synagogue was then used as a warehouse, until became part of a restaurant at the end of the 19th century. In 1998, the city of Erfurt bought the Old Synagogue and after renovation, turned it in a museum on Erfurt's Jewish community.

The Old Synagogue in Essen was constructed from 1911 to 1913. It was originally consecrated as the Neue Synagogue (New Synagogue). It is one of the largest and best preserved testimonies to Jewish culture from pre-war Germany. The building was reconstructed in 1986 from destruction and disuse after World War II.