Explore Religious Heritage Across Europe

The Great Synagogue in Copenhagen is an Ashkenazi synagogue built in 1912 by the architect Gustav Friedrich Hetsch. This brick building in the Egyptian Revival style still serves as a synagogue.

The synagogue was designed by the architect J. A. Mulock Houwer in a distinct Oriental architectural style. The function of the building can be identified as such by the Stone Tablets, located at the very top of the façade. The Moorish architectural features include the octagonal pinnacles and onion-shaped domes which evoke the architectural style of minarets. The close relationship with minarets was strengthened by the fact that the these pinnacles were originally topped with moon sickles while the central pinnacle was adorned with the Star of David. Another typical feature includes the horseshoe-shaped window arches, supported by small columns. The interior of the synagogue was destroyed and looted during the Second World War. The synagogue used to contain stained glass windows depicting the Twelve Tribes of Israel but these are no longer present. The Jewish services resumed between 1947 and 1952 after which the community held their services in the synagogue located along the Lange Bisschopstraat. The original synagogue was repurposed as a reformed church. The Torah niche has since been used as the location for the pulpit and organ. In the beginning of 2018, the Christian reformed community sold the building to Ayhan Sahin who wanted to redevelop the former synagogue into a food hall. This caused the Jewish community of Beth Shoshanna to start their own crowdfunding campaign with the idea of repurposing it as a cultural community center in order to respect the former religious function of the building.

The Great Synagogue in Drohobych is an Ashkenazi synagogue built between 1844 and 1863. It was restored ca. 1928 and recently in 2016. This Rundbogenstil building still serves as a synagogue.

The Great Synagogue in Edirne (Edirne Büyük Sinagogu) is a Sephardi synagogue completed in 1906. The synagogue underwent reparations in 1945, 1948 and recently in 2015. In use until 1983, this brick synagogue was restored to its original function in 2015.

The Great Synagogue in Fălticeni is a monumental construction with area of about 600 square meters. The synagogue was built in 1868 according to the date on the Torah Ark. The walls of the synagogue dissected by pilasters and decorated by cornice. The entrance to the synagogue on the north side artistically elaborated. A balcony situated above the entrance. The west wall of the synagogue adorned with a large balcony. The place of Torah Ark on the eastern wall pointed by round window. The synagogue is decorated with large semi-circular windows.

The Great Synagogue in Gura Humorului is an Ashkenazi synagogue built in 1860. This Neo-Romanesque brick building still serves as a synagogue. The synagogue is a rectangular building with eight semicircular windows on the facade. The women's section is located on the west side of the building on the second floor and separated by pilasters from the prayer hall, which are evident on the facades.

The Great synagogue in Hârlău was established in 1826 and rebuilt in 1880, according to the inscriptions near the entrance. (The date of the building is 1812 according to Streja A., and Schwarz L., "The Synagogue in Romania", The Hasefer Publishing House, 2009, p. 54). A plaque with inscription from 1815 comes probably from a earlier building. The synagogue is an elongated building decorated with pilasters. Twelve windows at the level of the upper floor give light to the main prayer hall. Women's gallery is located on the upper floor on the west side of the building and has a separate entrance from the west. The building has a high roof and elaborate entrance. The roof of the synagogue has a great take-out, which is typical to the Moldovan-Bukovina architecture. The western facade of the synagogue faces Decembrie St. A plaque with a dedicatory inscription is placed in an aedicule above the main entrance on the southern facade. Another plaque with the date of construction given as 1815 is placed above the western entrance. This tablet probably was moved from another building. A third dedicatory plaque of 1935 with a Romanian inscription is placed above the second one.

The Great Synagogue of Horodenka is an Ashkenazi synagogue completed in 1743, rebuilt at the end of the 19th century. This brick synagogue blends elements of the Baroque and Rundbogenstil style. It has been converted into a sports facility.

The Great Synagogue in Horodnytsia is an Ashkenazi synagogue built in the early 20th century. This Neo-Russian brick building now serves as an office.

The Great Synagogue in Hrymailiv is an Ashkenazi synagogue completed around 1800. In use until WWII, this Baroque brick synagogue is now abandoned.