Synagoge

Extremely important and beautiful building. One of the most beautiful synagogues in the Netherlands, both in terms of exterior (domes) and well-preserved interior. Still actively in use as a synagogue. The synagogue of Enschede is located on Prinsestraat. It consists of two houses, a large prayer room, a small prayer room, two classrooms, a party room and a ritual bath. On Wednesdays and Sundays (except for Jewish holidays) the synagogue is open to the public. Synagogue of NIG Twente, functions as a 'House that Connects' a place for discussion and debate (Stichting Synagoge Enschede)

About this building

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Other nearby buildings

By Berteun Damman [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Synagogue in Enschede

The monumental synagogue complex was constructed in a symmetrical manner. The three building segments of the complex are provided with a dome of which the central dome towers above the surrounding architecture. The synagogue complex includes small prayer rooms, classrooms, administrative spaces, a mikveh and residence for the Rabbi and Jewish tutor. The synagogue replaced an older synagogue (dated ca. 1865) which was located along the Stadsgravenstraat. A new proposed design was created by the architect K. P. C. de Bazel in 1918/19. After the death of de Bazel, the design of the synagogue was taken over by the architect A. P. Smits. The building plan of the complex was expanded but the rectangular-shaped assembly hall, topped by a large twelve-sided dome, as designed by de Bazel, was left unchanged. The ornamental details of the architecture are reminiscent of Egyptian and oriental building styles. The building was consecrated as for Jewish religious services in the year 1928. It was renovated by the architect S. B. de Boer in 2001/03. The same architect designed the cemetery chapel of Enschede along the Noord Esmarkerrondweg which was designed in a similar architectural style.

Zuiderkerk

Built as a Reformed church with the original name Zuiderkerk. Important neo-church without a tower. 1944-1953 temporarily Christian Reformed Church. Later Reformed Church (Liberated). Since church merger in 2023 NGK.

Heilige Jacobus de Meerdere

The current St. Jacobus de Meerderekerk was built in 1932-'33 to replace the previous church from 1862 , which was demolished due to dilapidation. The church is designed as a central building with a dome, according to the guidelines of the so-called liturgical movement (improved visibility of the altar), on a so-called Christocentric floor plan (choir at the intersection of nave and transept). The church is considered a highlight in the oeuvre of Hendrik W. Valk (1886-1973) and is one of the most important Roman Catholic church buildings built in the first half of the twentieth century. Stylistically, there is a transition to a more traditionalist building style, in this case strongly influenced by oriental and Byzantine forms. The monumental inventory was created shortly after construction (including windows and Stations of the Cross by Ch. Eyck and J. ten Horn; altars from Brom and Nicolas studios). See the description below from the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands and images.