Synagogue, Pecs (must see)

The Synagogue of Pecs, an architectural gem of the 19th century, stands as a testament to the once-thriving Jewish community in the city. Designed by renowned Hungarian architects Frigyes Feszl, Karoly Gerster, and Lipot Kauser, the synagogue was completed in 1869, showcasing the grandeur of the Hungarian Romantic style. Built at a time when Jewish communities were finally gaining full emancipation, it reflects the aspirations of a people eager to establish their place in Hungarian urban society.

Located near the center of Pecs, the synagogue captures attention with its peach-colored facade and distinctive tri-partite design, a reflection of Jewish religious laws that discourage metaphorical motifs. A large clock adorns the upper portion of the structure, just below a Hebrew inscription that reads, "The house of worship for all people." Above this, the stone tablets of Moses crown the building, reinforcing its sacred purpose.

The synagogue’s sanctuary is a striking space, featuring a star-painted ceiling, dark Slavonian oak seating, and gold-topped pillars. The main nave is flanked by aisles, with women’s galleries rising two stories to seat 448, while the main floor holds 476 men. The imposing Aron ha-Kodesh houses a replica of the Mosaic tablets, and a rosette with the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) adds to the spiritual depth.

Despite its beauty and historical significance, the synagogue bears the heavy scars of history. Nearly 90 percent of Pecs’ Jewish population perished in the Holocaust, with most deported to Auschwitz in mid-1944. Plaques on the interior walls and a “Book of Tears” placed beneath the bimah commemorate those who were lost. Though some survivors returned to Pecs after World War II, the Jewish population has continued to decline over the decades.

Today, the synagogue remains an active place of worship, though the local Jewish community is small. Open to visitors, it stands as both a monument to Jewish resilience and a reminder of the vibrant cultural and religious life that once flourished in Pecs. The building’s striking design, rich history, and solemn memorials make it a significant landmark, preserving the memory of a past that shaped the city’s heritage.