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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.
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.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Pecs. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Synagogue on Map
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Sight Name: Synagogue
Sight Location: Pecs, Hungary (See walking tours in Pecs)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Pecs, Hungary (See walking tours in Pecs)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Pecs, Hungary
Create Your Own Walk in Pecs
Creating your own self-guided walk in Pecs is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pecs Introduction Walking Tour
The city of Pecs has been the point of intersection of many eras, religions and political views. Since its time as the capital of the Valeria province of the Roman Empire, the city has maintained its historic cultural heritage. Take this orientation walk to visit the most popular and prominent sights of the city.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Architecture
The city of Pecs is rich in history, art and culture. This is due to the fact that the city's territory has been the site of intersection of different civilizations through the centuries. Magnificent palaces, original constructions of administrative buildings and other wonderful masterpieces by famous architects will amaze you when you discover the beauty of the architecture of Pecs!
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles