Uilenburgersjoel (Uilenburger Synagogue), Amsterdam

The Uilenburger Synagogue, a refined example of Louis XV Rococo architecture, first opened its doors in 1766. For nearly two centuries, it served the city’s Ashkenazi faithful, and today remains one of the rare surviving landmarks of historic Uilenburg—an artificial island originally developed as part of Amsterdam’s harbor expansion. Tucked into a peaceful inner courtyard, this intimate, inviting space continues to charm visitors with its rich heritage and warm atmosphere.

Back in its earliest days, the synagogue was built close to the water, in the shadow of a windmill serving a local brewery. Hidden away behind rows of houses, reachable only by winding, narrow alleyways, this quiet spot miraculously dodged sweeping redevelopment in the early 20th century that reshaped Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter.

The darkest days came during World War II, when its congregation was tragically diminished by the horrors of the Holocaust, and the synagogue itself suffered severe looting. Yet, it survived. With its elegant bell-shaped gable and striking central projection still intact, the synagogue earned recognition as a national heritage site in 1970 and underwent careful restorations in 1996 and again in 2015.

Since 2002, the Uilenburger Synagogue Foundation has been reconnecting the synagogue to its Jewish roots, bringing fresh energy and purpose to the space. Now it’s more lively than ever—a thriving cultural hub welcoming Jewish organizations and wider audiences alike for concerts, exhibitions, spiritual services, and more. A beautiful space where the past and present meet.