Synagogue in Sofia

The synagogue in Sofia is situated in the very heart of the Bulgarian capital. It is the third largest in Europe, next to the synagogues in Budapest and Amsterdam. Designed by Austrian architect Friedrich Grunander in, the temple is a prototype of the Vienna synagogue destroyed by the Nazis. It was opened on 9 September 1909, and the ceremony was attended by the Bulgarian royal family.

One of the most beautiful architectural monuments in Sofia, the synagogue accommodates 1300 worshippers. Its central lustre weighs two tons and is the largest in Bulgaria. For several years the synagogue has been under restoration due to the complexity of the work and the shortage of funds. Its restoration is soon to be finished. The project has been financed by the Bulgarian state and Israel, by private entrepreneurs and individual donations.

The prayers’ hall of the synagogue in Sofia has an octagonal plan. It is covered with a dome. The rich ornamental decoration of the facades and the interior shows the influence of Spanish-Mauritanian art that jews brought with them. Despite the enormous size of the building, public worships in it are attended by not more 50-60 persons. This is due to the thinner Jewish community and to the relatively lower religiousness of the local Jewish population. Nevertheless, as a result of a renewed interest in the past and faith of their ancestors, an increasing number of young people now attend the divine services.