The Great Synagogue of Vienna – General Information
The Great Synagogue of Vienna is the only one that remained standing in its entirety, while 92 other synagogues and places of prayer in the city were destroyed during the Holocaust. The synagogue’s structure was built in the Biedermeier style between 1825 and 1826 by the architect Joseph Kornhäusel.
The facade of the synagogue looks like a completely ordinary house. This is due to a law by Emperor Joseph II that forbade the construction of magnificent religious buildings if they were not Catholic churches. It was precisely this construction as a regular residential building that saved the synagogue from destruction during the riots of Kristallnacht. The rioters refrained from setting it on fire because it would have led to a massive fire engulfing all the adjacent buildings.
When you enter the main hall of the Great Synagogue of Vienna, a particularly impressive surprise awaits. The main hall is large and built in a circular shape with several floors serving as the women’s section. The Holy Ark is decorated and raised above the prayer area, as is the bimah (reader’s platform). The synagogue’s ceiling is painted and decorated in the shape of a dome, with a magnificent chandelier hanging in its center.
The synagogue continues to be active today, and you can join prayers on weekdays, Sabbaths, and holidays (click for prayer times). The prayer text and melodies are unique to the Vienna community and are therefore called the “Vienna Rite.” The prayer service in the synagogue is very musical. There is a chief cantor, Shmuel Barzilai, who is accompanied by a choir during the service. There is no doubt that every prayer in the synagogue is also an artistic performance, and many come just to be impressed by the singing performances. More information on prayer times at the synagogue can be found on the official website of the Jewish community. On Saturdays, after the service, there is a community Kiddush.
Community Hub and Kosher Food
Besides prayers, the synagogue building serves as the center of the Jewish community of Vienna, with offices and activity rooms. Next to the synagogue is a kosher restaurant called “Alef Alef,” where you can eat a kosher Viennese veal schnitzel.
Guided Tour of the Great Synagogue of Vienna
Guided tours of the synagogue are held during the week. In fact, this is the only way to enter the synagogue outside of prayer times and, of course, the best way to learn about the history of the Jewish community, the building itself, its design, and more. The tours take place throughout the week (except on Jewish, Christian, or Austrian holidays). You need to present an ID (passport) to enter the synagogue and participate in the tour. The guided tour is for up to 25 participants and lasts about an hour. The language of instruction is English.
How to Get to the Great Synagogue of Vienna by Public Transport?
The central synagogue is located a short walk from Schwedenplatz square. You can reach it from the subway station served by lines U4 (the green line) and U1 (the red line). You should get off at the Schwedenplatz station. Additionally, tram lines 1 and 2 stop at the square.
Address: Seitenstettengasse 4, 1010 Wien
Map:
Besides the Great Synagogue, there are many places with Jewish history scattered throughout the city. If you are curious to discover the Jewish history of Vienna, you can also visit the Jewish Museum of Vienna or continue reading more information about the Jewish community in Vienna and about 20 other Jewish places to visit in the city.
