The Great Synagogue of Vienna – General Information
The Great Synagogue of Vienna remains the only one standing in its entirety, while the Holocaust destroyed 92 other synagogues and places of prayer in the city. The architect Joseph Kornhäusel designed the synagogue’s structure in the Biedermeier style between 1825 and 1826.
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 rises decorated above the prayer area, as does the bimah (reader’s platform). The synagogue’s ceiling forms a painted and decorated 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 Center 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 (currently under rennovations. Please contact them in advance for Shabbat meals.)
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.
Please note: The Great Synagoge is currently under construction until September 2026. Therefore, no guided tours take place. However, you can still attend the prayer and the Shabbat meal afterwards.
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.
