Sofia Synagogue and Jewish History Museum

Overview

The Sofia Synagogue was built in 1909, designed by the famous Austrian architect Friedrich Grunanger, similar to the synagogue in Vienna, which was later destroyed by the Nazis. The old synagogue of Sofia, called Ahab and Hased, once stood in the same place.

It was officially opened on September 9, 1909. It is the largest in the Balkans and 3rd in Europe (after the synagogues in Budapest and Amsterdam), as well as the largest Sephardic synagogue on the continent. It can accommodate over 1000 people in the central room (designed for men) and on the inner balconies (where women pray).

Аn octagonal dome houses a huge chandelier (weighing 2 tons) that is considered a real masterpiece. In the yard, there is a mikveh - a small bathroom for ritual Jewish ablutions.

Since May 8, 1992, the synagogue has housed the Jewish History Museum. There are exhibitions about the Jewish community in the country, the Holocaust, and the rescue of Jews in Bulgaria.