The Sofia Synagogue stands on ul. Ekzarh Yosif in central Sofia, Bulgaria, near Banya Bashi Mosque and the Central Market Hall. Designed by the Austrian architect Friedrich Grünanger, it was built in a Moorish Revival style with Byzantine and Viennese Secession touches and was officially opened in 1909 in the presence of Tsar Ferdinand. It is one of the largest Sephardic synagogues in Europe and the biggest in Southeast Europe, serving a community that traces its presence in the city to Roman times and was reinforced by Sephardic Jews who arrived from Spain after 1492. The exterior is built in brick and stone, with a prominent central dome and a facade of arches and decorative patterns. Inside, the main hall is richly decorated with ornate stucco, mosaics, carved wood and an enormous brass chandelier said to weigh about two tonnes, hanging from the central dome. The ark and bimah are the focal points, and the women's gallery wraps the upper levels. The building was damaged during Allied bombing in 1944 and was restored in the following years, and later work in the 1990s and 2000s repaired the roof, interior and facade. It is still used for services by the Jewish community of Sofia, and a small museum dedicated to Bulgarian Jewish history operates in the building. Together with the nearby mosque, the Orthodox cathedral and the Catholic church, it forms part of the 'Square of Tolerance' in the city centre. Visitors should dress modestly, men cover their heads, and checks at the entrance are routine.
| Admission | Small entry fee, paid at the door |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open to visitors on most weekdays and Sundays; closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays; confirm at the entrance |
| Address | ul. Ekzarh Yosif 16, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria |
Why it matters
Opened in 1909, the Sofia Synagogue is the largest Sephardic synagogue in Southeast Europe and a monument to Bulgaria's Jewish community, which largely survived the Second World War within the country's pre-1941 borders.
Location
ul. Ekzarh Yosif 16, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
42.7014, 23.3239 View on map
Highlights
- See the Moorish Revival facade and central dome
- Admire the brass chandelier in the main hall
- Look at the stucco, mosaics and carved wood inside the sanctuary
- Learn about Bulgarian Jewish history in the on-site museum
Tips for visiting
- Bring a passport or photo ID, as security checks at the entrance are common.
- Dress modestly; men are asked to cover their heads inside the sanctuary.
- Visits are not possible on Saturdays or Jewish holidays, so plan for another day.
- Pay the small entry fee at the door, preferably in cash.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are generally quietest; avoid Fridays near sundown and Saturdays, when the synagogue is closed to tourists.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists visit the synagogue?
Yes. Visitors are admitted on most weekdays and Sundays, with a small entry fee, outside services and holidays.
How long does a visit take?
Usually about 20 to 30 minutes, including the museum.
Is there an English guide?
Staff can usually provide basic information in English, but visitors should check on arrival.