Sofia Synagogue stands at ul. Ekzarh Yosif 16 in central Sofia, Bulgaria, near the Central Market Hall and Banya Bashi Mosque. It was designed by the Austrian architect Friedrich Grünanger and built between 1905 and 1909, with the opening ceremony attended by Tsar Ferdinand. It served the city's Sephardic Jewish community, descendants of Jews who arrived after the expulsion from Spain in 1492, and remains the main Jewish house of worship in the capital.
The building combines Moorish Revival and Byzantine elements, with a facade of red and yellow brick, a central dome and decorative patterns reminiscent of Venetian and Spanish styles. Inside, the prayer hall can accommodate roughly 1,300 worshippers. The most notable feature is the huge brass chandelier, weighing about 2 tonnes, hanging from the dome. The interior also has a richly decorated ark, mosaic floors, carved wooden galleries, coloured glass and a gilt ceiling with star patterns.
The synagogue suffered severe damage from Allied bombing in 1944 during the Second World War, when the dome and parts of the building were hit. It was restored in the following years, and the complex was renovated again in the 1990s. Conservation efforts continue under the Jewish community and Bulgarian authorities. A small museum on the premises documents the history of the Bulgarian Jewish community, including its rescue from deportation to the death camps in 1943, when public pressure and political intervention prevented the transfer of the country's Jews, although thousands of Jews in territories under Bulgarian administration were deported.
The synagogue remains active. Services follow the Sephardic tradition on Sabbath and holidays, so tourist visits are limited to certain times. Visitors enter after a security check, should dress modestly and men may be asked to cover their heads. It is a quiet and informative stop within the central religious cluster of the city.
| 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
Consecrated in 1909, Sofia Synagogue is the largest Sephardic synagogue in Southeastern Europe and one of the largest in Europe. It symbolises the Bulgarian Jewish community, which was largely saved from deportation during the Second World War.
Location
ul. Ekzarh Yosif 16, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
42.7014, 23.3239 View on map
Highlights
- See the Moorish Revival facade and central dome
- Look up at the 2-tonne brass chandelier in the prayer hall
- Learn about Bulgarian Jewry in the small museum
- Visit one of the largest Sephardic synagogues in Europe
Tips for visiting
- Check opening days before visiting; the synagogue is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
- Expect a security check at the entrance and bring photo ID.
- Dress modestly; men may be asked to cover their heads.
- Pay the small entry fee at the door, usually in cash.
- Pair with Banya Bashi Mosque and the Central Market Hall nearby.
When to visit
Weekday late mornings are quiet, and daylight through the stained glass is best around midday.
Accessibility
The entrance has steps and the interior has stairs to the galleries, so wheelchair access to the main hall may be limited; ask at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists visit the synagogue?
Yes, on most weekdays and Sundays outside services. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, so visitors should confirm times locally.
How long does a visit take?
About 20 to 30 minutes covers the prayer hall and the small exhibition.
Is it English-language friendly?
Staff and guides often speak some English, and explanatory material is available in English, but this may vary by day.