Jewish Sofia: the synagogue and its story

About Jewish Sofia: the synagogue and its story

By the ULTIMATE Sofia Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

The Sofia Synagogue, opened in 1909, is the largest Sephardic synagogue in Europe, a Moorish-revival building of domes and striped arches a few steps from the Central Market Hall. Its story, and that of Bulgaria’s Jewish community, is one of the most moving in the city.

Sephardic Sofia

Jews have lived in what is now Bulgaria since Roman times, and after their expulsion from Spain in 1492 many Sephardic families settled in the Ottoman Balkans, bringing their language, Ladino. By the early 20th century, Sofia had a large Jewish community living around today’s Central Market Hall.

The synagogue

The synagogue was designed by the Austrian architect Friedrich Grünanger in the Moorish-revival style and consecrated in 1909, in the presence of Tsar Ferdinand. Inside, a vast brass chandelier hangs beneath the central dome, surrounded by painted decoration and Venetian mosaics. The building also houses the Jewish Museum of History.

Under the great dome hangs one of the largest chandeliers in the Balkans.

1943

In 1943, plans to deport the Jews of Bulgaria’s pre-war territory were stopped after protests by members of parliament, leaders of the Orthodox Church and many ordinary citizens, and around 48,000 people were saved. The Jews of the territories then under Bulgarian administration in northern Greece and Vardar Macedonia, more than 11,000 people, were deported and murdered. Both facts are part of the story told in the museum.

Visiting

The synagogue is an active place of worship and is open to visitors at set hours; bring identification, and expect security checks at the entrance.

Our advice: combine the synagogue with the Central Market Hall, Banya Bashi Mosque and the Cathedral of St Nedelya, all within a few minutes’ walk, the area often called Sofia’s square of tolerance.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Jewish Sofia: the synagogue and its story before you go.