Old Synagogue

About

The Old Synagogue of Sopron is one of the most remarkable medieval Jewish monuments in Central Europe, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a thriving 14th‑century community. Hidden within the narrow streets of the old town, it was rediscovered only in the 1960s, making its survival all the more striking. Built in Gothic style, it served not only as a house of worship but also as a communal centre, reflecting the prosperity and cultural presence of Sopron’s medieval Jews. Inside, visitors can explore three distinct spaces: the women’s prayer room, the men’s synagogue, and the community hall. The men’s hall is the highlight, with its elegant stone pillars, pointed arches, and the beautifully carved Torah niche, one of the oldest of its kind in the region. The women’s gallery, accessed by a separate staircase, reveals how medieval synagogues were carefully structured to accommodate religious customs. One fascinating detail is the ritual bath (mikveh) discovered nearby, showing how closely daily life and faith were intertwined. Exhibits explain the community’s history, its expulsion in the 16th century, and the building’s long disappearance before its modern restoration.

Sopron Hungary

Location

The Old Synagogue of Sopron is located at Új utca 22 in the historic city center of Sopron, Hungary, in Új Street (New Street), which despite its name is one of the oldest streets in Sopron. The synagogue was established around 1300 by the Jewish community of Sopron, who settled in the former Zsidó utca (Jewish Street) that is now Új utca. Nearby attractions include the iconic Fire Tower, the landmark of Sopron, which is within easy walking distance and forms the Museum Quarter through the connection of three other historical buildings: the Storno House, the General's House, and the Fabricius House. On Sopron's Main Square stands the Benedictine Church, commonly known as the Goat Church, an outstanding example of Hungarian Gothic architecture and Baroque design built in the 13th century. The Pharmacy Museum on the Main Square is the first pharmaceutical museum in the country, opened in 1968, and the medieval Storno House, one of the most beautiful palaces of Sopron, is also nearby. The Baker's Museum, the Mining Museum of Sopron (Central Mining Museum), and the Orsolya Square are all within walking distance in the compact old town. The Neológ Synagogue and St Michael's Church & Chapel of St James are also nearby, and the scenic Fertó Lake (Lake Neusiedl), a UNESCO World Heritage site ideal for bird watching and cycling, is a short distance from the city.