Sibiu Synagogue
About Sibiu Synagogue
The Sibiu Synagogue, also called the Great Synagogue, stands on Strada Constituției, ~600 m from the Large Square (Piața Mare), in a courtyard enclosed by a wrought-iron fence. It was built in 1898–1899 by the city's Jewish community, through the efforts of its president, Josef Schwartz, to plans by the architect Szalay Ferenc, and was inaugurated on 3 September 1899. It is a listed historic monument (LMI code SB-II-m-B-12071).
The building is a rectangular block with a red-brick façade with Neo-Gothic elements and a frieze of Neo-Romanesque triforia beneath the pediment. Sibiu's Jewish community was organised in the second half of the 19th century, and the synagogue served it for almost a century. Today the small community prays in a room in the administrative building in the same courtyard, while the large synagogue can be visited.
What you can see
The façade has its central entrance in an arch with a Hebrew inscription and a stained-glass Star of David above the door. Inside, the interior is more spacious than the street suggests: a hall on a basilica plan, with three aisles, galleries on triforium arcades and a coffered ceiling in a Neo-Renaissance spirit. At the eastern end, in a semicircular apse, stands the Torah ark, and in the centre of the hall the bimah, framed by ornamented columns. The walls are painted, with sculpted ornaments, and chandeliers and stained glass complete the decoration.
Good to know
The synagogue is a place of worship of Sibiu's Jewish community and can be visited on weekday mornings; booking ahead is recommended.
- The red-brick façade, with its frieze of Neo-Romanesque triforia, a stained-glass Star of David and a Hebrew inscription above the entrance.
- The three-aisled hall, with galleries on triforium arcades and a coffered ceiling of Neo-Renaissance inspiration.
- The Torah ark in the eastern apse and the bimah in the middle of the hall, between ornamented columns.
- The painted walls and the chandeliers that make the interior feel far more spacious than the street suggests.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Sibiu is ~143 km from Brașov (~2h30), ~183 km from Cluj-Napoca (~2h15) and ~267 km from Bucharest (~4 hours). The synagogue is on Strada Constituției, outside the pedestrian zone of the Large Square, ~600 m from it; the last stretch is done on foot or by car on the streets around the historic centre.
Public transport: Sibiu has a railway station and a bus station, and from there the historic centre can be reached by city bus or taxi; from the Large Square the synagogue is a ~10-minute walk.
- Where to park
The historic centre of Sibiu has paid parking, usually in marked street zones and in nearby car parks. The easiest option is to leave the car on the edge of the centre and walk to the synagogue.
- Rules
It is a working place of worship and a historic monument: modest dress, quiet voices, and objects and decorations are not to be touched. The building cannot be visited on Saturdays.
Frequently asked questions about Sibiu Synagogue
What are the opening hours of Sibiu Synagogue?
Opening hours at Sibiu Synagogue: Monday–Friday 09:00 – 12:00, Saturday–Sunday closed. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Sibiu Synagogue take?
A visit to Sibiu Synagogue takes about 30 min (the main hall).
Can you visit Sibiu Synagogue with kids?
Yes, Sibiu Synagogue is suitable for children (place of worship, keep voices low).
Where can I park at Sibiu Synagogue?
There is paid parking at Sibiu Synagogue (in the old centre, paid). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Sibiu Synagogue?
Sibiu Synagogue is located at Strada Constituției 19, Sibiu, Sibiu County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Sibiu Synagogue?
The best season for Sibiu Synagogue: All year round (all year, on weekdays).
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