Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)
About Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)
The Neolog Synagogue in Brașov, known today as the Beit Israel Synagogue (“House of Israel”), stands on Strada Poarta Șchei, in the historic centre, ~150 m from Catherine's Gate, in a courtyard enclosed by houses. It was built by the Neolog Jewish community, which had split from the Orthodox one in 1877: built in 1899–1901 to plans by the Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn, it was inaugurated on 20 August 1901. It was given the name Beit Israel in October 2014.
The building has the plan of a three-aisled basilica and covers 657 m². The style is Neo-Gothic with Moorish touches: the rosettes and the frames of the windows and doors are Gothic, while other decorative elements are Romanesque. It was renovated in 2001, a hundred years after its inauguration, and is a listed historic monument (LMI code BV-II-m-B-11515). It remains a working place of worship, and the complex also holds the Jewish community's headquarters, a kosher restaurant and a medical office.
What you can see
The red-brick façade, banded in white, has above the entrance a large rosette with coloured stained glass, and on the gable the year 1901 written in Hebrew. Inside, the three-aisled hall is divided by slender columns, and on the upper level run the galleries, once reserved for women. The stained glass with the Star of David and the geometric relief ornaments on the balustrades and walls give the interior its own colour. In the courtyard stands a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
Good to know
Entry is by a donation of 20 lei per person. On Saturdays, for Shabbat, the synagogue cannot be visited and photography is not allowed. The city has a second synagogue too, the Orthodox one on Strada Castelului, built in 1924 and no longer in use: it is a different building, with a different history.
Information verified on 24 October 2026.
- The red-brick façade, banded in white, with a rosette and stained glass above the entrance and the year 1901 in Hebrew on the gable.
- The three-aisled hall, with slender columns and upper galleries, in the Neo-Gothic style with Moorish touches.
- The coloured stained glass with the Star of David and the geometric ornaments on the balustrades.
- The synagogue courtyard, with the memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Brașov is ~170 km from Bucharest on the DN1 (~3 hours, quicker on the A3 as far as Ploiești), ~145 km from Sibiu on the DN1 (~2h30) and ~270 km from Cluj-Napoca (~4 hours). The synagogue is in the historic centre, on Strada Poarta Șchei (no. 27–29), in a courtyard between houses, ~150 m from Catherine's Gate and ~500 m on foot from Council Square.
Public transport: Brașov railway station (trains from Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj) is ~3 km from the centre, and city buses link the station with the historic centre; from there it is a few minutes' walk to the synagogue.
- Where to park
The historic centre has narrow streets and paid parking; the easiest option is to leave the car on its edge and walk a few minutes. Check the markings and the rate where you stop.
- Fees & discounts
Entry is by a donation of 20 lei per person. Organised groups of more than 20 people should phone a day ahead.
- Rules
It is a working place of worship and a monument: decent dress, a low voice, and the objects and decoration are not to be touched. On Saturdays, for Shabbat, the synagogue cannot be visited and photography is not allowed.
- Facilities
the kosher Shalom restaurant in the synagogue complex
Frequently asked questions about Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)
- How much is a ticket to Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)?
- A ticket to Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel) costs 20 lei (donation at the entrance). Entry is by a donation of 20 lei per person. Organised groups of more than 20 people should phone a day ahead.
- What are the opening hours of Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)?
- Opening hours at Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel): Monday–Thursday 09:00 – 19:30, Friday 09:00 – 18:00, Saturday closed, Sunday 11:00 – 18:00. Monday to Thursday 9:00–16:00 and 16:30–19:30, Friday 9:00–18:00, Sunday 11:00–18:00. On Saturdays, for Shabbat, the synagogue cannot be visited and photography is not allowed. Groups of more than 20 people call a day ahead to book. The Shabbat morning prayer (Shacharit) begins at 9:30; services follow the times announced by the community.
- How long does a visit to Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel) take?
- A visit to Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel) takes about 30 min (interior and courtyard).
- Can you visit Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel) with kids?
- Yes, Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel) is suitable for children (place of worship, keep voices low).
- Where can I park at Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)?
- There is paid parking at Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel) (in the old centre, paid). The historic centre has narrow streets and paid parking; the easiest option is to leave the car on its edge and walk a few minutes. Check the markings and the rate where you stop.
- How do I get to Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)?
- Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel) is located at Strada Poarta Șchei 29, Brașov, Brașov County. By car: Brașov is ~170 km from Bucharest on the DN1 (~3 hours, quicker on the A3 as far as Ploiești), ~145 km from Sibiu on the DN1 (~2h30) and ~270 km from Cluj-Napoca (~4 hours). The synagogue is in the historic centre, on Strada Poarta Șchei (no. 27–29), in a courtyard between houses, ~150 m from Catherine's Gate and ~500 m on foot from Council Square. Public transport: Brașov railway station (trains from Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj) is ~3 km from the centre, and city buses link the station with the historic centre; from there it is a few minutes' walk to the synagogue.
- When is the best time to visit Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel)?
- The best season for Neolog Synagogue (Beit Israel): All year round (open all year, closed Saturdays).
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