Three Great European Synagogues for a future Kosher Tour
Europe is a place rich in history, filled with beautiful buildings, vibrant cultures and fascinating people. Europe is the destination of many Jewish heritage tours, and with good reason. From the temperate hills of Spain to the cool mountains of France, Europe is full of beautiful locales that are worth visiting. In addition, the rich Jewish history of its cities is enough to warrant a historic tour of their streets. The various synagogues of antiquity represent this enduring Jewish legacy.
There are many beautiful synagogues in Europe worth seeing in the near future. If you are thinking of taking a trip to Europe, particularly through the Danube River, you should plan to visit at least a few of the beautiful synagogues while you are there.
Kadoorie Mekor Haim, Porto (Portugal)
While this may not be found along the Danube, the Kadoorie Synagogue is still a storied establishment that forms a central part of the community in Porto. The Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue of Porto was designed in the early 20th Century by Captain Barros Basto, a place for the Crypto-Jews to gather and return to faith. Today, it has become a well-known tourist destination for Jewish travelers fascinated by Iberia’s Jewish heritage.
Amsterdam Synagogue (Esnoga), Amsterdam (Holland)
Esnoga Synagogue of Amsterdam is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. It is one of the few remaining original buildings from the medieval period in Amsterdam. Founded in the 17th Century and located in the heart of the city, it’s known for its spectacular architecture, exquisite artwork and rich pieces of heritage. Its location in the heart of Holland means that visitors tend to come here frequently, thus creating a very active and vibrant environment. If you are thinking of visiting Amsterdam, you will most likely want to visit this great locale.
Dohany Street Synagogue, Budapest (Hungary)
The Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary is one of the largest and most beautiful synagogues in Europe. It’s a substantial building with its distinctive Moorish Revival-style architecture that has stood since 1855, and it attracts thousands of people on each weekend who come to pray and launch festival celebrations with their families. Consisting of a series of museums, memorials, and cemeteries, the Dohany Street Synagogue is a focal point in the Jewish heritage of Hungary.
