The New Synagogue of Berlin

Once, the synagogue in Berlin was the largest in all of Germany, a testament to the ancient presence of a large Jewish community and a symbol of pride for Berlin's Jews.

Today, the Neue Synagoge (New Synagogue) on Oranienburgerstrasse in the Mitte district is one of the landmarks of the Jewish world in the city, a sign of the revival of Jewish life in the neighborhood.

After a dark and painful past, the sanctuary where Einstein used to play the violin has finally returned to shine and is now one of the new symbols of Berlin. The grand mosque-like temple (explicit reference to the "golden" medieval Spanish-Jewish culture and the ability of Jews to integrate into any social environment) quickly catches the eye.

The magnificent green and gold dome, visible from afar, the Oriental-style decorations, and the narrow facade flanked by two towers topped with golden domes give it beauty and elegance.

The sacred building was constructed between 1859 and 1866, designed by the Berlin architect Knoblauch, and could accommodate up to 3,200 worshippers.

On November 9, 1938, during the terrible Night of Broken Glass, despite the heroic intervention of a local police superintendent who prevented it from being set on fire by the SS, the synagogue was profaned and severely damaged by the Nazis.

In 1940, it was requisitioned and transformed into a warehouse. 1943 is the year of the sad epilogue: ally bombs hit it repeatedly. Only the outer facade remains of the beautiful architectural construction.

After the war, the synagogue was left to its fate of decay, a mournful and silent monument to memory. In 1988, on the 50th anniversary of the Night of Broken Glass, the long reconstruction began and was completed in 1995.

Since then, the Jewish house of God has reopened its doors. The renovation work only involved certain parts of the building (dome and front); a glass structure protects the ruins of the ancient synagogue, and a path of stones on the ground outlines its original dimensions. During the restoration, some objects emerged, including a Torah scroll and a perpetual lamp, which are appropriately displayed.

Since reopening, the New Synagogue has returned to being a place for gathering, study, and prayer.

Inside, there is a space designated for prayer (without distinction between men and women), an exhibition area dedicated to the history of the synagogue and the neighborhood, and a valuable meeting center - Centrum Judaicum - which narrates the life of Berlin's Jews through documents and photographs.

From the top of the sumptuous dome, one can enjoy a beautiful view of the rooftops of the neighborhood.

Oranienburger Str.

S-Bahn Metro: S1, S2, S25 at Oranienburger Str.

From January to March: Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed Saturday. From April to September: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed Saturday, Sunday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. From October to December: Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, closed Saturday.

Full price: $5; reduced: $4 Dome: $3; reduced: $2.50