One of our most anticipated visits for our time in Budapest was Europe’s largest synagogue.
With its distinctive twin onion domes it is one of the most recognizable buildings of Budapest’s skyline.
The interior is breathtaking. Words really can’t describe how beautiful it is. It can hold up to 3,000 worshippers. The woodworking of the women’s galleries is amazing. I apologize that I was so taken with the interior, I completely forgot to turn around and get a picture of the huge rose window with the light coming in.
Since I’m not Jewish, I don’t know the proper names for much of what I photographed.
So rather than embarass myself, I’ll just post the photos for you to enjoy.






Next to the synagogue is an interesting museum collection of historical relics, Judica devotional items and objects dating back to ancient Rome.
On the top floor of the museum is a series of stark white walls lined with photographs. This is the Holocaust Memorial Room.
Although photographs were permitted, and actively encouraged by the museum staff, I really couldn’t bring myself to take any. In fact, I had a hard time looking at the series of exhibit photographs. The inhumanity was just too overwhelming.
So I’ll leave you with only two photos. One of the entry into the exhibit, and one as we exited into the lovely courtyard behind. It is of the 1991 weeping willow sculpture dedicated to the 600,000 Hungarian Jews murdered during WWII. Each silvery leaf bears a name.