Budapest has a rich and tragic Jewish history, and the city’s Jewish Quarter (District VII) is home to important historical sites and memorials. Here are some key places to visit to learn more about Budapest’s Jewish heritage:
- Great Synagogue (Dohány Street Synagogue): The largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, the Great Synagogue is a stunning example of Moorish Revival architecture. The complex also includes the Jewish Museum, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, and the Holocaust Tree of Life Memorial.
- Jewish Museum and Archives: Located adjacent to the Great Synagogue, this museum houses a collection of Jewish artifacts, religious items, and exhibits that detail Jewish life in Hungary.
- Shoes on the Danube Bank: This poignant memorial honors the Jews who were killed by the Arrow Cross militia during World War II. The shoes represent the victims who were forced to remove their shoes before being shot and thrown into the Danube.
- Rumbach Street Synagogue: A beautiful synagogue recently restored and open to visitors. It is another important part of the Jewish history in Budapest and worth exploring for its architecture and history.
Taking a guided walking tour of the Jewish Quarter is also a great way to learn about the district’s history and the impact of the Holocaust on Budapest’s Jewish community.
