There are only two functioning synagogues in Bulgaria. One of them is located in Plovdiv, and the other is in Sofia. The Sofia Synagogue is considered the third largest synagogue in Europe and the largest on the Balkan Peninsula. However, it attracts tourists not only with its impressive size. The Sofia Synagogue is one of the most beautiful churches in the capital.

The history of this magnificent architectural monument began with a unique project by the famous Austrian architect Friedrich Grunanger. That is why the appearance of the Sofia Synagogue resembles the Leopoldstadter Tempel in Vienna. The iconic Jewish building was made in the popular neo-Moorish style with elements of the classic Vienna Secession at the beginning of the 20th century. The luxurious facade of the building, along with its interior, refers to Venetian architecture. The main prayer hall with a diameter of 20 meters and a height of 31 meters is crowned with a huge octagonal dome, which makes the whole structure look even more majestic.

The synagogue interior is richly decorated with stucco and columns made of Carrara marble, as well as fine decorative wood carvings and Venetian mosaics. The hall with a total area of 659 square meters is illuminated by the largest chandelier in Bulgaria. Weighing almost 2 tons, it makes an unforgettable impression.

In total, the synagogue can accommodate up to 1,300 people at a time, but despite the spacious halls, religious services are usually attended only by 50 parishioners. Today, there is almost no Jewish community left in Sofia. Many people have returned to Israel, and the younger generation remaining in the capital is not very religious and does not visit the temple often.

The Sofia Synagogue is located in the very center of the busy city, not far from the Central Market. By the way, the latter also stands close to another religious building, the Muslim Banya Bashi Mosque, a magnificent monument of Ottoman architecture and the only functioning mosque in Sofia.