Pécs Synagogue | Pecs

Information

Landmark: Pécs Synagogue
City: Pecs
Country: Hungary
Continent: Europe

Pécs Synagogue, Pecs, Hungary, Europe

The Pécs Synagogue is the third-largest synagogue in Hungary and a prominent example of Romantic and Eclectic architecture. Located in the historic city center on Kossuth Square, it remains a central site for the local Jewish community.

Visual Characteristics

The building features a tripartite Romantic facade characterized by a massive central arched window and a distinctive clock topped with Hebrew inscriptions. The exterior is finished in ivory and red brick. The interior is noted for its lush ornamentation, featuring blue, gold, and red floral motifs. It follows a traditional layout with a central Bimah and a two-story women’s gallery supported by cast-iron columns.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Kossuth tér 3, 7621 Pécs.

Public Transport: Highly accessible; located directly on Kossuth Square, which is a major bus hub for city lines (Lines 30, 31, 32, 44, etc.).

Access: Entry for tourists requires a ticket. The synagogue is generally open to visitors from May to October, Sunday to Friday; it is closed on Saturdays (Shabbat) and Jewish holidays.

Protocol: Men are required to cover their heads (kippahs are provided at the entrance).

Historical Origin

Designed by architects Frigyes Feszl, Károly Gerster, and Lipót Kauser, the synagogue was completed in 1869. It was built during a period of significant growth for the Jewish community in Pécs. Unlike many European synagogues, it was not destroyed during World War II, although the local community was devastated by the Holocaust. The building underwent a significant interior restoration in the late 20th century to preserve its original Romantic decorative scheme.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Organ: A historic Angster organ, built by the famous Pécs-based organ maker József Angster. It was the first organ he produced for a synagogue.

Memorial Wall: Located in the entrance hall, listing the names of the 3,022 Jewish citizens of Pécs who were murdered during the Holocaust.

Frescoed Ceiling: The ceiling is divided into geometric sections featuring stylized stars and floral patterns typical of the 19th-century Romantic style.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The synagogue has consistent 5G cellular coverage. Public restrooms are available within the community building adjacent to the prayer hall. The ground floor of the synagogue is wheelchair accessible, though the women's galleries are only reachable via stairs.

Best Time to Visit

The synagogue is best viewed in the morning when the sun illuminates the eastern facade. Concerts are occasionally held in the hall to showcase the Angster organ, providing the best opportunity to experience the building's acoustics.

Facts & Legends

A verified detail: The Hebrew inscription on the clock on the facade reads "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations" (Isaiah 56:7). Legend states that the synagogue's survival during WWII was partly due to its use as a temporary storage facility, which prevented its structural demolition.