Synagogue of Groningen | Groningen

Information

Landmark: Synagogue of Groningen
City: Groningen
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe

Synagogue of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands, Europe

The Synagogue of Groningen is a historic Jewish house of worship located in the Folkingestraat district. It serves as one of the few remaining large-scale pre-war synagogues in the Netherlands and currently functions as both a religious center and a cultural exhibition space.

Visual Characteristics

The building is constructed in a Moorish-National style, featuring yellow and red brickwork with prominent horseshoe arches and oriental motifs. The exterior is notable for its large rose window containing a Star of David and copper-clad domes atop its towers. The interior is characterized by a spacious nave, a wooden Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh), and a gallery for women supported by slender columns, all decorated with geometric stenciling and polychrome patterns.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated at Folkingestraat 60, approximately 600 meters north of Groningen Main Station. It is easily accessible on foot via the Werkman Bridge. Several bus lines stop at the "Gedempte Zuiderdiep" station, located 150 meters from the entrance. No on-site parking exists; the nearest public facility is the Parkeergarage Q-Park Museumcentrum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The synagogue was designed by architect Tjeerd Kuipers and completed in 1906, replacing an earlier, smaller structure from 1756. It served a large Jewish community until 1942, after which it was used as a storehouse during the German occupation. Following a period of decay and use as a laundry facility post-war, the building was fully restored and reopened for religious and cultural purposes in 1981.

Key Highlights & Activities

Permanent exhibitions inside the building detail the history of the Jewish community in Groningen. Guided tours are available during public opening hours, focusing on the architectural symbolism and the Hebrew inscriptions within the sanctuary. The building occasionally hosts concerts, lectures, and Jewish religious services on high holidays.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a small reception area, restrooms, and a museum shop. While the main hall is accessible, the women's gallery is reached via a narrow staircase. 5G and 4G cellular signals are reliable within the building. There are no food vendors on-site, but the Folkingestraat is densely populated with independent bakeries and cafes.

Best Time to Visit

The synagogue is generally open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, typically between 13:00 and 17:00. Late morning or early afternoon provides the best natural light for observing the stained glass and interior paintwork. Photography is permitted, though visitors should check the schedule for closures during religious observances or private events.

Facts & Legends

A specific architectural detail is the "hidden" moon and star motifs on the exterior, reflecting the Moorish influence common in late 19th-century European synagogue design. In the surrounding Folkingestraat, several brass "Stolpersteine" (stumbling stones) are embedded in the sidewalk, marking the former homes of Jewish residents. A local tip: look for the brass strip in the street outside, which represents a hidden "moon" art piece related to the street's history.