Old Synagogue
The Old Synagogue is one of very few preserved medieval synagogues in Europe. Thanks to the extensive preservation of the original structure, it has a special place in the history of art and architecture and is among the most impressive and highly rated architectural monuments in Erfurt and Thuringia. The synagogue was constructed during the Middle Ages on the "via regia", one of the major European trade routes, at the heart of the historical old quarter very close to the Merchants Bridge and the town hall. Many parts of the structure still remain today, including all four thick outer walls, the Romanesque gemel window, the Gothic rose window and the entrance to the synagogue room.
Erfurt Treasure
After extensive restoration, the building was reopened in 2009. On display in the exhibition rooms is an collection of medieval treasures discovered during archaeological excavations. This includes 3,140 silver coins, 14 silver ingots, approx. 700 works of goldsmithery from the 13th and 14th centuries and an intricately worked wedding ring of the period, of which only two others are known to exist anywhere in the world. A mikveh (Jewish ritual bath) has been excavated close by (13th/14th century). The Old Synagogue, the Small Synagogue and two Jewish cemeteries together form a network of historical buildings and sites which vividly portray the role of Jewish life in the history of Erfurt.
Erfurt Treasure
Available
Tue - Sun 10 am - 6 pm
Guided Tours
90 minutes (or 60 minutes)
Booking via
Erfurt Tourism & Marketing Board,
Tel: +49 361 - 66 40 120,
citytour@erfurt-tourismus.de
Travel information
Tram no. 2, 3 or 6 to Fischmarkt
By car: Domplatz multi-storey car park
Price
Adults: € 8.00 per person incl. audio guide
Concessions: € 5.00 per person incl. audio guide
Guided Tour of the Old Synagogue (60min):
€ 100.00 per group plus admission
Guided Tour of the Old Synagogue (90min):
€ 120.00 per group plus admission
For guests with Erfurt Card free of charge
You may also find the following of interest
Medieval Mikveh
The Old Synagogue features a medieval mikveh, a type of Jewish ritual bath.
Church of St. Severus
The Church of St Severus, a five-naved early Gothic hall church, is Erfurts most famous landmark - along with the cathedral.
Tour of the Old Synagogue
The Old Synagogue is one of a tiny group of medieval synagogues that have remained undamaged and is the oldest fully intact synagogue in Europe.
On the trail of jewish history
During the Middle Ages, Jewish merchants played a significant role in Erfurt’s commercial life, but were expelled from the 14th century onwards.
ErfurtCard & ErfurtTravelCard
Use the ErfurtCard and ErfurtTravelCard to get free entry to this museum.
Contact
Alte Synagoge
Waagegasse 8
99084 Erfurt
+49 361 - 6 55 15 20
altesynagoge@erfurt.de
