Is the Rumbach Street Synagogue open to the public?

Yes, following its brilliant renovation completed in 2021, the Rumbach Synagogue is fully open to the public. You can purchase tickets to tour the spectacular sanctuary and visit the modern permanent exhibition on the upper floors.

What is the architectural style of Rumbach Synagogue?

It is a prime example of Moorish Revival architecture, specifically incorporating Islamic geometric patterns, horseshoe arches, and two minaret-like towers on its facade, heavily inspired by the Alhambra in Spain.

Who designed the Rumbach Synagogue in Budapest?

It was designed by Otto Wagner, a highly influential Austrian architect who later became a key figure in the Vienna Secession movement. The Rumbach Synagogue was one of his earliest major commissions.

Rumbach Street Synagogue: The Revived Moorish Masterpiece

The striped Moorish Revival brick facade of the Rumbach Synagogue — The unique, striped facade makes the building instantly recognizable on the narrow street.

Take a walk along the Jewish Quarter of Pest and explore its values. You have to visit the unique Rumbach Street Synagogue. It is worth it, believe us!

Key Takeaways

• The Rumbach Street Synagogue, designed by the famous Viennese architect Otto Wagner in 1872, is one of Budapest’s most spectacular architectural treasures.
• Built for the Status Quo Ante movement (a moderate faction between Neolog and Orthodox), it features a breathtaking Moorish Revival interior with an octagonal central dome, intricate gold stenciling, and slender iron columns.
• After decaying for decades following WWII, it underwent a massive, multi-year state-of-the-art renovation and reopened in 2021 as a vibrant religious space, museum, and cultural events center.

If you walk along the “Jewish Quarter” – which was the main middle point of the religious life of Orthodox Jewry in Budapest in the 19th century – you can discover the world-famous Dohány Street Synagogue. And you have to also explore the impressive Rumbach Street Synagogue. The building, which is under renovation, will be both a sacred and cultural space of events.

The central octagonal sanctuary of the Otto Wagner designed synagogue — The synagogue was built for a specific community in late 19th-century Budapest.

Identify The Famous Name Of The Street! Rombach (Rumbach) Sebestyén

The Rombach family came from Germany. Mátyás Rombach moved to Hungary in the mid-1700s. He established in Baia Mare, where he was a doctor: first a military surgeon and then a mining surgeon. His son, Sebestyén, also chose the medical profession. He was inaugurated as a doctor in Vienna in 1788. He started his medical work in Terézváros. He created the first Spa in Pest at the junction of Podmaniczky and Munkácsy streets. Furthermore, he soon gained a reputation for himself. Not only did he treat poor patients for free, but he also did not accept money for his service in military hospitals in Buda and Pest. In addition to patients in need, his selflessness also earned the recognition of the emperor, as a result of which he was awarded the title of the noble physician.

Looking up into the spectacular patterned octagonal dome of the Rumbach Synagogue — The crowning architectural achievement of the synagogue is its octagonal dome.

From 1806 to 1833, he owned the gateway house at number 9 of the then Országút (today Károly krt.). This house was called the Pauer House from its builder before Rumbach bought it. The other exit of the passageway opened onto a previously unknown street; since Rumbach was a well-known and highly respected physician, the street was named after him in 1874.

The Unique Synagogue

If someone walks on the Rumbach Sebestyén Street today will surely raise his head when he comes to synagogue standing there: the renovated Jewish building almost interests the eyes of those who pass by. You can almost shock when entering the synagogue, the sight is so captivating. We are greeted by a cavalcade of colors, yet, the overall picture reflects incredible sophistication, a special beauty, and perfect harmony.

Two young men holding an ornate Torah scroll during a synagogue ceremony — The reopening in 2021 brought religious life back to the building.

Church in The Spirit of The Status Quo!

The Rumbach Sebestyén Street Synagogue was built in the 1870s in the essence of the status quo ante („stay as before”), based on the methods of the Austrian architect Otto Wagner (1841-1918), designed by the German architect Ludwig Förster (1797-1863), 1859 near the opened Dohány Street Great Synagogue Budapest. The interior of the Rumbach Sebestyén Street Synagogue received central training due to different liturgical needs. The square has a broadness of 24.8 meters and a height of 28.15 meters. As a matter of course, the lake reading stand, the bima, was placed in the center of the area surrounded by the arcade. It is a belief to place women in a separate gallery.

Pro tip: The Great Synagogue in Budapest is the largest synagogue in Europe and is definitely on the list of the 5 must-see museums in Budapest.

Extreme close-up of the intricately painted cast-iron column capitals — No corner of the synagogue was left unadorned.

Best Way To The Rebirth

Unfortunately, the beautiful building has been destroyed since World War II, and from 1959 it was formerly used for religious purposes. Recently, it sounds strange that in the 1980s it became the property of the construction company Alba Regia, which wanted to build a conference center here. After the change of regime, the company went bankrupt in 1992, so the synagogue could be returned to the Hungarian Government, and from there to the Jewish Community of Budapest in 2006. In the last few years the building has gone through complete reconstruction.

The original color scheme of the Rumbach Sebestyén Street Synagogue was modernized by painter László Haraszti, who preserved the previously restored mosaics, thus preserving motifs that were not otherwise documented. Spaces that did not exist before were also created in the synagogue. One such new architectural element is the bridge over the entrance, lined with a glass railing. There will be a café with a beautiful view of the church square. Behind it, you can see the three new windows which open to the Rumbach Sebestyén Street.

What will happen in the future?

According to the designers, the beautiful building could be reopened in a very short time – renovated like the House of Coexistence (Együttélés Háza). Which will be not only special in the district but can also be a unique cultural and religious place in the whole city.

Construction work underway during the major restoration of the synagogue — The building suffered heavy damage during World War II and decades of subsequent neglect.

Gozsdu Courtyard – Enjoy the Entertaining Events of The Jewish Quarter!

If you want to discover something extra in Budapest, you don’t have to miss the seven-building Gozsdu which will consist of six courtyards, connecting King and Dob Streets with a two-hundred-meter walk. Its history dates back to 1900, when the Gozsdu Foundation, established from the estate of Gozsdu Manó, a lawyer of Romanian origin, commissioned Győző Czigler, a renowned architect of his time, to draw up the plans. The Gozsdu Court was famous for its bustling life until World War II, but in contrast to its current role, it functioned as a commercial center. During World War II the Gozsdu Courtyard was a part of the Budapest ghetto; UNESCO has declared it to be the part of world heritage.

A small thumbnail representing Jewish heritage in Budapest

Over the years, the position of Gozsdu only run-down, and in 2009 it was made up and renewed as a result of a complete upgrade. In addition to plenty of new catering facilities, essentially restaurants and bars, opened in it, and travelers were also slowly dominating the area. By reason of a large number of tourists, some may have avoided this part of the city so far, even if it is really worth visiting here.