The Synagogue of Florence was built at the end of the 19th century. In the garden there is a memorial plaque for Jewish war victims. On the first floor, there is a small museum dedicated to the Jewish community of the city.
Florence Synagogue
Address, opening hours and admission
Address: Via Farini Lugi Carlo, 6 – Florence. Telephone: +39 055 2346654. Public transport: Bus line 6, 14, 23, 31 (Colonna 01 stop). Opening hours: From 16 April to 15 October from Sunday to Thursday 10.00-18.30 hours, Friday 10.00 – 17.00 hours. Closed: Saturdays and Jewish holidays. From 16 October to 15 April from Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission: 6,50 Euro. Free for children under 6.
History and description
The Florence Synagogue was built in 1882. The architectural style of the building is Moorish-Byzantine and it looks more like a church than a synagogue, complete with a dome, an apse, a pulpit and an organ.
Already in 1572 the first synagogue was built in the former ghetto of Florence. In 1848 this as wella as a second synagogue were closed. The ghetto itself was demolished at the end of the 19th century.
The multicoloured arabesques are oriental in appearance. The Judeo-Orthodox character is reinforced by the prayer benches that are placed opposite each other and by the separate places for women.
When looking out over the city from a hill or a tower, the synagogue can be recognized by its striking green dome.
The very first Jews in Italy were slaves who were brought to Rome in the 1st century BC. The Florentine Jewish community dates back to the 14th century.
Museum
On the first floor is the entrance to a small museum that highlights the history of this community.
Garden
In the garden of the Synagogue is a large plaque with the names of Jews murdered by the Nazis. A similar monument can be seen at the Santa Maria Novella Station.