Sofia Synagogue

Sofia Synagogue
Bulgarian: Софийска синагога
The synagogue in 2010
Religion
AffiliationOrthodox Judaism
Rite
Ecclesiastical or organisational status
LeadershipRabbi Bechor Kachlon
StatusActive
Location
LocationSofia
CountryBulgaria
Sofia Synagogue is located in Bulgaria
Sofia Synagogue
Locaiotn of the synagogue in Bulgaria
Geographic coordinates42°42′0″N 23°19′16″E / 42.70000°N 23.32111°E / 42.70000; 23.32111
Architecture
Architect(s)Friedrich Grünanger
TypeSynagogue architecture
Style
Completed1909
Specifications
Direction of façadeEast
Capacity1,170 worshippers
Interior area659 square metres (7,090 sq ft)
Height (max)31 metres (102 ft)
Dome(s)Three (maybe more)
Dome height (inner)23 metres (75 ft)
Dome dia. (inner)19 metres (62 ft)
Site area1,000 square metres (11,000 sq ft)
MaterialsCarrara marble
Website
sofiasynagogue.com

The Sofia Synagogue (Bulgarian: Софийска синагога, Sofiyska sinagoga) is a Romaniote Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, located in Sofia, Bulgaria. Completed in 1909, the synagogue is the largest synagogue in Southeastern Europe, the third-largest in Europe,[1] and one of two active synagogues remaining in Bulgaria.

Despite the building's size, the services are normally only attended by some 50 to 60 worshippers due to the aliyah of most of Bulgaria's Jews to Israel and the secularity of the local Jewish population.[citation needed]

  1. ^ "100-годишнина на синагогата в София]". dnes.bg (in Bulgarian). September 6, 2009.