You can find The Great Synagogue in the 7th district of Budapest – on Dohány street. This is why the synagogue is known also as Dohány Street Synagogue. The building is 75 meters long and 27 meters wide and accommodates up to 3,000 seating worshippers. It consists of three chambers and according to Orthodox tradition it has a separate gallery for women and men. Ornate interior of the synagogue is the work of Hungarian architect Frigyes Feszla and some elements are clear ideas of Reform Judaism. One example is the placement of the stage for Torah readers.

The facade of the synagogue is decorated with a large rosette. It is located between two richly decorated octogonal towers, which are typically accompanied by onion-shaped domes. Above the rosette there is the Hebrew inscription of the Second Book of Moses. The facade is composed of strips of white and red bricks.

Austrian Jewish journalist Theodor Herzl was born at The Great Synagogue, who became the most important representative of Zionism, and later became the spiritual father of Israel. There was a museum founded in 1931 at his birthplace house, where is located the extensive collection of historic relics, the Jewish objects of everyday needs. Exhibits date from the periods of ancient Rome to the present. A very valuable book for example is the Burial Society Chevra Kaddisha from 1792. The museum was previously attached to the main building and is now open to the public throughout the whole year. One separate room is dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust.

The Great Synagogue in Budapest is one of the most venerated synagogues in Europe.

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What to see in Wrocław?

• Rynek (market square) with the 14th century Town Hall
• Kościół Św. Elżbiety (“St. Elisabeth’s Church”)
• Hala Stulecia by Max Berg – a World Heritage Site
• Multimedia Fountain
• Szczytnicki Park with Japanese Garden
• Zoo
• Botanical garden
• Ostrów Tumski with Wrocław Cathedral
• Panorama Racławicka
• Plac Grunwaldzki
• Wrocław Palace
• White Stork Synagogue

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Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by Chris Yunker

The castle is surrounded by a moat that is filled with water fed from the Po River. The castle dates back to the 14th century and features a number of towers, medieval walls and of course a draw bridge. In the basement of the Castle there is an old prison which is open to the public. While many parts of the castle today are open to the public, since the building still serves as the political seat of the city, there are parts that are non-accessible.

Not too far away from the fort is the city’s cathedral. It is here that you will find the Museo della Cattedrale which houses many beautiful tapestries, various manuscripts as well as the 1408 sculpture of Madonna. Since the city has been the home for many famous artists, there are many fine collections to view in the museum.

In 1492, the Duke of Ferrara planned an extension to the city which can be found along the northern edges of the town. The initial goal of the Duke was to create a very tasteful district in the city dedicated to the Renaissance. In this extension, you will find a number of fine attractions as well as the Palazzo dei Diamanti which is a museum today that houses many works from local artists.

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