The dome is painted to represent the sky, shifting from light blue to deep indigo, symbolizing the transition from morning to evening.
The synagogue's design incorporates 24 distinct stained glass windows created by Miksa Róth, Hungary's premier glass artist of the era.
The architect, Lipót Baumhorn, designed over 20 synagogues across the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with this structure considered his magnum opus.
The synagogue contains a grand organ with 2,366 pipes, used frequently for high-quality classical music concerts.
The building's iron structure was produced by the Schlick foundry, which also contributed to the construction of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
The synagogue's acoustics are so refined that it is considered one of the best concert halls in Southern Hungary.
The Aron Kodesh (Torah Ark) is fashioned from wood imported from Lebanon, reflecting the biblical significance of the Cedar of Lebanon.
The New Synagogue in Szeged is a masterwork of Art Nouveau architecture designed by Lipót Baumhorn and completed in 1907. It stands as the second-largest synagogue in Hungary and the fourth-largest in the world. The structure integrates Moorish, Byzantine, and Gothic Revival elements with a distinctive octagonal dome reaching 48.8 meters. The interior features an intricate blue-domed ceiling decorated with a gold-leaf star motif representing the firmament. Its stained glass windows were crafted by the renowned Miksa Róth, depicting Jewish history and theological themes. The synagogue continues to serve as an active place of worship for the local Jewish community. It houses one of the few remaining original organs built by the C. W. Rohlfing company. The building's engineering includes advanced reinforced concrete support systems that were innovative for the early 20th century.
The central aisle looking directly up into the apex of the blue dome.
Check the concert calendar in advance, as the synagogue often hosts professional organ recitals that provide a unique acoustic experience.
Walk around the perimeter of the garden to observe the intricate stonework and exterior details that are often missed from the front entrance.
Look up while in the center of the sanctuary to fully appreciate the detail of the blue dome and its star-pattern illumination.
Do not enter during active prayer services or private religious events.
Closed on Saturdays for the Jewish Sabbath and during major religious holidays.
Men should wear head coverings inside the sanctuary; respectful, quiet attire is required.
