What architectural styles define the synagogue?

The building was designed in Italian and Moorish Revival styles.

Can visitors enter on Saturdays?

Visits are allowed on other days of the week, but the site is closed to visitors on Saturdays.

What occurred at the building during wartime occupation?

The synagogue was used as a storehouse. Resistance fighters defused explosives before retreating forces could destroy the structure, after which it was restored.

How was the synagogue affected by the River Arno?

The structure sustained damage during the flood of the River Arno and was subsequently repaired during a restoration.

Who funded the construction of the temple?

David Levi, a president of the local Jewish community, bequeathed his estate to build the synagogue.

Florence · Italy

Great Synagogue of Florence: what's nearby, how to get there and when to go · 2026

Residents near the temple trade the dense downtown bustle for quiet residential blocks that slow down every Saturday.

Great Synagogue of Florence · CC BY-SA 4.0

Map of places

Now in the cityGreat Synagogue of Florence+16°CPartly cloudyupdated 01:39 PM Around here53

Exchange rate€0.89per 1 $EUR — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Worth a day trip

Venice≈ 3 hr 25 min · 146 hosts Rome≈ 3 hr 25 min · 1,292 hosts Milan≈ 3 hr 25 min · 1,139 hosts Nice≈ 3 hr 35 min · 309 hosts Munich≈ 3 hr 50 min · 1,823 hosts Lyon≈ 4 hr · 1,154 hosts

About the place

Moorish revival architecture defines the sanctuary, marking a pivotal era of full civic equality.

The congregation built the temple in the Moorish and Italian Revival styles following the granting of full civic equality in Tuscany. A substantial estate bequest from community president David Levi funded the construction. The monumental green copper dome and patterned stonework created a distinct architectural landmark outside the medieval city walls, celebrating emancipation after centuries of residential restrictions.

Read on

Wartime occupation turned the sanctuary into a military storehouse before retreating forces attempted its demolition. Local resistance fighters defused the planted explosives, preserving the interior before post-war restoration and subsequent repairs following the catastrophic Arno flood. The building remains an active Orthodox house of worship, closing to tourist visits on Saturdays while serving the historic local congregation.

Associations

Moorish Revival styleDistinctive domes and detailed stonework reflect Tuscan emancipation.
Wartime resistanceLocal fighters defused planted explosives to preserve the building.
Saturday closureDoors close to general visitors every Saturday for religious services.
Arno flood recoveryExtensive post-flood restoration repaired major structural water damage.

Facts

The synagogue features a blend of Italian and Moorish Revival architectural styles.
David Levi bequeathed his personal estate to fund the construction of the synagogue.
Resistance fighters defused explosives planted by retreating German troops and Italian Fascists.
The sanctuary is accessible to general visitors on all days except Saturdays.

Updated September 10, 2026Source: Wikipedia

Great Synagogue of Florence: what's nearby, how to get there and when to go · 2026

What is around53

Moorish revival architecture defines the sanctuary, marking a pivotal era of full civic equality.

Getting there and staying

Google reviews

Similar nearby