Synagogue

Although 21 synagogues can be found in Budapest, the Grand Synagogue in Dohány street is the one that locals refer to most often as "The" Synagogue. It is of no surprise, since the newly renovated synagogue is the second largest in the world, but first largest in Europe with more than 3000 people able to fit inside it. As the facade of the synagogue must face towards Jerusalem in the East, there is a small break at the Dohány street entrance which is not in line with the original direction of the street. In its garden is the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, with the Tree of Life (Életfa) dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. The outstanding acoustics of the synagogue makes it ideal to host concerts it is thus not surprising that both Ferenc Liszt and the famous French composer, Saint-Saens have given concerts on its legendary pipe organ. The neighbouring corner house, that was demolished some time ago, was the birthplace of Theodor Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement (today on its premises stands the Jewish Museum).