Páva Street Synagogue, Budapest

Páva Street Synagogue Budapest: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Páva Street Synagogue in Budapest is a profound emblem of Hungary’s Jewish heritage, architectural ingenuity, and enduring cultural spirit. Built in 1924 under the guidance of acclaimed architect Lipót Baumhorn, it uniquely blends Art Nouveau, Moorish, Byzantine, and Neo-Romanesque styles. Located in District IX (Ferencváros), the synagogue once served a flourishing Jewish community and today stands as both a place of remembrance and a center for education and culture, particularly as part of the Holocaust Memorial Center. Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or cultural traveler, this guide will provide comprehensive details on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, and the synagogue’s historical and architectural significance (Holocaust Memorial Center, Jewish Heritage Europe, Offbeat Budapest).

Introduction
Historical Background
Architectural Significance
Community and Religious Role
The Synagogue During the Holocaust
Restoration and Integration with the Holocaust Memorial Center
Visiting Information
Visual Highlights and Virtual Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Tips
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background

Constructed in 1924, the Páva Street Synagogue was designed to address the spiritual and communal needs of Budapest’s rapidly growing Jewish population. At its core, the synagogue reflected the aspirations of Hungarian Jews in the interwar period—a time of prosperity and increasing integration into urban life. The building became an important hub for religious services, community events, and education, and symbolized the vibrant Jewish presence in Ferencváros (Jewish Heritage Europe).

Architectural Significance

Lipót Baumhorn’s design for the Páva Street Synagogue is a masterclass in eclectic architecture. The exterior features a symmetrical façade adorned with stylized lilies, a central dome, arched windows, and decorative pilasters—melding Moorish, Byzantine, and Art Nouveau influences. Inside, the sanctuary once accommodated up to 1,700 worshippers and includes a spacious nave, elegant women’s galleries (in Neolog tradition), a richly decorated Torah ark, and vibrant stained glass. The inscription “Love your neighbor as yourself” is displayed above the sanctuary arch in both Hebrew and Hungarian, underscoring the synagogue’s ethical message (World Jewish Congress, Mazsihisz).

Community and Religious Role

From its inception, the synagogue was affiliated with the Neolog movement—emphasizing integration and modernization—serving as a center for worship, education, and social life in Ferencváros. It played a vital role in fostering community cohesion, hosting daily services, life-cycle events, and charitable activities until the disruptions of World War II (Offbeat Budapest).

The Synagogue During the Holocaust

World War II and the Holocaust brought devastation to Budapest’s Jewish community. Although the Páva Street Synagogue lay outside the main ghetto, it became a place of refuge and resilience during the Nazi occupation, later suffering damage and partial disuse. In the postwar years, it remained a symbol of perseverance and was eventually restored as an integral part of Hungary’s Holocaust remembrance (Jewish Virtual Library).

Restoration and Integration with the Holocaust Memorial Center

After a period of neglect, the synagogue underwent major restoration between 2003 and 2004. Restoration efforts revived its original decorative scheme and architectural splendor using archival materials. The opening of the Holocaust Memorial Center in 2004 linked the synagogue with a state-of-the-art museum and educational facility, combining historic and modern architecture to create a powerful site of remembrance and learning (Holocaust Memorial Center).

Visiting Information

Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and major Jewish holidays.
Admission: General admission is 2,000 HUF (~€5.50), with discounts for students, seniors, and groups (1,500 HUF). Children under 6 enter free.
Tickets: Purchase online via the Holocaust Memorial Center website or at the entrance. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak times.
Guided Tours: Available in Hungarian, English, German, French, and Hebrew for an additional fee. Advance booking is advised.

Accessibility

The site is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, tactile maps, braille labels, and hearing assistance devices. For specific needs, contact the center in advance.

Directions and Nearby Attractions

Address: 39 Páva Street, District IX, Budapest.
Public Transport: Easily reached by tram lines 4, 6, 47, and 49 (Corvin-negyed or Mester utca stops), and metro line M3 (Corvin-negyed station).
Nearby: Great Market Hall, Danube River promenade, Dohány Street Synagogue, and the Jewish Quarter.

Visitor Etiquette and Safety

Dress modestly and respectfully.
Photography is permitted in most exhibition areas but prohibited inside the synagogue and some memorial spaces.
Observe silence in memorial areas.
Standard security screening is in place; visitor numbers may be limited during busy periods.

Visual Highlights and Virtual Resources

Exterior: The central dome, arched windows, and decorative façade.
Interior: Restored nave, women’s galleries, stained glass, and Torah ark.
Virtual Tour: Available on the Holocaust Memorial Center website.
Alt Text Suggestions: “Páva Street Synagogue Budapest façade,” “Interior of Páva Street Synagogue with stained glass.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and Jewish holidays.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in several languages for an additional fee.

Q: Is the site accessible for disabled visitors?
A: Yes, fully wheelchair accessible, with facilities for visually and hearing-impaired visitors.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Photography is not permitted inside the synagogue or certain memorial areas.

Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Online through the Holocaust Memorial Center website or at the entrance.

Summary and Visitor Tips

The Páva Street Synagogue, now a key part of the Holocaust Memorial Center, is a living monument combining architectural magnificence, historical remembrance, and cultural vitality. Its history—from community hub to a symbol of resilience—makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring Budapest’s Jewish heritage. Plan your visit by booking a guided tour, allocating 2–3 hours for a thorough experience, and exploring nearby sites for a deeper understanding of Budapest’s layered history. Use resources like the Audiala app for audio-guided tours and current event listings (Holocaust Memorial Center, Jewish Virtual Library, Mazsihisz).