Lviv street view of Staroievreiska Street with building ruins and old architecture

Golden Rose Synagogue

Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History (2025)

Introduction

The Golden Rose Synagogue, also known as the Nachmanowicz or Turei Zahav Synagogue, stands as one of Lviv, Ukraine’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks. Although mostly in ruins today, it remains a powerful symbol of Jewish heritage, resilience, and remembrance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the synagogue’s history, its cultural significance, practical visitor information—including visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility—and recommendations for making the most of your time in Lviv’s historic Jewish quarter.

Historical Overview
The Golden Rose Synagogue Memorial Today
Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
References

Illustration from Brockhaus and Efron Jewish Encyclopedia 1906-1913 showing historical Jewish cultural depiction

Cover of Lviv Jewish newspaper Chwila listing some synagogues in Lviv

Panoramic view of old Lviv with Great Synagogue behind the Arsenal and Golden Rose Synagogue visible

Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv, historic Jewish synagogue with architectural details

Interior of the Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv with detailed wooden carvings and traditional Jewish symbolism

Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv exterior view with Gothic architectural details

City Beit Midrash and Golden Rose Synagogue behind in Lviv

Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv on a vintage postcard

Interior of the Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv with ornate architectural details

Aron Kodesh of Turei Zahav Synagogue (Golden Rose) in Lviv, ornate wooden Torah ark with intricate carvings and Hebrew inscriptions

Interior of Turei Zahav Synagogue (Golden Rose) in Lviv with ornate decoration and historical ambiance

Sukkah built for Jewish holiday Sukkot near Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv

Sukkah built for Sukkot holiday near the Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv

Aerial photo of Lviv city in 1921 with a Balilla airplane in view

Golden Rose Synagogue in Lviv exterior view

Szklarska Street in Jewish quarter of Lviv with Great Beit Midrash building and Golden Rose synagogue

Shklarska Street in the Jewish quarter of Lviv with part of the large Beit Midrash on the left and the Golden Rose Synagogue visible in the background on the left

View of eastern part of Lviv city center from the Town Hall tower

Aerial view of the historical Jewish quarter in downtown Lviv with prominent synagogues

Panoramic view of the Jewish quarter in Lviv city with historic buildings

Aerial view of pre-war Lviv city with historical buildings and streets

View of the Turei Zahav Synagogue (Golden Rose) from Shklyarska (Shkolna) street behind the Great City Synagogue in Lviv

Plastic panorama reconstruction of Old Lviv at the end of 18th century

Fragment of a plastic panorama reconstruction of Old Lviv at the end of the 18th century by Janusz Witwicki showing the old Gothic city synagogue, city Bet HaMidrash, and Golden Rose synagogue behind defensive walls

Interior of the Golden Rose Synagogue (Turei Zahav) in Lviv

Historical Overview

Origins and Construction (1580–1582)

The Golden Rose Synagogue was established between 1580 and 1582, commissioned by the prominent Jewish financier Yitzhak ben Nachmanowicz. Its architect, Paulus Italus (Paweł Szczęśliwy), introduced Renaissance architectural elements unique to Eastern European synagogues (Liquisearch; E-A-A). The synagogue featured a prayer hall with a rib-vaulted ceiling, pointed lunettes, an alabaster Torah ark, and later additions like a vestibule and women’s gallery, which enriched both its functionality and artistic appeal.

Naming and Early Significance

Initially known as the Nachmanowicz Synagogue, it was seized by Jesuits in 1606 amid religious tensions. According to local legend, Rosa bat Ya’akov, the daughter-in-law of Nachmanowicz, played a vital role in regaining the synagogue for the Jewish community after a ransom was paid in 1609. The name “Golden Rose” (Di Goldene Royz) commemorates her contribution. Rabbi Yitzhak ben Shemuel HaLevi marked the event with the composition of “Shir Ge’ula,” recited annually after Purim (Liquisearch).

Architectural Flourishing

The synagogue was celebrated for its Renaissance architecture—balanced proportions, arched windows, and decorative stonework. It also featured Hebrew inscriptions and regional motifs, reflecting the community’s identity (E-A-A). The synagogue became known as the TaZ Synagogue after Rabbi David HaLevi Segal (the TaZ), who prayed there in the mid-17th century.

Role in Lviv’s Jewish Community

By the early 20th century, Lviv’s Jewish community was among the largest in Eastern Europe, comprising nearly a third of the city’s population. The Golden Rose Synagogue served as a spiritual and communal hub, surrounded by other key institutions like ritual baths and kosher butchers (The Complete Pilgrim).

Destruction During World War II

The synagogue’s fate changed tragically during the Nazi occupation in World War II. In August 1941, it was looted and desecrated, and by 1942, the Nazis had destroyed most of the building, leaving only partial ruins (RISU; Historical Sites). The destruction of the Golden Rose Synagogue became emblematic of the devastation experienced by Lviv’s Jewish community, nearly all of whom perished in the Holocaust.

The Golden Rose Synagogue Memorial Today

Today, the site is preserved as part of the “Space of Synagogues” memorial project. The remaining foundation walls and architectural fragments are integrated into a contemplative urban park designed for reflection and education (RISU). Commemorative slabs, interpretive panels, and minimalist landscaping convey the site’s layered history, while annual events such as the European Day of Jewish Culture draw visitors and locals alike.

While the memorial’s design has prompted debate within the community, it has become a focal point for both remembrance and cultural education (RISU).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The site is accessible year-round, but visitors should observe Lviv’s citywide curfew (midnight to 5:00 AM), during which the area is not accessible (Visit Ukraine Today).
Tickets: Entry is free. Donations are appreciated to support ongoing preservation.
Guided Tours: Available through local heritage organizations. Tours can be booked online, at the Lviv Tourist Information Center, or via Jewish heritage tour providers. Tours are offered in several languages.

Accessibility

The memorial is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and smooth pathways. The surrounding Old Town does have cobblestone streets, so some areas may be less accessible; visitors with mobility challenges should plan accordingly. There are no on-site restrooms, but facilities can be found nearby in cafes and public buildings.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Provide rich historical context and are recommended for a deeper understanding.
Special Events: The site hosts commemorative ceremonies, especially during Jewish cultural festivals.
Photography: Permitted, but visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid disturbing the memorial elements.

Nearby Attractions

Visiting the Golden Rose Synagogue places you in the heart of Lviv’s historic Jewish quarter, near several points of interest:

Synagogue Space Memorial Complex: Includes the ruins of the Great City Synagogue and Beis Aharon Synagogue, with interpretive installations (TravelInsighter).
Kafe Jerusalem: A Jewish restaurant offering traditional cuisine (TravelInsighter).
Old Jewish Cemetery: One of the oldest in Eastern Europe.
Lviv Historic Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Armenian Cathedral and Lviv National Museum: Reflecting Lviv’s multicultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Golden Rose Synagogue visiting hours?
A: The site is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission.

Q: Do I need a ticket to enter?
A: No, admission is free. Donations to support preservation are welcome.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and the Lviv Tourist Information Center. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is the memorial accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The site is wheelchair accessible, though some surrounding cobblestone streets may present challenges.

Q: Is it safe to visit Lviv and the Golden Rose Synagogue?
A: Lviv remains one of Ukraine’s safest cities for tourists, with safety measures and public shelters in place (Visit Ukraine Today).

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, photography is allowed. Please be respectful of the site’s solemn nature.

Summary and Recommendations

The Golden Rose Synagogue memorial is a must-visit for those interested in Lviv’s Jewish heritage, European history, and architecture. The site’s accessible hours, free admission, and central location make it ideal for cultural travelers. Enhance your visit by joining a guided tour, exploring nearby attractions, and honoring the site’s significance with respectful conduct. Keep updated on special events and guided tour offerings through official sources and local tourism channels.

For a more immersive experience, consider downloading the Audiala app, which offers audio guides and up-to-date information about Lviv’s historical sites.