After a long tumultuous history of struggling to put down roots, the Jews were finally recognized in the 18th century by Emperor Josef II of Budapest, only to be once again forced out of the city upon his death. Hence, they established a quarter in the old city’s outskirts.
The Jewish Quarter grew to become an important part of Budapest’s history with many architecturally beautiful buildings and haunting memorials. These are the highlights that you should visit to learn more about the city and its culture.
Dohany Street Synagogue
One of the first buildings they built in the Jewish Quarter was the Dohany Street Synagogue. It can take up to a capacity of 3000 people and is designed in the Byzantine-Moorish style, which originates from the middle east. Their main show stopper is the Star of David motif in a large rose window.
Also within its compounds is a mass grave for 2000 Jews that were killed during the Holocaust.
The entrance fee to the synagogue is quite costly so it is recommended for travelers to take a tour as it would be more value for money. Entrance fees start at $22.07 SGD (5,000 HUF) for individual admissions.
“Weeping Willow” memorial/ Emmanuel Tree of Life
This tree sits next to the synagogue in the Raul Wallenberg Memorial Garden. Family names of the holocaust victims are inscribed into the leaves.
Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Garden
Raoul Wallenberg is a great inspiration and hero to many. Originally Swedish, he served as a foreign diplomat during World War 2 while covertly helping the Jews to escape and stay in safe houses.
Eventually, he was caught and murdered for his good deeds, making him a martyr. His statue stands in his memorial garden as a testament to a life of courage and sacrifice.
Carl Lutz Memorial
In tribute to another great hero, this memorial commemorates Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz who legitimized over 10,000 Swiss transportation documents for the Jews to migrate and protected over 8000 Jew families. It is estimated that he helped to save 62, 000 lives in his rescue efforts.
Fortunately, he survived the war and the monument stands to remember his great contribution. Hungary has the most number of survivors from the holocaust in which he has played a no small part.
Budapest Ghetto and memorial wall
Many were forced to relocate to the Jewish Quarter at the end of World War 2, or as it was once known — the Ghetto. A high wall was built around the area to ensure that no one could leave or enter making living conditions dire. They faced overcrowding as well as starvation. Jews were sent in large groups to be executed.
While most of the wall has been taken down, some parts remain as a memorial.
Rumbach Synagogue
Built-in the gorgeous Byzantine-Moorish style by Otto Wagner, this temple was left to ruins during and after the holocaust. It has recently undertaken restoration works and has now been reopened.
Be enthralled by the inner facade which looks akin to that of a house from Aladdin.
Street Art
The Jewish Quarter has amazing street art done by local artists on walls of buildings. One such example is the memorial dedicated to Princess Elizabeth of Austria, nicknamed “Sissi”.
Indeed, the architecture of the Jewish Quarter tells its somber history which presents a resilient and hearty culture which has bounced back from its horrors.
