The Great Synagogue of Florence, or Tempio Maggiore, is a beautiful synagogue built in Florence…read morebetween 1874 and 1882. It was created during the age of Jewish emancipation in Italy after the Duchy of Tuscany gave the Jewish community the status of free citizens in 1848.
Jewish architects, Mariano Falcini, Professor Vincente Micheli and Marco Treves, chose a Moorish style because that style was never used for churches. The synagogue was constructed in a Sephardic style to pay homage to the roots of Sephardic Jewry from Berber Moorish Spain.
The masonry is amazing. Layers of travertine and granite create a striped effect. The floor has a pattern filled with Stars of David. The central dome is similar to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The corner horseshoe-arched towers have onion domes which were popular in the Moorish Revival style. The natural copper roof oxidized to green over time so that it would be prominent in the Florentine skyline. The Bimah and Ner Tamid are so beautiful.
During World War II, the religious artifacts were hidden in the walls to protect them. Later, Nazis soldiers used the synagogue as a storehouse. In August 1944, retreating German troops tried to destroy the synagogue with explosives, but Italian resistance fighters were able to defuse most of the explosives limiting the damage. it was subsequently restored.
Our tour with Giovanna Bossi Rosenfeld, a licensed Tour Guide specialized in Jewish Tours of Florence, was so insightful. I first met Giovanna 13 years ago when she gave three generations of my family an incredible private tour of Florence. As an architect specializing in ancient building restoration, she has such a wealth of knowledge and passion for art, history, Jewish life and culture. Her book on the synagogue is fascinating. Thank you for the signed copy which is available at the bookstore and gift shop.
Note: Due to high security, you have to go through a metal detector. No bags are allowed, but cell phones are allowed. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Check the hours. It is closed on Shabbat.
