David Levi, the President of Hebrew University, paved the way for the development of a new synagogue in Florence in 1868. In 1882, the construction of the ‘Tempio Maggiore Israelitico’ was complete, one of the first synagogues in to not be disguised as something other than itself.

To be noticeable amongst the other large Florence buildings, the central dome is surrounded by copper that has oxidized to the greenish color that is present today.

Special to this Florentine site is the garden of the temple. Here, the names of the 248 Florentine Jews that were victims of Nazi’s during the massacre of the Holocaust are engraved on a larger plaque, while a smaller additional plaque notes the Jews that did not survive while fighting on Italy’s behalf during the First World War.

Today, this Synagogue remains a place of worship, along with a public museum. It is open to the public to visit.

Religious Services offered at the Synagogue

Every week on Shabbat morning, there are services at the Synagogue at 8:45am. Men and women do sit separately, men on the left side of the congregation, women on the right side or in the women’s gallery upstairs. Please note that bags and cameras are not allowed inside of the Synagogue space. Each Saturday after shabbat services, the Chabad House in Florence hosts a meal.

If you are visiting the Synagogue for a High Holiday service, it is encouraged to reserve seats in advance.

Museum Hours of Admittance

June to September: Sunday-Thursday 10am-6:30pm, Friday and the eve of major Jewish holidays 10am-5pm

October to May: Sunday-Thursday 10am-5:30pm, Friday and the eve of major Jewish holidays 10am-3pm

**Note that as the date of Jewish Holidays change each year, please be sure to check if the museum is open before visiting. The site is closed on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Passover, Shavouth, and Tisha B’av. However, the synagogue remains open only for religious services on these days**

Location and Contact Information

Sinagoga e Museo Ebraico – Firenze
Via Farini 4
Tel. +39 055 245252