Budapest: See pictures of synagogue now used as library

Back in 2013 we reported on a small, Baroque synagogue in southern Budapest’s outlying 22nd district that had been restored and turned into a library — but we did not show or link to any pictures.

Built in the early 19th century, the synagogue was home to an orthodox congregation before World War II.

After WW2, the building, located at 56-58 Nagytétényi út, was used as a warehouse and then library stacks.

The ark, the women’s gallery and the original inscription (reading “From East to West the name of the Lord is Praised,” a passage from Psalms 113.3, in Hebrew and Hungarian) above the entrance remained intact, but the building fell into some disrepair.

The blog We Love Budapest has just published a photo-feature to highlight the site, showing the respectful way the small synagogue has been transformed, conserving the inscription and the ark, as well as other features.

today the front garden is paved with light limestone, forming a small transitional space between the building and the street.[…] The restored façade was completed with contemporary elements on both sides, the Torah ark was repaired, and the interior was moderately enriched with contemporary architectural elements.

You can also CLICK HERE to see a Facebook photo gallery of the synagogue that shows before and after images of the building, inside and out.