Grand Synagogue of Lyon

Abraham Hirsch

1863–1864

Photography of street view of buildings with low stone wall in front.
Please login or register for free access to Posen Library
Register
Already have an account?
Engage with this Source

Creator Bio

Abraham Hirsch

1828–1913

Born to a family of embroiderers, Abraham Hirsch studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, France. Because the traditional apprentice system was often closed to Jews who faced endemic antisemitism, the burgeoning academic system offered more opportunity for aspiring Jewish architects. Hirsch was the first known Jew to have attended a Western school of architecture, and he went on to become the chief architect of Lyon. He designed numerous buildings in the city, including the Grand Synagogue of Lyon, which was completed in 1864. Designed in the neo-Byzantine style, the synagogue is now designated an official historic monument.

Related Guide

Synagogue Architecture, 1750–1880

Synagogues built in Europe in the age of Emancipation had somewhat contradictory goals. On the one hand, they were to articulate a proud Jewishness, which by definition meant a distinctive style. On the other hand, they wanted to announce that they were deeply embedded in the European cityscape.

You may also like

Print of building interior with central podium, columns, and second floor balcony.
Tooltip info icon

The Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam

This image depicts the interior of the synagogue that served the Beth Israel congregation in Amsterdam. Before 1639, there were three Sephardic congregations in Amsterdam: Beth Jacob (founded possibly…
View Source

The Dark Pilgrimage

In the year 1885, a few days after the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, it began to rain in the plains surrounding the rivers Rednitz and Pegnitz and continued to do so almost…
View Source