Temple City Synagogue

The main building of the Jewish community was built in 1825-1826. Externally picturesque and richly decorated building was hidden from prying eyes behind residential buildings - in those years there was a decree of Emperor Joseph II that only Catholic churches can go out on the central streets. Partly because of this law, the main synagogue survived the Nazi pogroms and would have been burned down along with the surrounding buildings. However, this fate did not pass 93 synagogues and houses of worship in Vienna.

The building of the synagogue was made in the Biedermeier style, which is an offshoot of Romanticism, often combining elements of empire and romanticism. The main features of this direction in architecture are the atmosphere of home comfort, careful study of the interior and other details.

At the end of the XIX century, the synagogue building was reconstructed, then in 1904 changes were made to its exterior design. Another restoration was carried out in 1949, after World War II, and then in 1963. Today, the synagogue is the main house of prayer for Vienna’s 7,000-member Jewish community.