Nozyk Synagogue

Warsaw's past has sadly in many cases been buried beneath the rubble of a world war that nearly completely destroyed Poland's capital city but the rebuilding of the UNESCO listed Old Town and other city landmarks is a testament to the spirit of a city that has risen up and is now thriving. Nozyk Synagogue is an integral part of Jewish Warsaw today and is the only pre-war synagogue that is still active.

The synagogue was built between 1898-1902 on the initiative of Zalman and Rywka Nozyk and was located at 6 Twarda Street. Originally it was inside the Jewish Ghetto during World War II but when the ghetto was made smaller following deportations, it was located on the outside where it served as a fodder house and a stable. After the war, when survivors returned, the synagogue was damaged but still intact and remained the only Jewish place of worship on the left bank of the River Vistula in the former bustling Jewish part of the city.

Nozyk synagogue was closed again from 1968 - 1983 but was later reopened when there were political transformations in Poland. From that time reconstruction works began such as the addition of the eastern annex which is now the seat of the Union of Jewish Communities in Poland and of the Jewish Community of Warsaw. Neo-Romanesque elements of Byzantine origin decorate the façade as well as the interior. The vestibule is slightly broader than the main hall in the oriented T-shaped building. There are 600 seats, three aisles and women's galleries which have separate staircases and doors. Nowadays it serves not only as a place of worship but as a centre of Jewish culture in Warsaw. Concerts, exhibition and meetings are held here and many distinguished figures such as former Israeli President Mosze Kacaw have visited recognising the importance of the synagogue.

Nozyk synagogue can be visited every day except Saturdays. Opening hours are 9:00-20:00 Monday to Friday and 11:00-20:00 on Sunday.