Bordeaux Synagogue

Charles Durand. Elévation principale. 1880. Fi 76-S-9
© Archives municipales de Bordeaux

The synagogue was built by the architect Charles Durand between 1877 and 1882 to replace the first synagogue, which had been built in 1810 on Rue Causserouge by the architect Corcelles and destroyed by fire in 1873.

Terpereau. Construction de la Synagogue. Fin XIXe. 192-S-82
© Archives municipales de Bordeaux

It was inaugurated on 5 September 1882, the 21st day of the month of Elul 5642 according to the Hebrew calendar, by the Chief Rabbi of France, the Rabbi of Toulouse and the Rabbi of Bordeaux, Simone Lévy. In spite of the restricted space and the narrowness of the street, it is one of the most monumental and largest in France.
A Memorial for Martyrs from the community who fell victim to Nazi barbarism was set up in 1949 on the western wall of the forecourt.
It was listed as a historic monument in July 1998.