The Great Synagogue of Florence, or Tempio Maggiore Israelitico, is an active house of worship and one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. Its green copper dome rises above the rooftops near Piazza Massimo d’Azeglio, while red-and-white stonework sets it apart from Florence’s familiar Renaissance churches.
Completed in 1882, the synagogue reflects the growing civic prominence of Florence’s Jewish community following emancipation. Architects Mariano Falcini, Vincenzo Micheli and Marco Treves drew on Moorish Revival, Byzantine and Islamic influences, visible in the horseshoe arches and richly patterned decoration. During the Second World War, the building was occupied and damaged by Nazi forces; it was repaired after the war.
Inside, painted walls, mosaics and stained glass create a striking contrast with the stone exterior. The adjoining Jewish Museum of Florence adds context through ceremonial objects, textiles and displays about the community’s history. Together, they offer a rewarding look at Jewish heritage in Florence beyond the better-known Renaissance sites.
The synagogue is generally closed to visitors on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, so check the official opening schedule before setting out. Allow time for security screening and dress modestly; ask staff about current photography rules. It is roughly a 20-minute walk from the historic centre.