In the very spot where the Leopoldstädter Temple once stood, a testament to Vienna's rich history unfolds. It was a grand temple, the biggest synagogue in the city, where more than 2,000 people gathered. The four columns you see in front of you give you an idea about the size of the former synagogue. Opened in 1858, the decor and size made the temple an outstanding site. Its unique design influenced the creation of synagogues in other cities like Krakow, Prague, Bucharest and Budapest.
The visibility of this temple points to a time when legal and economic conditions were getting better for Jewish people. They were gaining more rights, and you could see their growing confidence. This temple wasn not just an average building; it was the heart of the Jewish community.
Think over the historical information you have just read about the Leopoldstädter Synagogue.
- What do you think the four columns of the former synagogue represent today?