In the heart of the Marais, Paris' Jewish quarter, stands the Synagogue des Tournelles. Its construction dates back to the late 19th century. It was built by Marcellin Varcollier, a pupil of Baltard (the architect of the pavilions at Les Halles de Paris), in a Romanesque-Byzantine style.
On the outside, visitors can admire the tripartite façade, with its large arcades, Corinthian fluted pilasters and carved Torah scrolls on either side of the beautiful rose window. But the most interesting part of the building is inside.
The Synagogue des Tournelles boasts a magnificent exposed metal framework designed by Gustave Eiffel! It is also unique in that it has two floors. During your visit, don't forget to take a tour of the nave, which houses theHoly Ark, protected by a wrought-iron door.
Over the years, the Synagogue des Tournelles has welcomed Jews from Alsace and Lorraine, after the loss of these territories in 1871, and later from Poland, Russia and Central Europe.
If you'd like to visit this beautiful synagogue, don't worry, tours are free. Enjoy your visit!
Location
Tournelles Synagogue
21bis Rue des Tournelles
75004 Paris 4
Prices
Free
