The New Synagogue is located in the Mitte district of Berlin and is considered the main synagogue of the capital's Jewish community. It was built between 1859 and 1866, after which it became one of the city's major architectural monuments of the 19th century.
This majestic structure is made in the Moorish style and is very reminiscent of the Alhambra. The synagogue was designed by Eduard Knoblauch, but he was unable to finish the construction due to a serious illness, so Friedrich August Stüler succeeded him. The facade of the building is characterised by multi-coloured bricks and is very richly decorated in the Eastern tradition. Coloured blocks, unusual and even slightly bizarre ornaments decorate the New Synagogue. Despite the fact that it is considered to be slightly "sandwiched" between structures built earlier, it looks very lush and harmonious.
There are two small domes on the wings of the structure, resembling tents, with a central magnificent dome with gilded canting between them. Upon entering the synagogue, visitors first enter the front hall and then the main hall, which has a capacity for 3,000 people. This building was built to accommodate the increasing population of Jews in Berlin, among whom were many immigrants from the East. Not only services were held here, but also some public concerts. For example, in 1930, the New Synagogue hosted a violin concert attended by Albert Einstein.
During the war years the building was completely destroyed, fortunately for the many believers this symbol of the Jewish faith was rebuilt with all the features of the first building, but with some additions to the decor. Nowadays, the lush and truly majestic New Synagogue continues to function and attracts a large number of tourists with its beautiful view.
