Great synagogue

To your left, the building that blends in seamlessly with the backdrop of the Tilsitt quay is the Synagogue of Lyon. Look all the way to the top of it. You might notice a Star of David on the window of the top floor, however, it is probably the only element indicating it’s a synagogue. It was built on the remains of an old salt warehouse in a Neo-Byzantine style by Abraham Hirsch, a Jewish architect who would later become the chief architect of the city of Lyon in the late 19th century. Completed in 1864, it responded to the need for a place of worship for the growing Jewish population of the city. During World War II, Lyon welcomed Jewish refugees from all over France, and in 1941, this synagogue became the local headquarters of the U.g.i.f, the General Union of French Israelians. While access is limited to individuals of Jewish faith, this site remains an essential component of Lyon’s history and cityscape, having played a significant role for over 150 years.