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Vilnius Choral Synagogue

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Choral Synagogue in Vilnius is the only Jewish house of worship in the city to have survived the destruction of World War II and the Holocaust. Opened in 1903, the building was designed by architect Dovydas Rozenhauzas in a Moorish-Romanesque style, characterized by its distinctive dome and ornate facade. Before the war, Vilnius was celebrated as the 'Jerusalem of the North' and was home to over 100 synagogues and prayer houses, with this being the sole survivor. The interior is grandly decorated, featuring a beautiful women's gallery and an intricately carved Holy Ark. During the Soviet period, the building was used as a warehouse, leading to significant deterioration until it was restored following the restoration of independence. Today, it serves as the central religious hub for the Jewish community of Lithuania and remains a vital monument to the rich Jewish cultural heritage of Eastern Europe. It stands as a symbol of survival and the endurance of Jewish tradition in Vilnius.

Location: Lithuania
Top sights: Choral Synagogue, Vilnius · All Saints Church · Šv. Juozapo a.
Nearby: Grigiškės (13 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-6	-1	6	13	16	19	18	13	6	1	-4
Rain mm	52	43	44	47	74	77	102	83	54	68	56	54

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Vilnius Choral Synagogue can be visited outside prayer services. It is the only surviving Jewish house of worship in the city, featuring beautiful Moorish-Romanesque architecture.

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Typical hours

Typically the synagogue is open on weekdays during morning and afternoon hours. For precise opening times, check the official website or ask at the local tourist office.

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Photography

Photography inside is usually allowed without flash or tripod. Follow on-site signs, as prayer rooms require special reverence and discretion.

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Time needed

Allow around 30 to 45 minutes for visiting the synagogue. Those interested in history and architecture may spend up to an hour exploring.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with Vilnius Old Town and nearby Gediminas' Tower. The Jewish Museum and the restored Great Synagogue are also worth adding.

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Getting there

The synagogue is on Pylimo Street in central Vilnius, easily reached on foot. Buses and trolleybuses stop at 'Pylimo g.' as an alternative.

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Insider tip

Visit on a weekday late morning when it is quieter. Ask at the ticket desk about guided tours to learn more about its turbulent history.

Geography

Coordinates

54.67590, 25.28150

Facts

The synagogue was officially inaugurated on September 23, 1903.
Architect Dovydas Rozenhauzas designed the building in Moorish-Romanesque style.
It is the only surviving synagogue of the 105 that once existed in Vilnius.
During the Holocaust, the building was used by the Nazis as a warehouse.
Restoration of the roof and facade was completed in 2010.
The synagogue remains the religious center for the approximately 3,000 Jews in Vilnius.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vilnius Town Hall<1 km · NEExplore →

Vilnius Business District2 km · NExplore →

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul3 km · NEExplore →

Akropolis Vilnius4 km · NExplore →

Vilnius TV Tower5 km · WExplore →

Pavilniai Regional Park5 km · EExplore →

Rokantiškės Hill6 km · EExplore →

Verkių Regional Park8 km · NExplore →

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Sights in the town Vilnius Choral Synagogue (10)

Choral Synagogue, Vilnius

Choral Synagogue in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a Jewish place of worship.

All Saints Church

All Saints Church in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a church building.

Šv. Juozapo a.🌳 park

Square in Lithuania, a public space in Vilnius.

Teatro laboratorija

Theatre laboratory in Vilnius for experimental performances.

Šv. Mikalojaus bažnyčia

St. Nicholas Church is a place of worship in Vilnius.

Valstybinis jaunimo teatras

State Youth Theatre in Lithuania offering modern plays.

ŠMC skulptūrų kiemas

ŠMC sculpture courtyard in Vilnius with changing art installations.

Wrong Room

Unusual exhibition space in Vilnius for contemporary art.

Samuel Bak Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Vilnius showcasing works by artist Samuel Bak.

Malkų turgaus skveras🌳 park

A square in Vilnius, Lithuania, once used as a market.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dress code?

Yes, men must cover their heads (kippahs available at entrance), and shoulders and knees should be covered.

What are the visiting hours?

Typically Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 and on Sundays. Closed on Saturdays (Shabbat).

Is entrance free?

Entry is usually possible for a small donation (approx. 2-5 euros) for the maintenance of the synagogue.

What makes this synagogue special?

It is the only synagogue in Vilnius that survived the Holocaust and the destruction of World War II.

Where is the building located?

At Pylimo g. 39, on the edge of Vilnius Old Town, easily accessible on foot.

Vilnius Choral Synagogue: where is it located?

Vilnius Choral Synagogue is located in Lithuania.

Vilnius Choral Synagogue: what is there to see?

Highlights include Choral Synagogue, Vilnius, All Saints Church, Šv. Juozapo a..

Vilnius Choral Synagogue: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Vilnius Choral Synagogue: why is it worth visiting?

The Choral Synagogue in Vilnius is the only Jewish house of worship in the city to have survived the destruction of World War II and the Holocaust.

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