Our apartment is just a few blocks from Great Synagogue or Tabakgasse Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world. It was built in the mid 1850's in a Moorish Revival style.
The building is on the edge of what once was the Jewish ghetto. During WWII it was used for Nazi radio. Over 2,000 Jews are buried in mass graves in the courtyard. Memorial slates have been inscribed for some and placed around the grave mounds.
The building is on the edge of what once was the Jewish ghetto. During WWII it was used for Nazi radio. Over 2,000 Jews are buried in mass graves in the courtyard. Memorial slates have been inscribed for some and placed around the grave mounds.
The building was restored in the 1990's with mostly state funding. The ark contains various scrolls taken from synagogues destroyed during the holocaust. It contains a large pipe organ, which is unusual for synagogues. We walk through the synagogue as well as the small museum. In the courtyard at the rear of the synagogue is the Memorial of the Hungarian Jewish Martyrs, which resembles a weeping willow tree to honor the 400,000+ Hungarian Jews who were murdered by the Nazi's.
On Friday we meet Conor and Jenny for lunch at Vak Varju, a restaurant recommended by Bence when we checked into the AirBnB. I decide to try something different and select the crispy squealer knuckle with Bavarian cabbage, roasted potato dumpling and rosemary jus. The pigs knuckle has been roasted and then possibly deep fried to crispen the skin. It is flavorful and fun. William, Conor and Jenny also enjoy their meals. We have lively conversation and get to better know one another. After lunch when I visit the ladies room I find it's pretty easy to spot as they have signage in many languages.
After lunch William and I walk to five blocks to St. Stephens Basilica. The new-classical building was completed in 1904 after 50+ years of construction. It is a beautiful building. After walking through the church we pay a small fee to take the elevator to the walkway around the dome for a view of Budapest.
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