Jewish Museum and Synagogue Siena

The Jewish Museum and Synagogue Siena take you into a fascinating world of history and culture. Built in 1786 in neoclassical style, the synagogue is located in Siena's historic centre, just a stone's throw from the famous Piazza del Campo. Plain on the outside to comply with building regulations of the time, the interior reveals true splendour: an elegant rectangular hall with richly decorated ceilings and artistic details awaits you. The centrepiece is the central bimah from 1756, decorated with nine ten-branched candlesticks. Particularly impressive is the two-storey women's gallery with its artistically perforated wooden grilles and floral motifs. The Jewish Museum is now housed here, containing valuable exhibits such as the famous Prophet Elijah's chair made of carved wood. The collection includes ancient Torah scrolls, silverware, prayer books and textiles documenting 700 years of Jewish life in Siena. The former ghetto, established in 1571 by Cosimo I de' Medici and operating until 1859, was a vibrant community with brotherhoods and rabbinical schools. This cultural diversity is reflected in the exhibits and makes your visit an enriching journey through time. The synagogue follows the traditionalist rite, which is reflected in its architecture and furnishings.