Kahal Shalom Synagogue & Jewish Museum
Explore the oldest synagogue in Greece, a 1577 Sephardic marvel, and its museum detailing Rhodes' Jewish heritage and Holocaust history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Kahal Shalom Synagogue & Jewish Museum
Best Time
Experience active services
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the oldest synagogue in Greece, a 1577 Sephardic marvel, and its museum detailing Rhodes' Jewish heritage and Holocaust history.
"A must-see for its historical significance and poignant Holocaust memorial, offering deep insights into Rhodes' Jewish past."
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
The entrance is down a side alley, so look for signs and walk until you reach the main building.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Admission is only 4 euros, offering great value for a historical and cultural experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kahal Shalom Synagogue
Main Sanctuary
Step back in time in this 1577 Sephardic synagogue, featuring a mosaic floor and intricate stonework.
Rhodes Jewish History Museum
Adjacent to Synagogue
Discover artifacts, photos, and videos detailing the rich history of the Jewish community in Rhodes.
Holocaust Memorial Wall
Museum Area
A poignant tribute listing the names of Jews deported from Rhodes during the Holocaust.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating to the Synagogue
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
The entrance is down a side alley, so look for signs and walk until you reach the main building.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Admission is only 4 euros, offering great value for a historical and cultural experience.
📖 Prepare for Emotional Stories
The museum shares powerful stories of the Holocaust and Jewish resilience.
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss the well-curated museum detailing the history of Jews in Rhodes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
The entrance is down a side alley, so look for signs and walk until you reach the main building.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
Admission is only 4 euros, offering great value for a historical and cultural experience.
📖 Prepare for Emotional Stories
The museum shares powerful stories of the Holocaust and Jewish resilience.
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss the well-curated museum detailing the history of Jews in Rhodes.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the sacred nature of the site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kahal Shalom Synagogue and Jewish Museum for its historical significance and well-curated exhibits, particularly the poignant Holocaust memorial. The affordability and the opportunity to learn about the unique history of the Rhodes Jewish community are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note the challenging navigation to find the entrance and the limited return of the Jewish population to Rhodes post-war.
"Fantastic information on the deportation of the Jews to the concentrations camps. A son of one of the holocaust survivors was happy to sit down with us for some time and tell us his mother’s story and showing us the documents. It’s a shame the Sephardic Jews didn’t come back but completely understandable that they didn’t. It is lovely that there was the one man who had ties to Rhodes but apart from that there is no one with links to Judaism from Rhodes."
Aimee W
"Great descriptions of the Rhodes Jewish community over the centuries. Pictures, artifacts and videos tell important stories of persistence."
John Ewalt
"Has an excellent, well curated little museum that is a must see."
Jeremy Silverman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The synagogue is located in the old city of Rhodes. You'll need to enter a side alley and walk until you reach the main building. Look for signs to guide you.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, the old city of Rhodes is walkable. Taxis are also readily available to take you near the old town entrance.
The Jewish Museum is located within the same complex as the Kahal Shalom Synagogue. Follow the directions to the synagogue, and you'll find the museum there.
Parking in the old city of Rhodes can be challenging. It's recommended to park outside the old town walls and walk in, or use a taxi.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the port of Rhodes to the old town where the synagogue is located. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The synagogue and museum are open to the public, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check locally or plan for weekday afternoons for a quieter visit.
The entrance fee for the synagogue and museum is approximately 4 euros per person.
Advance booking is generally not required for general visits. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
While the synagogue is a historical site, religious services are primarily held on Jewish holidays.
As a place of worship and historical significance, modest dress is recommended. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the synagogue's beautiful architecture, including its mosaic floor, intricate stonework, and the Ark of the Covenant.
The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Jewish community in Rhodes, featuring artifacts, photographs, and videos.
Yes, the memorial wall listing the names of deported Jews is a deeply moving and important part of the museum experience.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful of the sacred space and other visitors.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the synagogue and the museum, and to absorb the historical information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the old city of Rhodes is filled with charming tavernas and restaurants offering local Greek cuisine.
Kosher food options are very limited in Rhodes, especially outside of specific holiday periods. It's advisable to check in advance if this is a priority.
There are no cafes directly within the synagogue complex, but numerous cafes are available in the surrounding old town streets.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricate details of the synagogue's interior, the mosaic floor, and the historical artifacts in the museum offer excellent photographic subjects.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but always be mindful of any posted restrictions and the solemnity of the exhibits.
Late afternoon light can create a beautiful ambiance inside the synagogue, but midday light is also good for capturing details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Rhodes Jewish Community
However, the community faced immense tragedy during World War II. The Holocaust had a devastating impact on Rhodes, with the vast majority of its Jewish population being deported to concentration camps. The museum within the synagogue complex poignantly preserves the memory of this dark period, displaying artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts that tell the stories of survival and loss. The memorial wall, listing the names of those deported, serves as a solemn reminder of the lives tragically cut short.
While the Sephardic Jewish community of Rhodes did not return in large numbers after the war, the Kahal Shalom Synagogue and its museum remain vital institutions. They serve not only as historical archives but also as a place of remembrance and education, ensuring that the legacy of Rhodes' Jewish heritage is not forgotten. Visitors can gain a profound understanding of this community's resilience and the enduring impact of history.
Experiencing the Kahal Shalom Synagogue & Museum
The museum complements the synagogue visit by providing essential historical context. Through pictures, artifacts, and videos, visitors learn about the evolution of the Jewish community in Rhodes, their traditions, and their eventual persecution. One of the most impactful elements is the Holocaust memorial wall, where the names of those deported are inscribed, offering a somber yet crucial moment for reflection.
Many visitors highlight the personal touch they experienced, with some accounts mentioning interactions with descendants of survivors who shared their family stories. This human element, combined with the historical exhibits, makes the visit particularly resonant. It's a place that encourages contemplation and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.
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