In the 17th century, the Jewish population of Romania increased for the first time, especially in Targu Mures and its surroundings. The Jewish population in this area became the second largest in Transylvania.
A wooden synagogue was built in Targu Mures in 1785, and became a spiritual home for Jewish believers. The Jewish population was gaining increasing economic importance during the 19th century, becoming involved in production, publishing, commerce, medicine, banking or law. The financial stability of the society allowed them to build themselves a place of worship between 1899 and 1900, which can still be seen today.
The synagogue stands out thanks to its façade and its three domes (the two smaller domes feature a Star of David). The interior of the synagogue was magnificently decorated with white marble on the east side of the building, in memory of the Holocaust. As in many parts of Europe, World War II had a devastating effect on the Jewish community of Targu Mures. There were about 6,000 Jews living in Targu Mures in 1941, compared to 1,500 by the end of the war.
Sanctuary
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Targu Mures