Uilenburgersjoel (Uilenburger Synagogue), Amsterdam
The Uilenburger Synagogue, a refined example of Louis XV Rococo architecture, first opened its doors in 1766. For nearly two centuries, it served the city鈥檚 Ashkenazi faithful, and today remains one of the rare surviving landmarks of historic Uilenburg鈥攁n artificial island originally developed as part of Amsterdam鈥檚 harbor expansion. Tucked into a peaceful inner courtyard, this intimate, inviting space continues to charm visitors with its rich heritage and warm atmosphere.
Back in its earliest days, the synagogue was built close to the water, in the shadow of a windmill serving a local brewery. Hidden away behind rows of houses, reachable only by winding, narrow alleyways, this quiet spot miraculously dodged sweeping redevelopment in the early 20th century that reshaped Amsterdam鈥檚 Jewish quarter.
The darkest days came during World War II, when its congregation was tragically diminished by the horrors of the Holocaust, and the synagogue itself suffered severe looting. Yet, it survived. With its elegant bell-shaped gable and striking central projection still intact, the synagogue earned recognition as a national heritage site in 1970 and underwent careful restorations in 1996 and again in 2015.
Since 2002, the Uilenburger Synagogue Foundation has been reconnecting the synagogue to its Jewish roots, bringing fresh energy and purpose to the space. Now it鈥檚 more lively than ever鈥攁 thriving cultural hub welcoming Jewish organizations and wider audiences alike for concerts, exhibitions, spiritual services, and more. A beautiful space where the past and present meet.
Back in its earliest days, the synagogue was built close to the water, in the shadow of a windmill serving a local brewery. Hidden away behind rows of houses, reachable only by winding, narrow alleyways, this quiet spot miraculously dodged sweeping redevelopment in the early 20th century that reshaped Amsterdam鈥檚 Jewish quarter.
The darkest days came during World War II, when its congregation was tragically diminished by the horrors of the Holocaust, and the synagogue itself suffered severe looting. Yet, it survived. With its elegant bell-shaped gable and striking central projection still intact, the synagogue earned recognition as a national heritage site in 1970 and underwent careful restorations in 1996 and again in 2015.
Since 2002, the Uilenburger Synagogue Foundation has been reconnecting the synagogue to its Jewish roots, bringing fresh energy and purpose to the space. Now it鈥檚 more lively than ever鈥攁 thriving cultural hub welcoming Jewish organizations and wider audiences alike for concerts, exhibitions, spiritual services, and more. A beautiful space where the past and present meet.
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Uilenburgersjoel (Uilenburger Synagogue) on Map
Sight Name: Uilenburgersjoel (Uilenburger Synagogue)
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour
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Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam's food scene is a delightful fusion of local traditions and global influences. Making your way through the interlocking canals, pretty bridges, and a maze of streets laden with diverse eateries and bars may easily render you hankering for a bite to eat and/or a drink to wash it down with.
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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The inner-most borough and historic heart of Amsterdam, known locally as Centrum, is a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with their own unique vibe and history. Formerly a working-class area, this district is reputed for its traditional community spirit, radical politics and historic brown bars.
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Red Light District Walking Tour
For centuries, Amsterdam鈥檚 Red Light District has been a source of endless intrigue. Its heart and the most historic section, De Wallen, is a fascinating blend of medieval charm and modern-day notoriety. Here, you鈥檒l find timeworn canal houses leaning at curious angles, narrow cobblestone alleys lined with old bars, cozy shops, and a sprinkling of late-night establishments. And of course, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Western Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Western Canal Belt is Amsterdam at its most iconic鈥攑icture-perfect and brimming with history. Part of the city鈥檚 famed Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it鈥檚 a neighborhood that marries beauty and function.
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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