Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
A beautifully restored testament to Alexandria's rich Jewish heritage, offering a poignant connection to centuries of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for entry and tours.
Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
Best Time
Best chance for entry and tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored testament to Alexandria's rich Jewish heritage, offering a poignant connection to centuries of history.
"It was the most emotional experience to get into the sanctuary, put my kippah on and recite the Shema with my daughter."
Bring Your Passport! :passport_control:
Essential for entry and a brief questionnaire. Security is present, so be prepared.
Ask for Rasha or Abdel Nabi :pray:
These guides offer free, informative tours and can answer all your questions. Tipping is encouraged.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sanctuary
Main prayer hall
Experience the restored grandeur of the main prayer hall, kept in pristine condition.
Historical Significance
Throughout the synagogue
Connect with centuries of Jewish history in Egypt, from its ancient roots to its modern restoration.
French Organ
Near the sanctuary
Admire the early 20th-century French organ, a unique musical heritage piece.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Passport & Entry Process
Respectful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Passport! :passport_control:
Essential for entry and a brief questionnaire. Security is present, so be prepared.
Ask for Rasha or Abdel Nabi :pray:
These guides offer free, informative tours and can answer all your questions. Tipping is encouraged.
Dress Modestly :dress:
Show respect for this place of worship. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Photography Rules :camera_with_flash:
Be mindful that photos of guards or the exterior might be restricted.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Passport! :passport_control:
Essential for entry and a brief questionnaire. Security is present, so be prepared.
Ask for Rasha or Abdel Nabi :pray:
These guides offer free, informative tours and can answer all your questions. Tipping is encouraged.
Dress Modestly :dress:
Show respect for this place of worship. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Photography Rules :camera_with_flash:
Be mindful that photos of guards or the exterior might be restricted.
Check Hours Flexibly :clock1:
Hours can vary. Aim for earlier in the day and be prepared for potential changes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the synagogue's stunning restoration and the emotional experience of connecting with Jewish heritage in Egypt. The free tours and the guides' knowledge are highlighted as significant positives. However, inconsistent opening hours and a strict entry process involving passport checks can be challenging for some.
"A comprehensive guide to the synagogue for 2025. I was here in October 2024 and I was told the hours were wrong and entry wasn’t permitted and any photos of the guards around the compound or even of the outside of the synagogue were forbidden.
So this time I went in April 2025 and the first day I showed up an hour before the closing time on maps and the guard said to come tomorrow at around 10am. I came at 11am today and someone took my passport and disappeared for 5 minutes, realizing he made photocopies of my passport. Then I stepped through security, I wouldn’t recommending bringing anything, and filled out a questionnaire about my name, nationality, date of visit, and religion. He barely looked at the form and gave me my passport.
There was a lovely woman named Rasha who was my tour guide. She is working there since her father used to be one of the caretakers decades ago. She speaks perfect English and can answer all questions about the Synagogue. This tour was free and so was entry, but I encourage tipping for generosity. No “gifts” are required like at the Maimonides Synagogue in Cairo.
It is right off of the main road and you have to pass some militarized police at every corner, but just confidently ask you want to see the Jewish Synagogue for Tourism and I recommend going closer to the beginning hours near 10am, and always expect someone could arbitrarily say come tomorrow instead.
The actual synagogue is stunning. I went when it was being cleaned (pictured) and truly it is kept in pristine condition, much better than all of the roads and buildings in the area for that matter. Pictured are all of the features still present (the only bummer is apparently they have a Torah Scroll but it is locked away not for public viewing).
Fun fact- apparently there are 10 Jews still in Alexandria, all elderly women!"
Josh Z
"Wonderful place. Had it all to my self"
Paul Zawislak
"I passed by this wonderful synagogue daily in the 1970s and 1980s and saw it fall in disrepair, it was heartbreaking. Now I’ve traveled 1800 miles to see it restored to its past glorious existence. It was the most emotional experience to get into the sanctuary, put my kippah on and recite the Shema with my daughter. You need to bring your passport with you to enter and ask if Abdel Nabi can show you around, he can show you the offices and records."
Sherif Kahky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The synagogue is located in Alexandria, Egypt. It's accessible by local transport within the city. Visitors report passing military police checkpoints, but confidently stating your intention to visit the Jewish Synagogue for tourism usually grants passage.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or taxis to get close to the vicinity and then walk.
Approach confidently and clearly state your purpose is to visit for tourism. Security personnel are present, but visitors have reported successful entry by being direct.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the synagogue is generally free. However, you will need to present your passport and fill out a short questionnaire upon arrival.
Opening hours can be inconsistent. It's recommended to visit closer to the opening time, around 10 AM, and be prepared for potential changes or the possibility of being asked to return another day.
You'll need to provide your passport, which may be photocopied, and complete a brief form about your personal details and religion. After security checks, you'll be granted entry.
It's advisable to bring only essentials. Visitors have noted that bringing too many items might be discouraged.
While interior photos are generally allowed, be aware that photography of guards or the exterior of the building might be restricted.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can expect to see a beautifully restored sanctuary, a historic French organ, and potentially offices and records detailing the synagogue's history.
Yes, free guided tours are often available with knowledgeable guides like Rasha or Abdel Nabi, who can provide in-depth historical context. Tipping is appreciated.
Specific accessibility information is limited, but the recent major renovation suggests efforts towards improved accessibility. It's best to inquire directly if specific needs are a concern.
The Jewish community in Alexandria is very small, with reports indicating only about ten elderly women remain.
Originally built in 1354, it was destroyed and rebuilt in 1850. It's a significant landmark of Jewish heritage in Egypt, with roots stretching back over 2000 years. 
📸 📸 Photography
The restored sanctuary offers stunning interior shots. The historic French organ is also a unique photographic subject.
While interior photography is generally permitted, it's advised to avoid photographing security personnel or the exterior of the building to prevent issues.
It's best to refrain from photography during any services or religious events to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌍 History Enthusiasts
The synagogue is a tangible link to the historical Jewish presence in Alexandria and Egypt, a community that significantly influenced trade and culture. Engaging with a local guide can provide deeper insights into the synagogue's past, its role in the community, and the stories of its congregants. ✈️ Day-Trippers from Cairo
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Alexandria's Jewish Heritage
Visitors often express a deep emotional connection upon entering, feeling the weight of history and the resilience of Jewish culture in Egypt. The synagogue's significance extends beyond its architecture. It represents a connection to a community that played an integral role in global trade and intellectual life for millennia. Despite the dwindling Jewish population in Alexandria today, with reports suggesting only a handful of elderly women remain, the synagogue serves as a powerful symbol of continuity and remembrance.
For those interested in Jewish history in Egypt, visiting Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is a must. It offers a unique opportunity to witness a preserved piece of heritage and reflect on the diverse tapestry of Alexandria's past. The experience can be deeply moving, especially for those with a Jewish upbringing, providing a tangible link to ancestral roots.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette
When it comes to visiting hours, flexibility is advised. While maps might indicate specific times, actual opening hours can vary, and it's not uncommon for visitors to be asked to return on another day or at a different time. Aiming for earlier in the day, around 10 AM, seems to increase the chances of a successful visit.
For an enriched experience, consider seeking out a guided tour. Guides like Rasha or Abdel Nabi are often available and provide invaluable insights into the synagogue's history and significance, usually free of charge, though tipping is customary and appreciated.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit