Jewish Architects of St. Petersburg

Jewish architects in St. Petersburg played a significant role in developing the city’s architecture during the 19th and 20th centuries. As the Jewish community in St. Petersburg was expanding in the 1860s, a need emerged for synagogues and spaces for the community to gather. New opportunities became available to Jewish architects. One of the most notable projects by Jewish architects from this time is the Great Choral Synagogue of St. Petersburg, which was completed in 1893 and is still one of the largest synagogues in Europe. The elaborate Moorish style, compromised with Russian style architecture, of the Great Choral Synagogue seems to assert the place of Jews in St. Petersburg society. Jewish architects also contributed heavily to the design of residential buildings around the city. The first apartment buildings in St. Petersburg were constructed in the 18th century, but the height of their construction was in the middle of the 19th century. Despite their work being valued and admired by society, Jewish architects faced social prejudice and government restrictions due to their religious identity. 

Select from the drop down menu above to learn more about the Jewish architects of St. Petersburg and their work. 

The Great Choral Synagogue of St. Petersburg, Architect: Lev Bakhman