Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue 🇪🇬

When you travel to Alexandria, Egypt, a visit to the Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue at 69 Nabi Daniel Street offers you a powerful look into the city's rich Jewish heritage. You will be stepping onto historical grounds where an earlier 1354 synagogue once stood before Napoleon's invading French army bombed and destroyed it in 1798. The impressive landmark you see today began construction in 1836, backed by contributions from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty and key assistance from Sir Moses Haim Montefiore, before its ultimate completion in 1850.

As you explore the exterior and interior, you can admire a distinct Neoclassical architectural style embellished with clear Gothic Revival and Byzantine Revival influences. After closing for security concerns during the 2012 High Holidays and suffering years of disrepair, the site landed on the 2018 World Monuments Fund list of monuments at risk. Fortunately, a dedicated Egyptian government initiative restored the sacred structure, culminating in its proud rededication in January 2020.

Today, while active religious services continue to take place within its restored walls, the synagogue caters to a very small local community reflecting Alexandria's dwindling Jewish population. It stands as a moving testament to historical endurance that you should not miss.

What to see at Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue

• Located at 69 Nabi Daniel Street on the historic site of a 1354 synagogue destroyed in 1798
• Completed in 1850 showcasing Neoclassical style with Gothic Revival and Byzantine Revival influences
• Constructed through contributions from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty and Sir Moses Haim Montefiore
• Restored by the Egyptian government following its inclusion on the 2018 World Monuments Fund at-risk list
• Rededicated in January 2020 while continuing to host services for Alexandria's small Jewish community

Visiting tips

Keep in mind that active services are still conducted here, though the synagogue now caters to a very small local congregation.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is easy to reach on Alexandria’s public transport, and pairs naturally with El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque and Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Alexandria travel guide.