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Built in 1859-1866, Neue Synagogue served as the main synagogue of the Jews in Berlin for a number of years. Neue Synagogue bears a striking resemblance to Alhambra, an ancient palace and fortress complex of the Moorish monarchs of Granada in Spain which is regarded as a wonderful specimen of Islamic architecture. The design also displays shades of German Architecture and on a whole represents the integration of the Jews within the German community. Neue Synagogue's original building was to be designed by Eduard Knoblauch, but to his untimely demise the project was passed to Friedrich August Stüler. The Synagogue was inaugurated in 1866 in the august presence of Chancellor Count Otto von Bismarck. The front façade of Neue Synagogue is decorated with special bricks and terracotta, which are well complemented with glazed bricks. The Main dome of the Neue Synagogue in Berlin is exceedingly beautiful; it is supported on two sides by domes which look like pavilions. On November 9, 1938 during Kristallnacht, the pogrom against the Jews in Germany and Austria, Neue Synagogue suffered damages due to fire. The fire was brought under control but not before leaving the monument charred. Subsequently, during WWII too Neue Synagogue was in the firing line. The ruins of the synagogue were completely destroyed in 1958, but the process of reconstruction took three decades to commence. Neue Synagogue does not primarily function as a Museum but it has few interesting exhibits which tell a lot about the history of the Synagogue. The displays also show provides glimpses from the lives of the Jews in the late nineteenth century. Neue Synagogue is open on all days barring Saturday. It opens at 10 am every morning but the closing hours vary depending on the da of the week.
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