Riga Synagogue “Peitav Shul”, located in the Old Town on Peitavas Street, is one of the most important centres of Jewish religious and cultural life in Latvia. It is the only synagogue in Riga that has survived to the present day and continues to function, bringing the community together and preserving religious traditions.
The synagogue was built in the early 20th century based on a design by architects Hermann Seuberlich and Wilhelm Neumann. The building is designed in the Art Nouveau style, incorporating motifs from Ancient Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, giving it a distinctive visual character both inside and out. Its richly decorated interior, including the aron kodesh (Holy Ark) facing Jerusalem, reflects the synagogue’s religious significance.
Historically, “Peitav Shul” was one of four choral synagogues in Riga and an important gathering place for the community. It stood out not only for its architecture but also for its vibrant liturgical life - its choir was well known beyond the Jewish community.
During World War II, when most of Riga’s synagogues were destroyed, “Peitav Shul” was the only one to survive. After the war, services resumed, and during the Soviet period it remained one of the few active centres of Jewish religious life in the region.
Today, the synagogue is not only an important religious site but also a place where visitors can experience Jewish culture, traditions, and holidays. It is a designated national cultural monument and one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Riga.