Maghen David Synagogue

Kolkata (Calcutta)


The spectacular Maghen David Synagogue looks very much like a large sturdy church with its red-and-yellow brickwork, spired tower and trefoiled windows. Constructed in 1884, its inner hall is fronted by a magnificent apse decorated with starry frescoes and stained-glass panels. To get inside, you'll either need to present ID and register at the gate, or pre-contact the Jewish Community Affairs Office.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kolkata (Calcutta) attractions

1. Neveh Shalome Synagogue

0.03 MILES

This 1825 structure is one of Kolkata's smaller synagogues, and is almost hidden behind a plethora of market stalls selling trinkets and bindis. To enter,…

2. Holy Rosary Cathedral

0.08 MILES

Commonly called the Portuguese Church, this imposing 1797 cathedral was founded by Portuguese merchants after they settled in Kolkata. The graceful ash…

3. Armenian Church of Nazareth

0.14 MILES

Hidden away amid the bustle of Old China Bazaar St, the 1707 Armenian Church is considered to be Kolkata’s oldest place of Christian worship. It has a…

4. BethEl Synagogue

0.15 MILES

Literally meaning 'House of God', this atmospheric synagogue's front facade looks a little like a 1930s cinema. Within the building (dating back to 1856),…

5. Pollock St Post Office

0.16 MILES

Once a grand Jewish school building, this post office offers some curious photo ops, given its location in the heart of a busy market area.

6. Hind Perfumerie

0.21 MILES

This perfume-maker's shop conjures up images of the Raj era. It's an atmospheric place, although the perfumes can be of the strong concentrated variety…

8. Chartered Bank Building

0.24 MILES

The 1905 former Chartered Bank Building is a five-storey red-and-white block with side turrets, domes and a vaguely Moorish touch to the design. Higher…