Another Geneva attraction that is very popular with the religiously inclined people is the
La Grande Synagogue. Built during the middle of 19th century, it was designed by Jean Henri Bachofen, a famous architect of the Swiss country. The Geneva government granted permission to build the synagogue in 1858.
The La Grande Synagogue of Geneva is one of the earliest religious shrines of the Jewish community. With its immense historical, architectural and religious importance, Geneva's La Grande Synagogue was included in the list of historical monuments in 1995. Two years later, the place was renovated to give it a fresh look.
Also called the Beth Yaakov Synagogue, the La Grande Synagogue in Geneva was built in accordance to the Byzantine - Moorish architectural style. The synagogue has an octagonal base with a colossal dome built on it. The walls are painted in gray, pink and white. The top of the double doors have Hebrew inscriptions engraved on it. The interiors of La Grande Synagogue are done in quintessential Moorish styles with white arches surrounding the Holy Ark. There is a separate section for women in the upper galleries facing the Ark and the Bimah.
The synagogue holds prayer services every day. The services are held at 7:15 in the morning from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays the prayers are held at 8 am. Evening prayers are held on Fridays at 7:30 pm. The services are held in accordance to the Ashkenazi rituals.
