Synagogues in Athens: Beth Shalom, Etz Haim, Chabad, the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial
Where to pray and what to see in Athens: Beth Shalom and the Romaniote Etz Haim on Melidoni Street, Chabad in Psiri, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Jewish Museum of Greece, closed for renovation until 2027.
- Athens' main synagogue is Beth Shalom, at Melidoni 5 in Thiseio. Opposite it is the Romaniote Etz Haim, open mainly on holidays.
- Chabad at Aisopou 10 in Psiri holds daily services, but not always with a minyan.
- The Jewish Museum of Greece is closed for renovation. Until 1 February 2027 part of its collection is on show at the Benaki Museum.
Want to pray or visit a synagogue in Athens? Bring your passport, arrange your visit with the community in advance, and include the Holocaust Memorial on the same street.
Athens synagogues at a glance
| Place | Address | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Beth Shalom | Melidoni 5, Thiseio | The community's main synagogue, Sephardic rite |
| Etz Haim | Melidoni 8, opposite Beth Shalom | Romaniote synagogue, used for prayer mainly on holidays |
| Chabad | Aisopou 10, Psiri | Daily services, Shabbat meals, women's mikvah |
| Holocaust Memorial | Junction of Ermou, Evvoulou and Melidoni | Always open, in public space |
| Jewish Museum of Greece | Nikis 39, Plaka | Closed for renovation. Temporary exhibition at the Benaki Museum |
Melidoni Street is in Thiseio, near Kerameikos. Psiri, home to Chabad, is the neighbouring district.
Beth Shalom synagogue
Beth Shalom is the main synagogue of the Jewish Community of Athens, where all the community's regular services are held. Built in 1935 and renovated in 1975, it is a neoclassical marble building and follows the Eastern Sephardic rite. The community's rabbi is Rabbi Gabriel Negrin.
Before you go: ID is requested at the entrance. Arrange your visit in advance with the Jewish Community of Athens (athjcom.gr) and send your details. Ask the community for current service times.
Etz Haim (the Yanniotiki) synagogue
Directly opposite Beth Shalom, at Melidoni 8, is Etz Haim. It was completed in 1904 by Romaniote – Greek-speaking – Jews from Ioannina, which is why it is also called the "Yanniotiki" synagogue. The building was reconstructed in 2006. Today the community prays there mainly on the High Holidays; both synagogues serve the same community with the same rabbi.
Who are the Romaniotes? The Romaniote Jews of Greece.
Chabad of Athens
At Chabad, Aisopou 10 in Psiri, all services are held, but according to Chabad there is not always a minyan. There are also Shabbat meals by registration, a women's mikvah by appointment and, in the same building, the kosher Gostijo restaurant. Tel 210 323 3825. There is no eruv in Athens. Full details: Chabad in Greece and kosher food in Greece.
The Holocaust Memorial in Athens
The memorial to the Jews of Greece murdered in the Holocaust was inaugurated in 2010 at the junction of Ermou, Evvoulou and Melidoni streets, a few steps from the synagogues. Designed by artist DeAnna Maganias, it is made of seven marble pieces forming a broken Star of David. The inner surfaces bear the names of the Greek cities from which Jews were deported, and a metal plaque quotes Elie Wiesel: forgetting is the victims' second death.
The Jewish Museum of Greece (closed for renovation)
The Jewish Museum of Greece at Nikis 39 in Plaka was founded in 1977 and holds one of the most important collections of Jewish objects in Greece. It is currently closed for renovation and, according to reports, is due to reopen in early 2027, its 50th year.
Meanwhile: part of the collection is on show at the Benaki Museum in Athens until 1 February 2027 – Sephardic and Romaniote garments, 17th-century ritual objects and more. Check jewishmuseum.gr before you go. More on the museum: Jewish Museum of Greece.
Visiting tips
- Bring your passport to Beth Shalom and arrange your visit with the community.
- Dress modestly: head covering for men, covered shoulders.
- Shabbat and holidays: there is no eruv in Athens. Shabbat times are on Shabbat times & kosher in Greece, holidays in our Jewish holidays in Greece guide.
- A short route: Chabad in Psiri and the synagogues and memorial on Melidoni Street are in neighbouring districts and combine easily with a walk around Monastiraki.
FAQ
Where is the synagogue in Athens?
The main synagogue, Beth Shalom, is at Melidoni 5 in Thiseio. Opposite it, at Melidoni 8, is the Romaniote Etz Haim synagogue.
Do I need a passport to enter a synagogue in Athens?
Yes. Beth Shalom asks for ID at the entrance, and it is best to arrange your visit with the Jewish Community of Athens in advance.
Is there a minyan in Athens on Shabbat?
The community prays at Beth Shalom, and Chabad in Psiri holds all services, though not always with a minyan. Check in advance.
Is the Jewish Museum in Athens open?
No. The Jewish Museum of Greece is closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in early 2027. Until 1 February 2027 part of the collection is on show at the Benaki Museum.
Where is the Holocaust Memorial in Athens?
At the junction of Ermou, Evvoulou and Melidoni streets, next to the synagogues in Thiseio. It was inaugurated in 2010.
What is the difference between Beth Shalom and Etz Haim?
Beth Shalom is the Sephardic synagogue where all regular services are held. Etz Haim is a Romaniote synagogue from 1904, used mainly on holidays.
Is there an eruv in Athens?
No. According to Chabad of Greece there is no eruv in Athens.
Details checked against official sources and Wikipedia on 4 October 2026. Service times and visiting arrangements change, so contact the community before you go.
