Touro Synagogue
Touro Synagogue, a National Trust Historic Site
Dedicated in 1763, Touro Synagogue is the oldest surviving colonial synagogue in the United States. (Photo by John T. Hopf) Learn More
Peter Harrison's Architectural Masterpiece
The masterful interior design is rich with religious symbolism, including twelve ornate classical columns representing the 12 tribes of Israel. (Photo by John T. Hopf) Learn More
Dedicated in 1763, Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States and the only one which survives from the colonial era. The simple brick facade conceals a dramatic two-story Palladian interior. Designed by Peter Harrison, America's first professional architect, it skillfully combines classical Italian architecture with the functions of the Sephardic Jewish ritual. It is also a national symbol of civil liberty, having received George Washington's assurance in 1790 that the new nation would protect religious freedom for all faiths. This National Historic Site also includes an historic Jewish cemetery and a park honoring colonial Jewish leaders.
Touro Synagogue is owned by the Congregation Jeshuat Israel and Shearith Israel and operated by the Touro Synagogue Foundation.
