Before World War Two, Athens—and Greece—had a vibrant Jewish community. Inevitably, this museum focuses on what was lost. The most impressive exhibit preserves the bema (pulpit) and Torah from the Patras synagogue, which the Germans razed. The Greek city of Thessaloniki was once known as the "Second Jerusalem" because of its large Jewish population; of the 60,000 Jews living there before the war, fewer than 3,000 survived. What is most moving are the bits and pieces of daily life and religious ceremonies including wedding photos of couples soon to be shipped off to the concentration camps, toys of children also sent to die, and sets of special Passover china that deportees left for safekeeping with their Christian neighbors. Labels are available in English and the small shop has books, postcards, and replicas of religious objects for sale.
Athens› Attraction
Jewish Museum
39 Nikis (discreetly marked on the left side of Nikis as you walk away from Syntagma Square)
Our Rating
Hours
Mon–Fri 9am–2:30pm, Sun 10am–2pm
Transportation
Metro: Syntagma
Phone
210/322-5582
Prices
Admission €5
Web site
Jewish Museum

Map
39 Nikis AthensNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.