The Great Synagogue of Vilna is built between 1630-1633 after permission had been granted to construct a synagogue from stone at the end of Jewish Street.

Standing on the spot of an existing synagogue built in 1572, the site had first been used to house a Jewish house of prayer in 1440.

At the time of its building, ecclesiastical regulations all through Europe specify that a synagogue cannot be built higher than a church.

To obey the law, and yet create the necessary interior height, it is customary to dig a foundation deep enough for the synagogue’s floor level to be well below that of the street.

Outside, the synagogue looks to be about three stories tall, but inside it soars to over five stories.

Another entrance with a vestibule and the “pillory” is located on the northern side of the building.

According to legend it was so magnificent and impressive, Napoleon, who stood on the threshold of this synagogue in 1812 and gazed at the interior, was speechless with admiration.