UNESCO Listed Worms’ Jewish Heritage

Join Olga for this exciting Worms Jewish Heritage tour to uncover the fascinating UNESCO-listed heritage of one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities. For around 1000 years, Worms was shaped by Jewish life, and traces of this time can still be found today.

You’ll stroll through the enchanting centuries old streets of Worms’ Jewish quarter. Dominating the quarter is the ancient Gothic synagogue of Worms, built in 1034. In the Middle Ages it served as a model for the synagogues of Vienna, Prague and Krakow. Visit the Rashi house, which has been a place of pilgrimage for Ashkenazi Jews for centuries. You’ll uncover interesting connections between Polish Jews and the community of Worms. Learn how Eastern European Jews contributed to the Worms Jewry. Olga will share the fascinating story of the Worms Mahzor, the 13th-century festival prayer book that survived WWII.

Go on an amazing journey to the heyday of the Worms Jews on a visit to the Jewish cemetery. The UNESCO listed sight since 2023, the Holy Sands cemetery is the oldest Jewish cemetery north of the Alps. With over 2500 tombstones dating from the 11th century to the 1930s, the cemetery survived WWII unscathed.

Finally, you’ll learn about the most devastating period in the history of Worms Jews. Who re-established the community in the post-war period? Olga will share with you an interesting insight into the combined Jewish heritage of the ancient towns located on the Rhine river. Worms, Speyer and Mainz that became UNESCO-listed in 2024.

Looking forward to seeing you on the UNESCO Listed Worms’ Jewish Heritage tour!