Beth El Synagogue

বেথ এল সিনাগগ

An 1856 synagogue on Pollock Street.

About Beth El Synagogue

Beth El was built in 1856 and enlarged in the 1880s. Behind a pale façade with a Star of David and a clock is a long hall with a balcony, coloured glass and marble floors. Like Magen David it is protected as a monument and kept by caretakers, with services only when enough visitors make up a congregation.

Why visit

The quieter of the two great synagogues, a few minutes’ walk from the other.

What to see and do

The façade on Pollock Street
The prayer hall, balcony and stained glass

Plan your visit

Area: Burrabazar, Central Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Pollock Street, off Brabourne Road
Best time: Morning or afternoon. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 20 minutes
Cost: Free
Entry: Entry is controlled (permit, caretaker, service times or event days). Visitor entry is controlled by the caretakers; arrangements and hours are not currently verified.
Metro: Mahakaran (Green Line)
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Photography is fine with some care.

Nearby and related places

Magen David Synagogue: A red-brick synagogue of 1884 with a tall clock spire.
Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth: The oldest church in the city, built by Armenian merchants in 1724.
Portuguese Church: The Catholic cathedral, founded in 1799 for the Portuguese community.
Mullick Ghat Flower Market: A vast wholesale flower market under Howrah Bridge.
St Andrew’s Church: The 1818 Scottish church with a tall white spire.
Tiretta Bazaar Chinese Breakfast: Momos, pork buns and fish-ball soup sold on the pavement at dawn.

Walks that include it

Many Faiths Walk: A cathedral, two synagogues, an Armenian church and a great mosque

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.