Magen David Synagogue

মাগেন ডেভিড সিনাগগ

A red-brick synagogue of 1884 with a tall clock spire.

About Magen David Synagogue

Kolkata’s Baghdadi Jewish community, which arrived from the late eighteenth century, numbered in the thousands at its height. Elias David Ezra built Magen David in 1884 in memory of his father. With its Italianate brick exterior, steeple, stained glass and chequered marble floor it is one of the grandest synagogues in Asia. Only a handful of Jews remain in the city; the building is looked after by Muslim caretakers whose families have served it for generations and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Why visit

A spectacular interior and a moving story of a community that has all but gone.

What to see and do

The spire and brick façade
Stained glass and floral pillars
The raised reading platform and the ark

Plan your visit

Area: Burrabazar, Central Kolkata
Nearest landmark: Brabourne Road at Canning Street
Best time: Morning or afternoon. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 30 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) or Mahatma Gandhi Road (Blue Line)
Walking: Little walking
Photography: Photography is fine with some care.

Tip

Carry a photo ID. Entry rules have changed over the years, so confirm the current arrangement before you go.

Nearby and related places

Beth El Synagogue: An 1856 synagogue on Pollock Street.
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.
Nakhoda Masjid: The city’s principal mosque, in red sandstone.
Royal Indian Hotel: A 1905 Mughlai restaurant known for mutton chaap and biryani.

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.