Chaar Hachamaim Synagogue Cairo, Egypt
The concrete Art Deco exterior of this early 20th-century synagogue hides an interior of exquisite stained-glass windows and light fixtures rumored to be from Tiffany's.
Overview
The Chaar-Hachamaim Synagogue in Cairo is an unusual concrete block with a subtle Art Nouveau floral motif, easily overlooked from the outside.
Arrive early, passport in hand, act unthreatening (the security guards are touchy about letting people in) and enjoy one of Cairo's great hidden treasures.
The synagogue has an interior of exquisite stained-glass windows and light fixtures rumored to be from Tiffany's.
Erected in 1905 by the Mosseri family, the synagogue is seldom used because there are too few remaining Jewish men to hold a service (10 is the minimum).